Music Theory Music Theory 101101

Snack Theatre 2013Snack Theatre 2013

The BeginningThe Beginning

A A staffstaff is made up of five horizontal lines and four spaces is made up of five horizontal lines and four spaces

A A clefclef is a musical symbol placed at the beginning of the staff that is a musical symbol placed at the beginning of the staff that determines the letter names of the lines and spaces.determines the letter names of the lines and spaces.

The two main clefs are the The two main clefs are the trebletreble and the and the bassbass::

Treble Clef Bass Clef

Treble Clef(TOP)

Bass Clef(BOTTOM)

The BeginningThe Beginning The music we do in Snack Theatre is often SATB (4 parts: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, The music we do in Snack Theatre is often SATB (4 parts: Soprano, Alto, Tenor,

Bass), SAB (3 part: Soprano, Alto, Men) or Two-Part (Soprano/Tenor, Alto/Bass)Bass), SAB (3 part: Soprano, Alto, Men) or Two-Part (Soprano/Tenor, Alto/Bass) TYPICALLY, women’s music parts are written on the treble clef and men’s music TYPICALLY, women’s music parts are written on the treble clef and men’s music

parts are written on the bass clefparts are written on the bass clef SopranoSoprano typically refers to female singers and is a voice type with a vocal range from typically refers to female singers and is a voice type with a vocal range from

approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music. In four-part chorale style harmony, approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody. The music the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody. The music part is often the top line of the treble clef.part is often the top line of the treble clef.

AltoAlto refers to the second highest part of a choral music and is approximately from the G refers to the second highest part of a choral music and is approximately from the G below middle C to the F in the second octave above middle C. The music part is often the below middle C to the F in the second octave above middle C. The music part is often the bottom line of the treble clef.bottom line of the treble clef.

The The tenortenor is a type of singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal is a type of singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register. The tenor voice lies between the C one octave below middle C, and the A above register. The tenor voice lies between the C one octave below middle C, and the A above middle C. The music part is often the top line of the bass clef.middle C. The music part is often the top line of the bass clef.

BaritoneBaritone is a type of male singing voice that lies between the bass and tenor voices. It is is a type of male singing voice that lies between the bass and tenor voices. It is the most common male voice. Music for this voice is typically written in the range from the most common male voice. Music for this voice is typically written in the range from the second F below middle C to the F above middle C in choral music, but can be the second F below middle C to the F above middle C in choral music, but can be extended at either end.extended at either end.

A A bassbass is a type of male singing voice and possesses the lowest vocal range of all voice is a type of male singing voice and possesses the lowest vocal range of all voice types. A bass is typically classified as having a range extending from around the second types. A bass is typically classified as having a range extending from around the second E below middle C to the E above middle C. The music part is often the bottom line of the E below middle C to the E above middle C. The music part is often the bottom line of the bass clef.bass clef.

Occasionally, the treble clef will split into 3 parts – the sopranos split and the Occasionally, the treble clef will split into 3 parts – the sopranos split and the Second SopranosSecond Sopranos or or Mezzo-SopranosMezzo-Sopranos will sing that part will sing that part

The BeginningThe Beginning

A single vertical line drawn to the left of multiple staffs creates a A single vertical line drawn to the left of multiple staffs creates a grand staffgrand staff and a and a systemsystem, indicating that the music on all the staffs , indicating that the music on all the staffs is to be played/sung at the same time.is to be played/sung at the same time.

A A measuremeasure or or barbar line refers to the vertical lines drawn through the line refers to the vertical lines drawn through the staff to mark off metrical units. staff to mark off metrical units.

A A double bar-linedouble bar-line can consist of two single bar-lines drawn close can consist of two single bar-lines drawn close together, separating two sections within a piece, OR a bar-line together, separating two sections within a piece, OR a bar-line followed by a thicker bar-line, indicating the end of a piece. followed by a thicker bar-line, indicating the end of a piece.

A repeat sign looks like the music end, but it has two dots, one A repeat sign looks like the music end, but it has two dots, one above the other, indicating that the section of music that is before is above the other, indicating that the section of music that is before is to be repeated. The beginning of the repeated passage can be to be repeated. The beginning of the repeated passage can be marked by a begin-repeat sign; if this is absent the repeat is marked by a begin-repeat sign; if this is absent the repeat is understood to be from the beginning of the piece or movement. understood to be from the beginning of the piece or movement.

