Production Glossary
Music Theory
Music theory is the examination of the way music operates. Both the notation and the language of music is studied in order to establish the style and technique of a composer. Music theory interprets the basic features of music- melody, texture, rhythm, form, structure, harmony, scales, pitch, and timbre- both literally and figuratively.Elements of Music Theory
- Scales. Musical notes are combined and arranged to create the chromatic scale, as well as the melodic minor, harmonic minor, seven toned major, and natural minor.
- Rhythm. The organization of silences and intonation create rhythm. Time is measured by beats per minute (BPM) and is contained within bars and measures.
- Pitch. This auditory property is attributed to musical tones and creates a perception of ‘highness’ and ‘lowness’ in sounds.
- Timbre. The distinction of a voice or instrument whose quality can be altered by using special techniques while singing or playing.
- Melody. A sequence of tones arranged to combine with written harmonies based on their characteristics.
- Harmony. By utilizing vertical sonority, harmony creates relationships between different pitches, often leading to a melodic structure.
- Articulation and Dynamics. These units of music bring about change in music through variations of playing or singing technique. An example of dynamics is fortissimo, meaning loud. An example of articulation is staccato, meaning short or abrupt.
- Dissonance and consonance. These elements create unity or disparity between pitches and tones.
- Form. This facet of music theory examines musical syntax used all around the world.
- Musical texture. The texture of a piece of music refers to the comprehensive sound in relation to the other parts of the music- monody, polyphony, monophony, homophony, heterophony.
Music Theory Subjects
Music theorists study four main subjects: ear training, mathematics, analysis, and music notation. Ear training, also known as aural skills, is training that enables a person to distinguish patterns of music without reading sheet music. A basic knowledge of mathematics is necessary in order to discern when a composition contains a mathematical principle. Any question or discussion of a musical work’s style, or break down of a section of music is analysis and must be used by a music theorist. Anyone studying music theory must be able to identify and use music notation. The arrangement of note on a staff, plus the additional notations symbolizing tempo, rests, key, accents, etc, are required knowledge in music theory.
