Fundamentals

Basic Terminology:

Music - organized sound meant to convey emotions and meaning

Rhythm - pattern of sounds and silence

Beat - the pulse of music, a measurement of music in time

Meter - imposed time structure, beats per measure as indicated by the time signature

Tempo - speed of music (allegro, moderato, adagio)

Dynamic - volume of the music (forte, piano)

Pitch - highness or lowness of frequency of a note

Note - one written or heard sound

Instrumental - music written exclusively for instruments

Vocal - music written for voices

Concerto - an instrumental work featuring a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra

Other Terms:

Chord - three or more notes played simultaneously

Interval - distance of pitch between two notes

Harmony - construction of the accompaniment (background chords)

Melody - the main musical line (the “tune” you tend to hear first)

Scale - an ascending or descending series of intervals

Consonance - a pleasing or stable interval

Dissonance - a harsh or unpleasant sounding interval

Program Music - instrumental music that has an extra-musical connection

Absolute Music - instrumental music that has no extra-musical connection

Motive - A short musical idea, which if often repeated and developed throughout a composition 

Musical Eras and Composers:

Middle Ages (400-1400) - De Dia, Perotin, Machaut

Renaissance (1400-1600) - Josquin, Palestrina, Morely, Gabrieli, Susato

Baroque (1600-1750) - Monteverdi, Purcell, Corelli, Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, Handel

Classical (1750-1800) - Pergolesi, Haydn, Mozart

Romantic or "Nineteenth Century" (1800-1900) - Schubert, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Puccini, Mahler

Twentieth Century (1900-2000) - Debussy, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Berg, Webern, Bartok, Britten, Copland, Gershwin, Bernstein, Boulez, Cage

Instrument Families

String Family: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass

Stringed instruments produce their sound by drawing a bow across strings and/or by plucking the strings. Listed here from highest to lowest in pitch, the violin and viola are played tucked under the players chin. The cello is played only while sitting, with the instrument placed between the player's knees. The double bass is only played while standing up, or while the player is sitting atop a stool or chair.

Woodwind Family: Flute, Oboe, English horn, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon

Woodwinds produce their sound by moving air either over a hole (Flute), over a single cane reed (Clarinets, Saxophones), or through two reeds (Oboe, English Horn, Bassoon). Woodwind instruments are tubular and change pitches via a system of holes and keys.

Brass Family: Trumpet, (French) Horn, Trombone, and Tuba

Brass instruments produce their sounds by buzzing into mouthpieces, sending vibrating air through a series of tubes and valves. Early brass instruments had no valves (bugles, natural horns) and primitive brass instruments were actually constructed of seashell, wood, or copper.

Percussion Family: Drums, Cymbals, Timpani, Xylophone, Tambourine, etc.

Percussion instruments produce their sounds by striking or hitting with sticks, or by hand. "Pitched" percussion produce distinct pitches (timpani, marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, chimes)

Keyboard Family: Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, and Celeste

Keyboard instruments produce their sounds by depressing keys, which in turn, cause hammers to strike strings (piano); pluck strings (harpsichord); or sending compressed air through a variety of pipes (organ). The Celeste is a keyboard instrument often included in the percussion section.

Voices: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass

Female voices are classified as soprano or alto, while adult male voices are tenor, baritone, or bass. Other intermediate classifications include contralto, mezzo-soprano, and baritone. 

Standard Chamber Music Ensembles

String Quartet; 2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello

Woodwind Quintet; 1 flute, 1 clarinet, 1 oboe, 1 bassoon, 1 horn

Brass Quintet; 2 trumpets, 1 horn, 1 trombone, 1 tuba (or bass trombone)

Piano Trios;  piano, violin, cello

Clarinet Trio; clarinet, cello, piano