Unit 1-1: Musical Elements

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Critically assess differences between the concepts of sound, silence, music, language, and noise.
Categorize different parameters of musical sound, including pitch, rhythm, harmony, melody, form, and timbre.
Apply elements of music theory to the analysis of music and discuss the implications of their observations.

Preparation for Class

Read:

Robin Armstrong, "The Musical Elements"
Kaitlin Bove, "Elements of Music"

Watch

What is Music Theory?
(Two Minute Music Theory, 2 mins)

Study Aids

The 8 Elements of Music (from JuliaJooya.com)

Infographic titled 'The 8 Elements of Music' featuring a circular design with a central treble clef symbol. The circle is divided into eight sections, each labeled with one of the elements of music. Starting from the top and moving clockwise: 1) 'Tonality: The overall sound of the music as pleasant or unpleasant,' 2) 'Dynamics: How loud or soft the music is,' 3) 'Form: The order and arrangement of the parts of the music,' 4) 'Harmony: The instruments that support the melody with chords,' 5) 'Melody: A series of pitches that makes a tune,' 6) 'Rhythm: How long or short a sound is,' 7) 'Texture: The layers of sound, how sparse or dense the music is,' 8) 'Timbre: The unique sound quality of an instrument or sound.'

In-Class Activities

Discussion

What is Music Theory. . . Exactly? What does it explore? What types of skills and tools does it provide that are particularly relevant to your area of specialization?
- - While we're on the topic, What is Music Analysis?
Definitions: Work in small groups or as a class to pin down definitions for the following terms: sound, silence, music, language, and noise. What differentiates each from the other?
Universality & Music: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” It's a common saying, but it's also a hotly debated topic in music, science, and ethnomusicology. Is music a universal language? Consider arguments from both sides.

Activities

The Elements of Music:
- - Part 1: Definitions: Break into small groups. Listen to musical excerpts played by your instructor. Work together to identify as many different musical parameters as you can. Consider some of the ways that you describe or categorize the different sounds you hear in music and what makes different pieces and styles sound different. This spreadsheet provides a starting example and a place for your group to compile your notes. (To edit, go to File > Make a Copy).
  - Part 2: Analysis: Using your list of defined musical parameters, listen to two different excerpts played by your instructor. Describe each example in terms of the parameters and attributes that you constructed in Part 1, using as much detail as you can. Use Columns C and D in the spreadsheet to compile your thoughts. Based on your descriptions, compare and contrast the examples.
Learning the Elements Through Copyright Cases: Study the case of Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" vs. Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." Read about the case in the New York Times and determine which of the musical elements were similar enough to merit a copyright lawsuit. Using the suit as a case study, listen to the moments of the songs where the similarity exists (Ed Sheeran) (Marvin Gaye). List the similarities and differences and discuss the class's opinion. Discuss the reasons why Sheeran ultimately won the case and its implications for music business.

NEXT UP

Unit 1-2: Notation

Want to learn more?

Music and Universality: For additional reading, check out:

Kevin Berger, "What Makes Music Universal"
David Ludden, "Is Music a Universal Language?"
Ethan Hein, "Music is not a Universal Language and this Klezmer Song Proves It"

Musical Elements: Explore how musical elements vary in music from around the world. Click on one of the music types on Kaitlin Bove's World Music page here to listen and learn more. Or, read about some of the important elements in Indian Classical music here.

Page updated

Report abuse