Characteristics of Sound and Elements of Music
Rhythm
How sounds and silence are organized. the use of notes
Pitch
the highness or lowness of a sound. Measured in hertz(cycles per second). Women and young people can hear a higher pitch. Represented by a movement up or down on the staff.
Duration
the length of musical sound effects.
Intensity
the loudness or softness of a sound. measure in decibels. 40-50 decibels of sound in a normal room. humans can here up to 115-120 decibels before pain arises. intensity is amplified vibrations. "sound pressure level." Energy level doubles every 3 decibels.
Form
the overall structure of the music
Timbre
the quality of sound of a certain instrument caused by 1.overtone series or 2.method of tone production
Melody
the sequential ordering of pitches
Harmony
the simultaneous use of pitches