PitchesPitches

PitchesPitches are named after the first seven letters of the alphabet are named after the first seven letters of the alphabet (A B C D (A B C D

E F G) E F G) and follow that same order for both treble and bass clefand follow that same order for both treble and bass clef

Some standard acronyms to help remember the notes on a staff are: Some standard acronyms to help remember the notes on a staff are:

The smallest interval used in Western music is the half step. A visual The smallest interval used in Western music is the half step. A visual representation of a half step would be the distance between a representation of a half step would be the distance between a consecutive white and black note on the piano. There are two consecutive white and black note on the piano. There are two exceptions to this rule, as two natural half steps occur between the exceptions to this rule, as two natural half steps occur between the notes E and F, and B and C. A whole step is made up of two half notes E and F, and B and C. A whole step is made up of two half steps. steps.

Letter names are modified by the Letter names are modified by the accidentalsaccidentals. A . A sharpsharp raises a note by raises a note by a half-step, and a a half-step, and a flatflat lowers it by the same amount. A lowers it by the same amount. A naturalnatural is an is an accidental which cancels previous accidentals and represents the accidental which cancels previous accidentals and represents the unaltered pitch of a noteunaltered pitch of a note

A flat, C sharp, A natural

Pitches – ApplicationPitches – Application

C C naturalnatural

BbBb

D#D#

E#E#

G#G#

AbAb

Pitches – AnswersPitches – Answers

C C naturalnatural

BbBb

D#D#

E#E#

G#G#

AbAb

NotesNotes

Each type of Each type of notenote has a specific look and a specific duration: has a specific look and a specific duration:

A note value may be augmented by adding a A note value may be augmented by adding a dotdot after it. This dot after it. This dot adds the next lower note value, making it adds the next lower note value, making it one and a halfone and a half times times its original duration. its original duration.

1 beat + ½ beat = 1.5 beats2 beats + 2/2 beats = 3 beats

Time SignaturesTime Signatures

Time signaturesTime signatures indicate the meter the song is in which indicate indicate the meter the song is in which indicate how many beats are in each measure and which note value how many beats are in each measure and which note value constitutes one beat. constitutes one beat.

In a musical score, the time signature appears at the beginning of In a musical score, the time signature appears at the beginning of the piece, usually as stacked numerals immediately following the the piece, usually as stacked numerals immediately following the key signature (or immediately following the clef if the key key signature (or immediately following the clef if the key signature is empty). signature is empty).

A mid-score time signature, usually immediately following a A mid-score time signature, usually immediately following a barline, indicates a change of meter.barline, indicates a change of meter.

There are various types of time signatures, depending on whether There are various types of time signatures, depending on whether the music follows simple rhythms or involves unusual shifting the music follows simple rhythms or involves unusual shifting tempos, including: simple and compoundtempos, including: simple and compound

Time SignaturesTime Signatures

Simple time signatures consist of two numerals, one stacked above Simple time signatures consist of two numerals, one stacked above the other:the other: the lower numeral indicates the note value which represents one beat the lower numeral indicates the note value which represents one beat

(4 = quarter, 8 = eighth, 1 = whole, etc)(4 = quarter, 8 = eighth, 1 = whole, etc) the upper numeral indicates how many such beats there are in a barthe upper numeral indicates how many such beats there are in a bar

For instance, For instance, 2 / 4 means two quarter-note beats per measure2 / 4 means two quarter-note beats per measure6 / 8 means six eighth-note beats per measure, but is felt in “2” 6 / 8 means six eighth-note beats per measure, but is felt in “2” (1,2,3) + (1,2,3)(1,2,3) + (1,2,3)

A is sometimes used to refer to 4 / 4 timeA is sometimes used to refer to 4 / 4 time

Compound time signatures split the “feel” into 3 instead of 2.Compound time signatures split the “feel” into 3 instead of 2.

The most common time signatures that we will deal with areThe most common time signatures that we will deal with are

Key SignaturesKey Signatures

A A key signaturekey signature is a series of sharp or flat symbols placed on  is a series of sharp or flat symbols placed on the staff, that are to be consistently played one semitone higher the staff, that are to be consistently played one semitone higher or lower than the equivalent natural notes unless otherwise or lower than the equivalent natural notes unless otherwise altered with an accidental. altered with an accidental.

Key signatures are generally written immediately after the clef at Key signatures are generally written immediately after the clef at the beginning of a line of musical notation, although they can the beginning of a line of musical notation, although they can appear in other parts of a score, notably after a double barline.appear in other parts of a score, notably after a double barline.

