Module One Guided Notes

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Word Definition and/or example

Improvise (1.01) composed and performed at once

Leitmotif (1.01) a german word for assigning a short theme to each major character to
develop the character's identity

Aural Tradition knowledge or information passed through listening rather than writing
(1.01)

Pitch (1.02) how high or low a tone sounds, or its frequency

Genre (1.02) the style of music

Timbre (1.02) the characteristics of a sound that make it sound different from other
sounds; also called tone color

Elements of Music characteristics of sound used to communicate meaning in a musical

(1.02) composition

Dynamics (1.02) the volume of sound, or how loud or soft it is

Rhythm (1.03) the organization of patterns of sound overtime

Expression (1.03) the way people show emotion.

Mood (1.03) the general feeling that a composer conveys in a piece of music

Cover versions a remake of a song performed or recorded by another performer

(1.03/1.04) Killing Me Softly with His Song- The Fuggees

Troubadour (1.03) a traveling poet-musician during the Medieval era

Printing Press Why was it important?

(1.03) it allowed for new language and music to be shared.

Copyright (1.03) laws that protect intellectual property to ensure the creator receives
proper credit and any profit from it’s sale or use

How was music used in the following regions in history? (1.01)

 Region How music was used in this region historically?

Italy In ancient Rome 753 B.C.E.–476 C.E., music was performed in

almost all public occasions, such as ancient Roman theater
and ceremonies.

Greece The ancient Greeks developed their own system of musical notation.
The epic poems of Homer were originally written with instrumental
accompaniment. An ancient harp and a double flute are featured
along with a woman dancing with a dog.

Middle East In Ancient Mesopotamia, tablets depicting a basic musical

notation system were discovered that date back to around
1,400 B.C.E.

Africa In Africa music evolved with dance, ceremonies, and dramatic

storytelling. Ancient Egyptians 3000 B.C.E.–30 C.E. used
harps, cymbals, lutes, lyres, harps, and flutes.

India In ancient India flutes and stringed instruments were utilized in

Hindu ceremonies. This relief from the Kingdom of Gandhara
created 1500–500 B.C.E. shows the influence of the
Gandharva and Gana music genres of this time. Gandharva is
formal music and Gana is informal music.

China In China instruments have been found in tombs from the 5th
century B.C.E. like the konghou harp which was used in
ceremonial music.

Indigenous Americas Ancient Indigenous Americans passed down music through

generations through tribal narratives. Ancient instruments were
constructed out of materials that were readily available like sea
turtle rattles or like the ceramic trumpet that was shown.

How was music used during these historical time periods? (1.01)

Period Characteristics, contributions, important figures

Medieval Hildegard von Bingen (1098- 1179 C.E.) was a composer and scholar and
composed liturgical music. She was famous for creating her own language
and creating some of the first musical plays.

Renaissance The advent of technologies such as the Gutenberg’s printing press and
paper made it more profitable to create music. Se La Face Ay Pale by
 Fufay was written about the secular theme of love, possibly for a royal
wedding.

Baroque This era was full of overly ornamented and exaggerated styles of the time.
J.S. Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto in E major, BWV 1053 shows his style.
The rise of monarchs and an aristocratic class during this era influenced
exaggeration.

Classical Era was also known as the era of enlightenment. This period featured
music in a lighter texture than the Baroque music. Composers prefered
simple, graceful melodies. Mozart’s Serenade for Winds No. 10 features
simple melodies that sound like a conversation between woodwinds.

Romantic Music was highly expressive and dramatic. Composers included large
dynamic contrasts, expressive harmonies, and Sturm und Drang in their
compositions. Composers began to incorporate folk songs and dances of
their nations into their work, bringing their identity into their musical
compositions.

20th and 21st 20th and 21st century music cannot be confined to a single list. There were
Centuries many compositional techniques, and multiple categories of music. Each type
of music is unique.

Instrument Families (1.02)

Family Notes

String What are the two types of string instruments? What are some examples?
-There are bowed strings and plucked strings. Some examples of bowed
strings are the violin and double bass. Some examples of plucked strings are
the guitar and
banjo.

Woodwinds What are some different types? What are some examples of woodwinds?
-They might be called woodwinds but they can be made of wood, plastic, and
even metal. Some examples would be clarinets and saxophones.

Brass What are some examples?

-French horn, baritone, and tuba

Percussion How is the sound created? What are some examples?

-Sound is made when the instrument gets hit and the vibrations turn into
sound. An example would be the bongos.
 Keyboards How is the sound created? What are some examples?
-Makes sound when the piano strings are struck with hammers that eco
through the base of the piano. An example would be the piano.

Voices What are the different voice types? How do they sound different?
-There are sopranos, altos, tenors, basses. The difference is the way they
sound. Sopranos have high voices, altos have huskier, more mellow tones.
Tenors have warm bright voices, and basses have low soothing voices.

You will listen to many compositions in this course. How do we use the HEAR acronym to help
us actively listen to music?

What does it stand Explain.

for?

H Listen to the composition before trying to analyze it is key.

E E is for elements. Listening to slight elements in the music can help

you understand the overall mood the composer is trying to get
across.

A A is for analyze. Trying to understand why the piece was created can
help you determine the overall message and can help you
appreciate the piece more.

R R is for reflect. Reflecting on how the music is different that some of

the music being played today or what could’ve made it so significant
during a period of time.