MUS 115 EXAM 1: COMPLETE REVIEW AND
STUDY GUIDE
Timbre
The distinctive tone quality of a voice or an instrument
Instrumentation
The instruments chosen to perform a particular score; the instrumental and vocal accompaniment for a
recording
Texture
Overlays of sounds rhythms and notes; relationship among parts
Pitch
The relative highness or lowness of a musical sound, determined by the frequency with which it vibrates
Scale
Different notes ranging in pitch according to a specific scheme
Melody
The most musically interesting part of a musical texture. Typically distinguished from other parts by the
interest and individuality of its contour and rhythm
Harmony
Chords or more than one pitch at the same time
Chord Progression (Changes)
A sequence of chords. In popular music follow well-used patterns
Intensity
The degree of loudness of a musical sound
Dynamics
, Levels or changes in intensity
Duration
The length in time of a musical event
Rhythm
Relations with duration and mete. The result of musical events as they happen over time
Beat
1. The rhythmic quality of a piece of music that invites a physical response
2. The regular marking of time at walking/dancing/moving speed
3. The rhythmic foundation of a style or substyle, distinguished by the consistent use of regular rhythms
and rhythmic patterns
Meter
Number of beats per measure
Measure
A consistent grouping of beats. Also called a bar
Performance Style
The way musicians sing and play their instruments
Form
The organization of a musical work in time
Verse
Single metrical line that is not consistent
Verse-chorus (refrain)
Repeated section, part of the song that they always go back to
Introduction
A passage or section which opens a movement or a separate piece; preceding the theme or lyrics
Strain
A series of musical phrases that create a distinct melody of a piece. Often repeated; used in ragtime and
marches
Rhythm Section (3 functions)
The part of a musical group that supplies the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of a performance.
Usually includes at least one chord instrument, a bass instrument, and a percussion instrument.
STUDY GUIDE
Timbre
The distinctive tone quality of a voice or an instrument
Instrumentation
The instruments chosen to perform a particular score; the instrumental and vocal accompaniment for a
recording
Texture
Overlays of sounds rhythms and notes; relationship among parts
Pitch
The relative highness or lowness of a musical sound, determined by the frequency with which it vibrates
Scale
Different notes ranging in pitch according to a specific scheme
Melody
The most musically interesting part of a musical texture. Typically distinguished from other parts by the
interest and individuality of its contour and rhythm
Harmony
Chords or more than one pitch at the same time
Chord Progression (Changes)
A sequence of chords. In popular music follow well-used patterns
Intensity
The degree of loudness of a musical sound
Dynamics
, Levels or changes in intensity
Duration
The length in time of a musical event
Rhythm
Relations with duration and mete. The result of musical events as they happen over time
Beat
1. The rhythmic quality of a piece of music that invites a physical response
2. The regular marking of time at walking/dancing/moving speed
3. The rhythmic foundation of a style or substyle, distinguished by the consistent use of regular rhythms
and rhythmic patterns
Meter
Number of beats per measure
Measure
A consistent grouping of beats. Also called a bar
Performance Style
The way musicians sing and play their instruments
Form
The organization of a musical work in time
Verse
Single metrical line that is not consistent
Verse-chorus (refrain)
Repeated section, part of the song that they always go back to
Introduction
A passage or section which opens a movement or a separate piece; preceding the theme or lyrics
Strain
A series of musical phrases that create a distinct melody of a piece. Often repeated; used in ragtime and
marches
Rhythm Section (3 functions)
The part of a musical group that supplies the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of a performance.
Usually includes at least one chord instrument, a bass instrument, and a percussion instrument.
