We’ll do a review of music terms during Tuesday’s class. I’m giving you a little homework to prepare.
I’ve assigned each writing group two terms—and linked to definitions of them (see below)
Each group should be prepare to do three simple things:
- Define the term for the rest of us—in accessible language (in your own words).
- Be prepared to play us 30 seconds to 1 minute from a song to illustrate how the term works in an actual piece of music—and explain what effect it has in that piece of music.
- Talk about how you might use the term in a piece of writing.
I suggest you be in touch with your group members to coordinate. You can divide up the work. It shouldn’t take a lot of time, but you’ll want to be ready to present when you come to class.
Feel free to explore definitions other than the ones I’ve offered. A lot of the terms are subjective or involve variations.
The goal is to help you think about how to make the most of terms in your writing, both for the upcoming assignment and for your portfolios. The important thing is for you to become familiar enough with terms that they become part of your vocabulary and feel organic in your writing.
Syncopation, Vocal Phrasing: Johnny, Salia, Jimmy
Vocal Phrasing, Counterpoint: Sabina, Victoria, Pete
Counterpoint, Melody / Harmony: Nathalie, Erik, Corey
Double-tracking, Timbre / Tone: Muniba, Tati, Jonathan, Erynn
Timbre / Tone, Dynamics: Ryan, Turtle, Dominique
Bridge, Groove: Mahpara, Allison, Jarybel