A key signature will have either sharps or flats, but there will not A key signature will have either sharps or flats, but there will not be any key signatures with both.be any key signatures with both.

To determine the To determine the keykey based on the key signature: based on the key signature: If the key signature has If the key signature has sharpssharps, look at the position of the , look at the position of the last sharp and last sharp and

raise it by a half-stepraise it by a half-step to get the key. For example, if the last sharp is C, raise  to get the key. For example, if the last sharp is C, raise it a half step which is D, the key is D major. it a half step which is D, the key is D major.

When the key signature has When the key signature has flatsflats, simply look at the , simply look at the second to the last second to the last flatflat and you get the key. So for example A flat is the second to the last flat sign  and you get the key. So for example A flat is the second to the last flat sign in the key signature, this means the music is in A flat major. in the key signature, this means the music is in A flat major.

The The exception to this rule is F majorexception to this rule is F major because it only has one flat  because it only has one flat and C and C majormajor because it has no flats or sharps. because it has no flats or sharps.

1. 2. 3. 4 . 5. 6. 7. 8.

IntervalsIntervals

Intervals are the distance between two notesIntervals are the distance between two notes

Major intervalsMajor intervals M2 – Happy Birthday, Silent NightM2 – Happy Birthday, Silent Night M3 – I Could Have Danced All Night, When the Saints Go Marching InM3 – I Could Have Danced All Night, When the Saints Go Marching In P4 – Here Comes The Bride, TapsP4 – Here Comes The Bride, Taps M5 – Star Wars Theme, Twinkle Twinkle, Can’t Help Loving Dat ManM5 – Star Wars Theme, Twinkle Twinkle, Can’t Help Loving Dat Man M6 – NBC Theme, My Bonnie Lies Over the OceanM6 – NBC Theme, My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean M7 – Bali HaiM7 – Bali Hai M8 (octave) – Somewhere Over the RainbowM8 (octave) – Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Minor intervalsMinor intervals m2 – Jawsm2 – Jaws M3 – O Canada, So Long, FarewellM3 – O Canada, So Long, Farewell

DynamicsDynamics

DynamicsDynamics refers to the volume of a note/piece/sound refers to the volume of a note/piece/sound

The two basic dynamic indications in music are:The two basic dynamic indications in music are: pp or  or pianopiano, meaning "soft", meaning "soft" ff  or   or forteforte, meaning "loud", meaning "loud"

More subtle degrees of loudness or softness are indicated by:More subtle degrees of loudness or softness are indicated by: mpmp, standing for , standing for mezzo-pianomezzo-piano, meaning "moderately soft", meaning "moderately soft" mfmf, standing for , standing for mezzo-fortemezzo-forte, meaning "moderately loud“, meaning "moderately loud“ pppp “pianissimo” meaning “very soft” “pianissimo” meaning “very soft” ff ff “fortissimo” meaning “very loud”“fortissimo” meaning “very loud”

Two Italian words are used to show gradual changes in Two Italian words are used to show gradual changes in volume. volume. CrescendoCrescendo, abbreviated , abbreviated cresc.cresc., translates as "gradually , translates as "gradually becoming louder", and becoming louder", and diminuendodiminuendo, abbreviated , abbreviated dim.dim., means "gradually , means "gradually becoming softer". The alternate becoming softer". The alternate decrescendodecrescendo, abbreviated to , abbreviated to decresc.decresc., , also means "gradually becoming softer“. also means "gradually becoming softer“.

TempoTempo

Tempo (Italian for time) is the speed/pace of a given piece. Tempo (Italian for time) is the speed/pace of a given piece.

The tempo of a piece will typically be written at the start of a piece The tempo of a piece will typically be written at the start of a piece of music, and is usually indicated in of music, and is usually indicated in beats per minutebeats per minute ( (BPMBPM). This ). This means that a particular note value (for example, a quarter note or means that a particular note value (for example, a quarter note or crotchet) is specified as the beat, and the marking indicates that a crotchet) is specified as the beat, and the marking indicates that a certain number of these beats must be played per minute. The certain number of these beats must be played per minute. The greater the tempo, the larger the number of beats that must be greater the tempo, the larger the number of beats that must be played in a minute is, and, therefore, the faster a piece must be played in a minute is, and, therefore, the faster a piece must be played. played. 

