Structure
Embedded Files
Glossary
Binary - A two part structure (two related sections: A-B).
Ternary - A three part structure (A - B - final A - can be an exact repeat or can be varied).
Rondo
A recurring section (A) with alternating ‘episodes.’
Minuet and Trio
Often movement 3 of a symphony or sonata, three sections (Ternary form).
The minuet and trio are both dances.
The minuet and trio have two sections (Binary form) that are repeated, except the final A (no repeats).
Click this link to learn more: https://youtu.be/PlIIMeKYj7E
Theme and Variation
Taking an original theme (idea) and changing it to create new sections.
Strophic
This structure has verses that are musically the same each time. Only the lyrics change.
12 bar blues
A style of blues music with a repeating chord pattern that is 12 bars long.
Improvisation
Music that’s made up on the spot by the performer.
Call and response
A short musical idea (the call) followed by an answering phrase (the response).
Ostinato
A continuously repeated figure or phrase (‘obstinately’ repeated).
Loop
When a musical idea is ‘looped’, i.e. repeated indefinitely.
Riff
A short, ‘catchy’ memorable idea or pattern found in jazz, rock or pop; it is repeated often in the music.
OTHER KEY WORDS
Introduction - Opening part that ‘introduces’ the main ideas.
Verse - Repeated section, but different lyrics each time.
Chorus - Repeated section with same words and music each time.
Bridge - A section that links two other musical sections together.
Break - An instrumental or percussion section that provides a ‘break’ from the rest of the song or piece.
Middle 8 - Eight bars in the middle of a song that provide a contrast, i.e. different chord progression.
Fill - A short musical idea that fills in the ‘gaps’ in the music at the end of a phrase.
Outro - The concluding section of a song or piece, i.e. the ‘last’ part (same as coda). Only used in popular music.
Coda - The final section of a movement or piece of music.
Regular phrasing - Melody is divided up into shorter, well-balanced and symmetrical phrases.
Irregular phrasing - Melody is divided up into phrases that are not symmetrically balanced.
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