Fundamentals of Music Listening

I. Identifying Form

Listen to a complete melody within each piece of music and call it the letter "A". Does the melody repeat itself? If so, give it another "A". Does the melody ever seem to change into a different melody? If so, give it a new letter like "B". As you listen to the entire piece what kind of formal structure have you discovered?

• • Binary Form (AB) a.k.a. as "Simple Verse/Chorus"

  • Ternary Form (A B A) sometimes known as "AABA"

  • Strophic Form (AAA...) a.k.a. as "Simple Verse"

  • Rondo Form (ABACABA) sometimes appears at ABACA

  • Theme and Variations

  • Through Composed (ABCD...)

II. Compare and Contrast

As you listen to the following pairs of music, try to list the elements of music that you hear. What is similar about each of these paired examples? What is different? Use any adjectives to describe the elements that stand out to you the most (e.g., repetitive, mechanical, acoustic, electric, silly, joyous, melancholy, uplifting, inspiring, hopeful, jaunty, fast, slow, relaxed, energetic). Some common musical elements include:

- Melody (by leap, by step, smooth, rough)

- Rhythm (repetitive, syncopated, simple, complex)

- Tonality (major, minor)

- Form: Does the melody change or does the melody stay the same? (ABA, ABACA, Theme and Variations)

- Types of performers (singers, instruments). If singing, what language is used?

- Styles of music (Old or New; Classical or Pop)

- Poetic Themes (political, social, philosophical, emotional, music that tells a story)

1a. "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac

1b. "Landslide" by The PS 22 Chorus

2a. "River" by Joni Mitchell

2b. "River" by ChoirChoirChoir

3a. "St. Mathew Passion" by Bach

3b. "American Tune" by Paul Simon