Elements Of Music

ELEMENTS OF MUSIC 1) Pitch

Pitch and its physical basis in the frequency of vibration of some material object. This will introduce the elements of notating pitch in printed music. These elements include: the staff; the clefs, including the subscript; Key Signature; the "note", including sharp and flat.

G cleft in a key of C sharp

G cleft in a G flat

Pitches which exist between any of the lettered tones are notated by the use of symbols called "sharps(#)", "flats(b)" 2) Rhythm

Rhythm can be defined as the quality of music which determines its motion through time. The most common notational elements used in printed music to express rhythm, include, the Beat, Measures, and Time Signature. 3) Dynamics

Musical Dynamics are defined here to be the intensity or volume of the sound and the changes in that intensity through time. The word "dynamic" implies motion or change. This bring the music alive to the listener by providing character or providing a story. Crescendo - music will louder or more intense Decrescendo – music will be softer or quieter

4) Timbre Timbre is a quality of sound that is caused by the harmonic content of that sound. Timbre is used on the Classic Guitar to add "color" to the music. I will often use the word color instead of Timbre because music is painted with the harmonic palette of Timbre in much the same way an artist uses color to give life to his paintings.