1. ELEMENTS OF MUSIC
When combined and used correctly, the elements of music express emotion and provide us with “singable”, enjoyable pieces that can represent time, place and even become what we use to describe who we are and what we represent.

2. Rhythm
Definition: The patterns of long and short sounds and silences in music.
To create a rhythm combine any variety of notes (sounds) and rests (silences) together (see next slide for value trees).
Rhythms are performed throughout any piece
of music by any instrument, however, we can most easily recognize a rhythm when it is performed on a percussion instrument.

3. Value Trees …. Note Rest
Whole
Half
Quarter
Eighth

4. Beat Definition: A steady pulse contained in music.
(The beat is what makes you want to dance.)
Music is organized with time signatures that indicate how many beats are found within one measure of music.

5. 2 3 4 6 6 on top means 6 beats per bar
measure
The top number of the time signature indicates how many beats (pulses) will appear in one measure (bar) of music.
on top means 6 beats per bar
on top means 4 beats per bar
3 means 3…
2 means 2…
…etc.

6. Whole
Half
Quarter
Eighth
The bottom number of the time signature indicates which type of note represents the beat (pulse).
The 8 in 6/8 time means an eighth note receives one beat
The 4 in 4/4 time means a quarter note receives one beat

7. Clef
Key
Time
The time signature appears at the beginning of the music after the treble clef or bass clef.
High notes Low notes

8. Tempo
Definition: The pace or speed at which a piece of music is performed.
Tempo markings are traditionally given in Italian and the words that refer to tempo can be categorized in the following ways:

9. SLOW Grave – (grah-vay) extremely slow and solemn
Adagio – (ah-dahzh-oh) very slow
Lento – (len-toe) slow
Largo – (rhymes with cargo) slow and broad
Larghetto – less slow than largo

10. MEDIUM Andante – (on-DON-tay) rather slow, moderate walking pace
Andantino – (on-don-TEE-no) a little faster than andante
Moderato – (mah-dur-AH-toe)
Allegretto – (all-uh-GRET-toe) fairly quick, slightly slower than
allegro

11. FAST Con moto – (con MOE-toe) with movement, or a certain quickness
Allegro – (uh-LEG-grow) lively, rather quick
Vivace – (viv-OTCH-ay) quick and lively
Rapido – (RAP-ee-doe) rapid
Presto – (PRESS-toe) very quick
Prestissimo – (press-TEE-see-moe) as quick as possible

12. Other words that refer to Tempo
Accelerando – (otch-ell-er-ON-doe) gradually getting quicker
Meno mosso – (min-oh MOE-so) less movement, slower
Ritardando – (ree-tar-DON-doe) gradually getting slower
Rallentando – (rah-len-TON-doe) gradually getting slower

13. DYNAMICS
Definition: The volume of the sound, as well as the style in which the performer plays the instrument/music.
It is important to not confuse how loud or soft something is on a recorded performance. It is easy to change the volume using an electronic device.

14. Dynamics
When dynamics are discussed in music, we are referring to how loud or soft each instrument can perform on its own, the stylistic elements that support that sound and finally what dynamics they can create when combining and performing as an ensemble or orchestra.

15. Dynamics Terminology Italian Term Symbol Translation pianissimo
pp (ppp)
As soft as possible
piano P
Soft
mezzo piano mp
Medium soft
mezzo forte mf
Medium loud
forte f
Loud
fortissimo
ff (fff)
As loud as possible

16. Dynamics in Volume Crescendo Gradually louder Decrescendo
Italian Terminology
Symbol, abbr.
Translation
Crescendo
Gradually louder
Decrescendo
Gradually softer
Sforzando
sfz -or- sf
Strongly accented
Fortepiano fp
Loud, then immediately soft