Rock and Roll: Musical Elements

What is Music? The Art of Sound in timeThe Art of Sound in time Sounds and silences arranged in temporal frameworkSounds and silences arranged in temporal framework Defined by certain parameters or characteristicsDefined by certain parameters or characteristics

Characteristics of Art LineLine ForegroundForeground BackgroundBackground CompositionComposition ColorsColors Style characteristicsStyle characteristics

Musical Characteristics Stylistic influencesStylistic influences Foreground = melody, prominent soundsForeground = melody, prominent sounds Background = harmony or accompanimentBackground = harmony or accompaniment Composition = formComposition = form Color = tone color, sound of particular instrumentsColor = tone color, sound of particular instruments

Unique characteristics of music How sounds deployed through time = rhythmHow sounds deployed through time = rhythm How quickly or slowly piece moves = tempoHow quickly or slowly piece moves = tempo How many sounds happening at once = textureHow many sounds happening at once = texture How loud or soft = dynamicsHow loud or soft = dynamics

Pitch A musical sound; a noteA musical sound; a note Each pitch has unique sound depending how it is produced = tone colorEach pitch has unique sound depending how it is produced = tone color –Vocals –Instruments Effects Guitar effects

Rhythm Regulates movement of music through timeRegulates movement of music through time Basic unit = beatBasic unit = beat –Regular pulse heard in most music Organized in measures or barsOrganized in measures or bars

Measure or Bar Group of beats Number of beats in a measure is determined by the time signature (aka meter) In popular music, usually 4

Melody Dominant musical lineDominant musical line Contains main musical ideas of pieceContains main musical ideas of piece –Motive = short, distinct figure –Riff = motive with a distinct rhythm that repeats throughout piece In popular music, usually the vocal lineIn popular music, usually the vocal line Or solo instrumentOr solo instrument

Harmony Sounds that provide support for a melodySounds that provide support for a melody Chord - simultaneous sounding of 3 or more notesChord - simultaneous sounding of 3 or more notes Most common in pop music = triadMost common in pop music = triad –Three notes –First, third, fifth notes of a scale Ex. C D E F G A B CEx. C D E F G A B C – Harmonic progression – sequence of chords that define the keyHarmonic progression – sequence of chords that define the key

Key Scale upon which the piece is built Pattern of half and whole steps Important notes: tonic (1 st ) and dominant (5th) Melodies frequently return to the tonic

Basic Chord Progression I - tonic - built on the first note of the scale VI IV - subdominant - built on the fourth V - dominant - built on the fifth I