Music Theory

Name and describe the 7 modes

Chord I: major chord (Ionian) Chord ii: minor chord (Dorian) Chord iii: minor chord (Phyrgian) Chord IV: major chord (Lydian) Chord V: dominant chord (Mixolydian) Chord vi: minor chord (Aeolian) Chord vii: minor diminished 5th (Locrian)

Describe turnarounds and their purpose

a turnaround is a series of chords that occur at the end of a section, and at its most basic construction, contains four seventh chords such as I-VI-ii-V.

Explain interval abbreviations

abbreviations are often used to facilitate better reading of the composition.

List and describe some performance marks other than dynamics and tempo

con sordino- play with a mute tutti- full ensemble arco- play with the bow dolce- sweet cantabile- singing con spirito- with spirit sostenuto- sustained marcato- emphasized or marked

Define consonant and dissonant intervals

consonant intervals occur when the two pitches create an agreeable sound, giving an impression of unity and cohesion. Dissonant intervals occur when the two pitches create a disagreeable sound that would suggest a need for resolution or modification.

Explain how intervals are named

naming intervals occurs with the symbol placed before the intervallic number, the symbol follows the note when the note itself is affected without changing the interval

Discuss dominant functions and structural divisions

dominant functions can cross structural divisions; the descending fifth still occurs to resolve the chord. Structural divisions do, however upset the ii-V7 motion since the motion cannot maintain its characteristics as it crosses the structural division.

Define and discuss dynamics in music

dynamics is the degree of loudness or softness of a musical piece. Dynamic marks can also indicate a change in volume or sound quality and usually suggest the character of the piece to be observed during its performance.

Identify the markings used for analysis

markings used for analysis are arrows and brackets

Describe altered scale

the altered scale is the seventh mode of the melodic minor scale. It could be described as a major scale with the root raised a half step.

Explain the structure of written music

the clef shows the location of a pitch, and the lines and spaces of the staff combine with the clef to show the diatonic scale. Ledger lines provide pitches that are located either just above or just below the particular staff.

Explain harmonic analysis and how it is used

the study of music through harmonic analysis provides an understanding of the harmonic and melodic structure of a work.

Define and discuss tempo

the tempo or speed of the piece of music can be designated by specific tempo marks as well as certain Italian words that describe the speed and also the character of the piece.

Explain diatonic harmony for minor scales

the tonalities for minor scales are more complex than those for major scales, since the minor scale can cull from four different parent scales as a source of melodic and harmonic progression.

Define types of triads

triads can best be defined in their relationship to the major triad. There is the major/minor triad ( lowers the 2nd note), augmented triad (raises 3rd/5th note), diminished triad (lowered 2nd/3rd note or 3rd/5th note of the triad), and suspended triad ("sus chord") is a stable and fixed harmonic structure in jazz and can be written as "Csus or Csus4."

Define upper structure

upper structures usually refer to triads played in the upper register. They have a different root than the triads played in the lower register where the upper structure is often a major or minor triad.

Describe the three minor scales

The natural minor contains half steps between 2/3 and 5/6. The harmonic minor contains half steps between 2/3, 5/6, and 7/8. The melodic minor is either ascending or descending with no augmented second between 6/7. The ascending melodic minor is a natural minor with augmented 6/7 with half steps between 2/3 and 7/8. The descending melodic minor refers to the natural minor scale.

Define and discuss structural divisions

a 32 bar structure is usually subdivided into four sets of eight bar sections. The sections can be played or interpreted independently of each other, and are usually either parallel in structure to each other or contrast each other greatly.

Describe and discuss chord extensions

a chord can be extended by adding notes to increase the texture and dissonance and adhering to the same structure already established within the chord.

Describe triads

a chord composed of 2 or more pitches that are played at the same time, and is usually created by stacking of thirds on top of each other.

Describe scales

a musical scale is the sequenced arrangement of notes or pitches that are located within the octave. Both major and minor scales have seven different notes or scale degrees.

Explain modes

a scale inverted is called a mode, which contains the same seven notes of the parent scale, but uses a different tonal center for the other notes to base.

Define secondary dominant chords

a secondary dominant chord is the dominant chord that will resolve to a diatonic chord which is not the tonic.

Discuss altered dominant chords

dominant chord that is derived from the altered scale

Describe and discuss hybrid chords

hybrid chords are also known as splash chords are are usually written as C/B so that C is the chord and B is the bass note.

Describe and discuss pentatonic scales

pentatonic scales are constructed from the Greek penta (five) and consists of five specific notes. The pentatonic scales is a musical line with no half steps.

List and describe 3 types of consonant intervals

perfect consonance (P8, P5), imperfect consonance (M3, m3,M6, m6), and variable consonance (P4).

Discuss the modal characteristics

the kind of dissonance deemed necessary for a certain sound in music will determine the kind of mode selected.

Discuss the relationships of scales

the major and minor scales can be referred to as relative or parallel. Relative scales share the same key signatures, although they start on different notes. Parallel scales start on the same note but have different key signatures.

Describe triad inversions

the major triad is referred to as the common chord, while the tonic, fourth, and fifth triads are referred to as primary triads. Triads can also be inverted, so that the root note is played at the top or at the middle of the chord.