Introduction to Music

The organization of sound in time

Music

In this module you will consider the following – Elements of music– Context of music– Emotions / ideas / feelings expressed – What is music?– Historical influences– Knowledge that you bring to listening to music

How to use this module

The following slides contain nine audio files and questions for each audio sample. To hear the audio portion of the slide, click on the graphic. Please listen to each audio selection at least once and jot down your general reaction to the excerpt and your answers to the questions. Then post your answers on the Blackboard site for the Introduction to Music module.

Song 1

What is the primary age group for this song? Why do you think so?

Are the lyrics important for the song? Why or why not?

What is the mood of this song?

What kind of song is this? Have you heard anything similar?

What instruments do you hear on this song?

Song 2

What instruments do you hear?

Is the music “pleasing” or easy to listen to? Why or why not?

What is the mood of this piece?

Song 3

From what country do you think this band originates?

Would you consider this dance music? Why or why not?

What is the mood of this song? Why do you think so?

Is this seamless sound or are you meant to hear more than one sound at the same time?

Song 4

How many instruments do you hear in this selection?

Does one particular instrument stand out?

What ideas or emotions come to mind when you listen to this sample?

What kind of music is it?

Song 5

What instruments do you hear in this example?

Is there anything that sounds unusual?

What ideas or emotions does this sample suggest to you?

From what country are these singers?

Have you heard anything similar to this before?

Song 6

How does this example begin? Is this music?

What kind of music is this?

What instruments do you hear?

What is the general mood of this example?

Song 7

What instrument do you hear?

How many people are playing?

How many sounds do you hear?

Song 8

What instrument can you hear in this song?

What is the rhythm or beat of this example?

What kind of music is this? What is your evidence?

What is the mood of this song? Why do you think so?

Song 9

Is this music? Why or why not?

What does this music remind you of?

What instruments are being played?

What is the mood of this song?