Elements of Music

This course is for those who know nothing about music. It deals mainly with the Science of music; an “Elementary” understanding of which is essential before one can appreciate music as an Art form.

1.To learn something about the science of music.
How musical sounds are produced and how they are put together to produce music.

2. Music vocabulary.

3. How music is written

4. Introduction to how the various instruments of an orchestra produce sounds.

5. Recorded music will be played as examples of topics being discussed.

A short note from David on his Crochet Bookmarks here

COURSE OUTLINE

Session 1.
Music as a language. Comparison with the language of words.
Listen...understand.
Science as a means to art.
Production of sounds...convey a message
Vocabulary of musical terms.
Characteristics of a musical tone.
Pitch, duration, intensity, colour, direction.
Octaves and how they are divided.

Some slides from the talk for you to download as copies here, here, here and here

Session 2.
How music is written.
Rhythm. Tempo. Beat.

Some slides from the talk for you to download as copies here, here, here, here and here

Session 3 and 4.
Melody and adding words (song)
How to find written notes on a keyboard.
Scale patterns and Key signatures.
Tertian harmony and cadences

Some slides from the talk for you to download as copies here (updated)

Session 5.
How to read music

Some slides from the talk for you to download as copies here (updated)

Session 6.
Instruments of the present-day orchestra.
How each instrument makes its sound. How to recognize each one.
Orchestra floor plan. Function of the conductor