AP Music Theory Ch. 1: Music Fundamentals

wavelength

the distance between one wave and the next in sound

frequency

the rate of vibration measure in hertz (times per second)

dynamic

wave height

waveform

the shape and form of the sound wave as it moves in distance and frequency.

timbre

made up of more than one frequency, often involves harmonies or overtones.

consonant

notes that are low members of the same overtone series that sound pleasant together

dissonant

when notes clash

envelope

consists of the sound's attack, sustain, and release

articulation

the manner in which the note begins, sustains, and ends

duration

the length of time sound and silence lasts

C Clef

The clef used for vocal ranges. The clef is moved from line to line to show where middle C (C4) is located.

monophonic

when music is a single line of melody

polyphonic

when music is layered with multiple lines being sung or played at the same time

treble clef

when the G clef is placed on the second line of the staff (G above middle C or G4)

bass clef

when the F clef is placed on the fourth line of the staff (F below middle C or F3)

the grand staff

combines both the treble and bass clefs, is used by piano or for notating female and male voices in chorale/hymn style.

system

when multiple staves are connected together by bar lines. Example would be the grand staff.

ledger lines

small lines that extend the staff while still keeping the 5 lines/4 spaces intact when notes are above or below the staff.

interval

the distance or space between two notes

half step

the smallest interval between two notes

sharp

raises the pitch one half step above its natural pitch

flat

lowers the pitch one half step below its natural pitch

enharmonic equivalents

example: A sharp and B flat

double sharp

raises the pitch two half steps above its natural pitch

double flat

lowers the pitch two half steps below its natural pitch

natural

the musical symbol that cancels out a flat or sharp