INTRODUCTION TO
MUSIC
What is music?
Music is an art form that combines either
vocal or instrumental sounds, sometimes
both, using form, harmony, and expression
of emotion to convey an idea. Music
represents many different forms that play
key factors in cultures around the world.
Music is a collection of coordinated sound
or sounds.
Description of Music
Music is the art form that combines rhythm and
sound to form a functional melodic line. Music itself
transcends time, space, and cultures.
For ages, music was passed down through oral
tradition on a fundamental level; but for formal
purposes, recorded music began with the written
tradition by medieval monks during 500 AD to
1400.
Monks used a written number
system based on neumes which is
a predecessor for modern musical
notation today. This was also the
time period when polyphony was
developed, which means the usage
of multiple sounds coming together
to form a melody and harmony.
The word music is derived from a
word in the Greek language,
"mousike" which translates to, ''art
of the muses.''
This depicts the visual system of neumes which was
the predecessor to modern musical notation
There are roughly fourteen basic
genres of music that are recorded
widely from around the world.
These include but are not limited
to: Classical, Country, EDM or
Electronic Dance Music, Jazz, Indie-
Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Rap, Oldies,
Metal, K-pop, R&B or Rhythm and
Blues, and Rock.
In Africa, there are common
instruments that include drum, musical
bow, xylophone, and rattles.
A list of genres in Africa would include
but not be limited to: Afrobeats, Benga,
Chimurenga, Ethio-jazz, Gnawa/Ethno- Click icon to add picture
pop/Gwani Blues, Highlife, Hiplife,
Inkiranya, Juju, Majika, Mbalax,
Ndombolo, Palm Wine, Rababah,
Shaabi, Somali Jazz, Soukou/Congolese
Rumba, Ubongo, Zilin, and Zouglou.
In traditional Asian culture, the
instruments used were flutes and
pipes, stringed instruments, and drums.
The traditional approach towards music
in Asia was through a methodological
or mathematical terms of approach to
writing and recording music. Click icon to add picture
Throughout the passage of time, with
the evolution of K-Pop music, this
approach is still utilized in a more
modern way.
In regards to the music of the
Caribbean, it is a mixture of African and
European styles combined. The music of
the Caribbean is a combination of music
and dance because they work together
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simultaneously for this culture, which is
why drums and percussion instruments
are an essential part of the music.
Moving into European music, it is best
demonstrated through classical music as
a genre. Many notable classical
musicians were from Europe and as
such, the influences of their work Click icon to add picture
penetrated into the culture. Music of
Europe today is greatly influenced by it's
peoples who have brought and
appreciate music from around the
world.
Latin and South American music is
often referred to as Latin music
overall. However, there are many
influences upon the music that Click icon to add picture
influenced its melodies, rhythmic bass
and rhythms. Some of the genres of
Latin music include: Cumbia, Compas,
Balada, Bachata, Bossa nova, Mariachi,
Vallenatto, Samba, Tango, Reggaeton,
Mesitzo, Mexian, and Ranchera.
Music of North American incorporates
traditional American music and Canadian
music. There are a wide variety of
cultures that have influenced the music
genres of this region. These genres
Click icon to add picture
include: Blues, Canadian folk, Gospel,
Bluegrass, American folk, Industrial,
Zydeco, Tejano, and Swing.
Characteristics of
Music
• Sound (timbre, pitch, duration,
amplitude, overtone): Sound itself is
defined as the ability to hear or feel a
vibration of movement from a voice or
instrument.
The sounds heard can be articulated by
high or low pitches; how long they are Click icon to add picture
played for, meaning the duration; the
volume at which they are played or
amplitude; the way in which they are
played and distinguished, meaning the
timbre; and the layers of sound or
overtones that can occur when multiple
tones are played at once.
• Melody: Melody is the line in which a
musical piece is defined by. A melody is
the central theme that is played in a piece
of music and that is repeated throughout
the song.
• Harmony: Harmony provides music as a Click icon to add picture
secondary line of music that compliments
the melody. It is what provides the song
with: color or enhancement.
• Rhythm: Rhythm is the driving beat or
pulse of a song that defines the
movement of the piece of music.
•Structure or Form: Structure or form in
music means the order of each part or
section within the piece of music itself. The
structure of a piece of music communicates
which section is played, how many times,
and where music is repeated.
Click icon to add picture
•Texture: Texture in music refers to the
melody, rhythm, and harmony that are
combined in a piece which demonstrates
the sound and quality of the individual
work.
• Expression (dynamics, tempo,
articulation): Expression in music is the
way that a piece is conveyed through
playing it completely. It could be
classically defined as the specific notes, Click icon to add picture
the markings above each note or stanza
of notes telling the singer or
instrumentalist exactly how fast, slow,
loud, soft, bright, or flat something
should be played.
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