The Elem ents of Music

Element of Music Definition Descriptors

STRINGS (violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, electric guitar, electric
Timbre bass, harp) WOODWINDS (piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet,
saxophones) BRASS (trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba)
PERCUSSION (drum kit, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, xylophone,
bells, tambourine, timpani, cowbell, triangle) KEYBOARD (piano, organ,
synthesizer, harpsichord) VOICES (woman, man) TONE QUALITY!

TEMPO: very slow - slow – moderately slow – moderate – moderately fast

Rhythm – fast – very fast

PATTERNS: repetitive rhythm – changing rhythms – combination What
time signature? _________

Dynamics
THE DYNAMICS ARE: Mostly Loud – Mostly Quiet – Combination of
both DYNAMIC CHANGES: Gradual changes – sudden changes

Form
Significant changes in the elements of music. Different sections – variation,
contrast or repetition? A B C. . .

Conjunct has a smooth contour

Melody Disjunct makes a lot of jumps from higher to lower pitches
Contour – the notes are distinct/separated/detached – the notes are smooth

Monophony – one line of music / unaccompanied / unison

Texture Homophony – the different parts work together (accompaniment,
harmonizing the melody)
Polyphony – independent lines of music at the same time.
What role do the different instruments play?
Does the grouping of instruments change?

Harmony Consonance – pleasing or stable sound

Dissonance – unpleasing or unstable sound
Major – very stable (“happy”)
Minor – some tension/dissonance (“sad” “worried”)

STUDENT NAME: ______________________________