Introduction to Music & Music Theory
This lesson is part of the Fundamentals of Sound & Music module. |
Objectives[edit]
- Student will understand the general features of music theoretical study and its utility in musical practice and analysis.
- Student will be introduced to musical practice as a philosophical and cultural practice encompassing sound, emotion, and behavior.
- Student will identify the basic components of musical sound: pitch (melody vs. harmony), texture, rhythm/meter (duration), timbre.
- Student will be able to critically assess the differences between sound, silence, music, language, and noise.
Resources[edit]
Readings[edit]
- Dillen, Outline of Music Theory:
- Psychology Now:
- Greenberg, "What is Music Exactly?"
- Ludden, "Is Music a Universal Language?"
Instructor References[edit]
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Music:
- Epperson, Encyclopedia Brittanica, "Music"
Class Activities[edit]
- Discussion of music theory, ear training, and context within students' educations.
- Comparison of music theory versus musicology and ethnomusicology.
- Student-led discussion regarding musical features ("What is music? What features does music have?").
- Listening list exercise: Listen to various musical examples. Ask students what they find interesting about the sound, what features stand out, is it music?
Assignments[edit]
Notes[edit]