Concepts of Music

duration

refers to the lengths of sounds and silences in music and includes the aspects of beat, rhythm, metre, tempo, pulse rates and absence of pulse

pitch

refers to the relative highness and lowness of sounds. Important aspects include high, low, higher and lower pitches, direction of pitch movement, melody, harmony, indefinite and definite pitch

dynamics

refer to the volume of sound. Important aspects include the relative softness and loudness of sound, change of loudness (contrast), and the emphasis on individual sounds (accent).

expressive techniques

refers to the musical detail that articulates a style or interpretation of a style.

tone colour

refers to that aspect of sound that allows the listener to identify the sound source or combinations of sound sources.

texture

results from the way voices and/or instruments are combined in music.

structure

refers to the idea of design or form in music. Relates to the ways in which music sounds the same (or similar) and/or different.