Module 1 review and critical thinking

Module One: Text Questions
Review Questions
1. What are the basic elements of music?
- Pitch, Rhythm, Dynamics, Timbre, Melody, Form
2. What is pitch?
- Pitch is the frequency of a sound. Whether the sound is high or low.
3. What is syncopation? What types of music use syncopation?
- Syncopation is where the emphasis is on a note other than the one expected and its usually heard in reggae, rap, jazz, ska.
4. What are three examples of forms of music? Describe each form.
Concerto: is a musical piece in which one solo instrument is accompanied by an orchestra. It’s usually structured into three different parts or movements.
Sonata: a musical composition for a solo instrument
Symphony: is a musical piece that calls for a full orchestra.
5. What is form in music?
- It is the overall structure that a composer uses to create a piece of music. Also it’s the combination of the other musical elements.

Critical Thinking Questions
1. Music has sometimes been referred to as a "universal language." Why has this description been applied to music? Do you agree or disagree with this assessment? Why?
- This description has been applied to music because anyone and everyone can communicate through music to express emotions or thoughts. I agree with this assessment because I’ve always found that people have easier times finding songs relating to what they are going through than actually explaining themselves, therefore allowing for people to understand and relate to the person.

2. Why is musical notation important? What benefits do musicians and others receive from being able to write down and note aspects of a musical piece?
- Musical notation is important because without it, composers wouldn’t be able to write their music down and musicians wouldn’t be able to replicate the music on their own. Benefits of musical notation include that it allows others to produce the music themselves, it allows for an understanding of the music, in terms of pitch, tempo, and the dynamics of the musical piece. Musical notation gives insight to the reader of the composition.

3. In the first part of the module, we discussed how music is everywhere in society. What are some of the ways that we use music? How do you use music in your own life?
- We use music in places like grocery shops, sports event, shopping malls, and dentist’s offices. To put it simply, we use music as a backdrop to our lives every day. I personally use music everyday. I like to use music to ponder on my thoughts whenever there is a lot going on, or when I simply have nothing else to do.

4. Music can help influence the mood or feeling in a place by the way in which it is played. What is a specific example of this that you have experienced? Discuss the experience (what was the song? how was it played? how did the mood/feeling change?). For example, you might discuss an experience at a concert, religious service, or another place where music played a part in creating the mood.
- A couple of weeks ago, my friends and I had planned to go to an electronic club in Miami. As I entered the bass of the music and the sound got me in a hyper mood. It was the first thing to catch my attention.