1. Music Fundamentals

2. Pitch Frequency = number of times a vibrational pattern repeats itself per unit of time Measured in cycles per second or “Hertz” (abbreviated Hz) [c. 20 – c. 20,000 Hz] The faster the repetition of the pattern, the “higher” the frequency/pitch Western standard of “A-440” Overtones/partials = 2:1, 3:2, 3:4, 5:4, 6:5 etc.

3. Volume Amplitude = amount of displacement of air molecules produced by vibrating string, air column or percussive surface Measured in “decibels” (dB = ratio) The greater the displacement, the “higher/louder” the amplitude/displacment

4. Duration Conceptualized by patterns of meter and rhythm Meter = recurring patterns of strong and weak beats/pulses –“symmetrical” = duple / triple / compound –“non-symmetrical” Rhythm = arrangements of durations within a meter

5. Timbre Sounds of the same pitch, amplitude, and duration but produced by different media can be distinguished on the basis of timbre or “tone color” Different sounding media cause different pitches in the harmonic series (“overtones”) to be suppressed or amplified.

6. Scale Organization of pitches within an octave (1:2 ratio of pitches) –Pentatonic –Diatonic –Chromatic –Microtonal Scales generate both melodies (pitches considered diachronically) and harmonies (pitches considered synchronically)

7. Texture Monophonic = all sounding media produce the same sequence of pitches with the same durations Heterophonic = different sounding media produce simultaneous variations of the sequence of pitches and durations Polyphonic = different sounding media produce different sequences of pitches and durations exhibiting common interest Homophonic/harmonic = different sounding media produce different sequences of pitches and durations exhibiting unequal interest (melody/accompaniment)

8. Form Structural intelligibility of a particular musical event unfolding over time Exact repetition (same pitch/volume/duration/timbre) Variation (vary one or more of pitch/volume/duration/timbre) Development (elaborate one or more of pitch/volume/duration/timbre) Contrast (introduce new material)

9. “Free” forms: no regular patterns of repetition and contrast (e.g., fantasia, rhapsody) “Fixed” forms: regular patterns of repetition and contrast –Binary (AB: AAB/AABB/AA’BB’, etc.) –Ternary (ABA: ABA’/ABACA/ABACABA, etc.) –Mixed, e.g., sonata-allegro: Exposition / Development / Recapitulation / Coda