Music Speculation: The Study Of Music Theory
Music Speculation
The study of music theory dates back to ancient Sumeria, where tunings and intervals were studied. The ancient Greeks developed knowledge of rhythm, notation and scales. Music theory is a topic within musicology, the study of music. Music theory pertains to the observation and measurement of sound. Some topics that are studied are rhythm, notes, chord, and pitch. These topics are initially taught in music classes. They are the basis of learning music theory and can be applied to other topics as one continues their study of music theory. These topics also are essential elements in the formation of music.
Rhythm in music is very important to the song itself. Rhythm is what makes music move forward (Miller 55). If one does not …show more content…
“The accepted way of naming musical pitches uses the first seven letters of the alphabet—A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. While the numbering method is relative (the number 1 can be assigned to any pitch), the letter method is absolute. This means that A always refers to a specific frequency” (Miller 8). According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, the vibrations are calculated in cycles per seconds, which is known as the frequency. Musicians usually name this as pitch (Miller 5). In regards to tuning, string instruments are set to a certain pitch. These pitches are tuned to fixed frequencies (Vogl 6). A standard tune, such as the note A has a frequency of 440 Hz, “For example, the note A that we typically tune to in the U.S. has a frequency of 440 Hz and is often referred to as A 440. This means this note A vibrates 440 times per second. The next A we come to is one octave higher and would vibrate twice as fast…” (Vogl …show more content…
In a song, pitch is used to distinguish intervals, then notes, and then chords -all in which are in rhythm with each other. As stated, “The more you know about music theory, the better your comprehension of music, and the better you will play and compose (if that’s your cup of tea). It’s like learning to read and write: these skills can help you communicate better. Are they absolutely necessary? No. Are they tremendously helpful? Yes” (Pilhofer 227). Learning music theory is like learning another language, it takes practice and patience, and also contributes to overall inner enrichment and
The study of music theory dates back to ancient Sumeria, where tunings and intervals were studied. The ancient Greeks developed knowledge of rhythm, notation and scales. Music theory is a topic within musicology, the study of music. Music theory pertains to the observation and measurement of sound. Some topics that are studied are rhythm, notes, chord, and pitch. These topics are initially taught in music classes. They are the basis of learning music theory and can be applied to other topics as one continues their study of music theory. These topics also are essential elements in the formation of music.
Rhythm in music is very important to the song itself. Rhythm is what makes music move forward (Miller 55). If one does not …show more content…
“The accepted way of naming musical pitches uses the first seven letters of the alphabet—A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. While the numbering method is relative (the number 1 can be assigned to any pitch), the letter method is absolute. This means that A always refers to a specific frequency” (Miller 8). According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, the vibrations are calculated in cycles per seconds, which is known as the frequency. Musicians usually name this as pitch (Miller 5). In regards to tuning, string instruments are set to a certain pitch. These pitches are tuned to fixed frequencies (Vogl 6). A standard tune, such as the note A has a frequency of 440 Hz, “For example, the note A that we typically tune to in the U.S. has a frequency of 440 Hz and is often referred to as A 440. This means this note A vibrates 440 times per second. The next A we come to is one octave higher and would vibrate twice as fast…” (Vogl …show more content…
In a song, pitch is used to distinguish intervals, then notes, and then chords -all in which are in rhythm with each other. As stated, “The more you know about music theory, the better your comprehension of music, and the better you will play and compose (if that’s your cup of tea). It’s like learning to read and write: these skills can help you communicate better. Are they absolutely necessary? No. Are they tremendously helpful? Yes” (Pilhofer 227). Learning music theory is like learning another language, it takes practice and patience, and also contributes to overall inner enrichment and