Describing melody, harmony, tonality and texture

Key learning points

1. We can use the musical elements to help structure simple, clear descriptions of unfamiliar music.
2. Accurate description of a melody should include its shape and intervals as well as any melodic devices.
3. A description of tonality should identify whether the music is diatonic (major or minor), modal, atonal or microtonal.
4. Harmony encompasses the types of chords used, harmonic rhythm, cadences and harmonic devices.
5. A description of texture should describe the specific texture (e.g. homophonic) and any changes that occur.

Keywords

• Scalic - a melody that uses segments of scales

• Arpeggiated - a pattern that uses the notes of an arpeggio (an ascending or descending broken chord)

• Melodic device - specific techniques used in melodies, including ornamentation and sequences

• Tonality - the set of notes a piece (or section) of music is based on (e.g. major key)

• Harmonic device - composition techniques that affect the harmony, including pedals and modulations

Common misconception