Basic Tempo Markings:Basic Tempo Markings: LargoLargo – broadly (40–50 BPM) – broadly (40–50 BPM) AdagioAdagio – slow/stately (literally, "at ease") (51–60 BPM) – slow/stately (literally, "at ease") (51–60 BPM) AdagiettoAdagietto – rather slow (61–80 BPM) – rather slow (61–80 BPM) AndanteAndante – at a walking pace (61–80 BPM) – at a walking pace (61–80 BPM) ModeratoModerato – moderately (81–90 BPM) – moderately (81–90 BPM) AllegroAllegro – fast, quickly and bright (105–132 BPM) – fast, quickly and bright (105–132 BPM) PrestoPresto – very fast (168–177 BPM) – very fast (168–177 BPM)

Changes In Tempo & ArticulationChanges In Tempo & Articulation AccelerandoAccelerando – speeding up (abbreviation:  – speeding up (abbreviation: accel.accel.)) RallentandoRallentando – gradual slowing down (abbreviation:  – gradual slowing down (abbreviation: rall.rall.) or ) or

broadening of tempobroadening of tempo RitardandoRitardando – slowing down gradually; (abbreviations: rit., ritard.) – slowing down gradually; (abbreviations: rit., ritard.) RubatoRubato – free adjustment of tempo for expressive purposes – free adjustment of tempo for expressive purposes a tempoa tempo – in time; return to the main tempo of the piece (often – in time; return to the main tempo of the piece (often

after an accelerando or ritardando, etc.)after an accelerando or ritardando, etc.)

Staccato (Italian for detached) Staccato (Italian for detached) signifies a note of shortened signifies a note of shortened duration, separated from the note that may follow by silence.duration, separated from the note that may follow by silence.

LegatoLegato (Italian for "tied together") indicates that musical notes (Italian for "tied together") indicates that musical notes are played or sung smoothly and connectedare played or sung smoothly and connected

Slur - a curved line used to indicate that notes should be Slur - a curved line used to indicate that notes should be interpretted as a phrase and often in one breath.interpretted as a phrase and often in one breath.

CodasCodas CodaCoda (Italian for "tail") designates a passage that brings a  (Italian for "tail") designates a passage that brings a

piece/movement to an end. It may be as simple as a piece/movement to an end. It may be as simple as a few measures, or as complex as an entire section.few measures, or as complex as an entire section.

Da CapoDa Capo meaning  meaning from the beginningfrom the beginning. It is often . It is often abbreviated abbreviated D.C.D.C.  

Dal Segno Dal Segno meaning from the sign. It is often abbreviated meaning from the sign. It is often abbreviated D.SD.S

Segno Coda

CodasCodas Da Capo al FineDa Capo al Fine (D.C. al Fine): repeat from beginning to the  (D.C. al Fine): repeat from beginning to the

end end (or up to the word (or up to the word finefine, should that appear at the end of the , should that appear at the end of the passage – the wordpassage – the word fine fine itself signifying itself signifying “end”“end”))..

Dal Segno al FineDal Segno al Fine (D.S. al Fine): repeat from beginning to the  (D.S. al Fine): repeat from beginning to the end end (or up to the word (or up to the word finefine should that appear at the end of the should that appear at the end of the passage – the wordpassage – the word fine fine itself signifying itself signifying “end”“end”))..

CodasCodas Da Capo al CodaDa Capo al Coda (D.C. al Coda): repeat from beginning to an  (D.C. al Coda): repeat from beginning to an

indicated place and then play the tail part (the coda).indicated place and then play the tail part (the coda).

Dal Segno al CodaDal Segno al Coda (D.S. al Coda): instructs the musician to  (D.S. al Coda): instructs the musician to repeat back to the sign, and when Al coda or To coda is reached repeat back to the sign, and when Al coda or To coda is reached jump to the coda symboljump to the coda symbol

Reading An Reading An OctavoOctavo

TitleTitle Page NumberPage Number Repeat BeginningRepeat Beginning Repeat EndingRepeat Ending DynamicsDynamics Measure NumberMeasure Number ChordChord Time SignatureTime Signature Key SignatureKey Signature StaccatoStaccato ““Slide”Slide” Treble ClefTreble Clef Bass ClefBass Clef TempoTempo

Reading An Reading An OctavoOctavo

TitleTitle Page NumberPage Number Repeat BeginningRepeat Beginning Repeat EndingRepeat Ending DynamicsDynamics Measure NumberMeasure Number ChordChord Time SignatureTime Signature Key SignatureKey Signature StaccatoStaccato ““Slide”Slide” Treble ClefTreble Clef Bass ClefBass Clef TempoTempo