music unit 1 text

UNIT ONE: Music Appreciation Text Questions

Review Questions
1. What are the basic elements of music?
The basic elements of music are what gives music its unique characteristics when combined with other factors.
2. What is pitch?
Pitch is the frequency of a sound, and it relates to the highness or lowness of a tone that we hear.
3. What is syncopation? What types of music use syncopation?
Syncopation involves placing emphasis on normally un-emphasized beats or using a rest on a normally emphasized beat. In other words, syncopation involves disrupting or interrupting the expected or normal rhythm of music. Music types that use syncopation are; ska, reggae, rap, jazz, and some forms of metal.
4. What are three examples of forms of music? Describe each form.
1.) Concerto: A musical piece in which one solo instrument is accompanied by an orchestra.
2.) Sonata: A musical composition for a solo instrument.
3.) Symphony: A musical piece that has been scored for a full orchestra, aka an extended composition.
5. What is form in music?
Form is the combination of the other musical elements, including pitch, tempo, and dynamics.
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?
Music has been described as a “universal language,” because it’s a good way of communicating. You don’t necessarily have to use words to express your emotions, you can however use rhythm, tempo, pitch and etc. I agree with this assessment because I see music as a way to express your emotions and communicate with others, when you don’t know how to tell someone something, for example, when you fall in love with someone and you can’t explain them how much you love them, write them a song. It’s simple, cute, it’ll get your point across, and it’s something they’ll cherish for as long as they live.
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?
Music notation is important because it allows musicians to write down what they are going to play and so they can remember exactly what they did in a song. The benefits they get from being able to write down and note aspects of a musical piece are it’s easier to remember because it’s right there in front of you, if you don’t like something about it, you can scratch it out and change it. Etc.
3. In the first part of the unit, 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?
Music is definitely everywhere in society, some ways we use it are expressing our emotions for one another, a way to better their day, or even a way to make friends who have the same music interests .I listen to music every single day, almost all day. I use it to make me feel better, I listen to the lyrics and try to relate to them, I use them to save me from my bordness and etc.
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.
Music has influenced both my mood and feeling at times when it was played. For example, I’ve been through a lot in 17 years, and sometimes when I feel completely bummed, I’ll plug in my headphones and listen to artists I know I can relate to. I remember one day, I wasn’t having anything go my way. There was so much going wrong, and I just wanted to go home and go to bed, but I plugged in my headphones and listened to one of my favorite artist, Eminem. I know a lot of people say that rap music is bad, but I beg to differ. I believe that it depends on which artist you’re listening to. Eminem does say some harsh stuff, but honestly he’s saying stuff that a lot of other people are thinking but are too scared to. After listening to a few of his songs, my day completely changed. His words and verses touched my heart and from then on when things got rough I’d remember what he had sang and remembered to keep my head up.