7 key elements of music
Just look around you, there’s music everywhere! Nature, movies, celebrations, why, even in moments of silences.
But what actually makes music?
So it’s the 7 key elements of music that gives it feeling, structure, sound and form!
Well, whether you’re a music learner, teacher or someone who loves to listen to songs, understanding these components of music will deepen your appreciation. It’s like knowing the ingredients to your favourite dish.
So, let’s dive in!
The 7 key elements of music explained in detail
1. Melody – The primary element of music
Definition:
Melody is an arrangement of notes to create a tune. It’s the part of the song that you actually sing along.
Types of Melodies in the elements of music
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Conjunct |
The notes move smoothly in small steps |
“Do re mi” from The sound of music |
|
Disjunct |
The notes jump between high and low pitches |
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|
Monophonic |
Single melody line with no harmony or accompaniment |
Single person singing “Happy Birthday” |
|
Homophonic |
Melodies with harmony or chord progressions |
“Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran
|
|
Polyphonic |
Two or more melodies played at the same time |
“Hallelujah Chorus” by Handel |
|
Modal |
Uses traditional modes of scales |
|
|
Ornamental |
Melodies decorated with ornamentations like runs or glides |
“Bhor Bayi tori Baat” Raag Gurgari Todi |
Each type of melody creates different moods and expressions.
2. Tempo - The speed of music
Definition:
Tempo refers to the speed in which we sing or play in music terminology . Tempo markings instruct musicians how fast or slow to perform the music.
| Tempo marking | Meaning | BPM | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Largo |
Very slow |
40-60 BPM |
|
|
Adagio |
Slow and graceful |
60-76 BPM |
|
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Andante |
Walking pace |
77-108 BPM |
|
|
Moderato |
Moderate speed |
109-120 BPM |
|
|
Allegro |
Fast and lively |
121-168 BPM |
|
|
Presto |
Very fast |
169-200 BPM |
3. Rhythm - The pulse of music!
Definition:
The pattern of notes (sounds) and rests (silences) in music is called Rhythm in music. Basically, it tells us when to sing or play a note and how long to hold it.
Hot tip!
The silences in a musical piece is called the Rests.
Key components of rhythm
| Components | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
Beat |
The steady pulse |
|
Tempo |
The speed in which we sing or play |
|
Time Signatures |
Grouping of notes
|
|
Duration |
How long a specific note needs to be held |
|
Syncopation |
Emphasis on off-beats |
Rhythm vs Tempo: Understanding the distinction
Most commonly confused topics in music. Rhythm and tempo are interrelated musical terms but different elements of music. Rhythm refers to the pattern of beats and rests while tempo is the speed in which these beats and rests are sung or played.
Tempo is measured in BPM- Beats Per Minute. Rhythms can be played at a slow or fast tempo. That’s a musical fact. Understanding both helps musicians stay in time.
4. Harmony - Sound of togetherness in music
What is Harmony in basic music theory?
Two or more notes played or sung together at the same time are called Harmony in music theory for beginners. Harmony supports melody, adding depth, emotion and richness to music.
| Concepts Used | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Chords |
Three or more notes played together |
C major= C+E+G |
|
Chord Progressions |
a sequence of chords that supports the melody |
I-V-vi-IV |
|
Consonance |
Harmonies that sound mellow, pleasant |
|
|
Dissonance |
Harmonies that sound tensed or clashing |
Melody vs Harmony: What's the difference?
Both these key elements of music go hand in hand. Melody is the main tune, a series of notes put one after the other while harmony is a group of notes played or sung together. Harmony supports melody adding richness and depth to the sound.
5. Dynamics - Volume and expression of music
Definition:
Dynamics refer to the changes in the volume of a musical piece that is sung or played. This element adds emotion, drama and movement to a song or a musical piece.
Hot tip!
6. Timbre - Unique quality of sound in music
Definition:
A unique tone or colour of a sound that makes it unique is called Timbre, one of the elements of music. Terms like warm, bright, sharp, smooth, nasal, fuzzy are used to describe timbre.
| Type of Instrument | Description |
|---|---|
|
Flute |
Airy, light |
|
Male voice |
Deep, raspy |
|
Cello |
Warm, Mellow |
|
Drums |
Percussive, punchy |
|
Female voice |
Bright, light |
7. Form- The structure of a song
Definition:
The overall structure of a piece of music is called Form in music terminology. It tells us how the music organizers and how different sections fit together.
Commonly used Forms in Music
| Type of Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Binary (AB) |
Section A- Section B |
Greensleeves |
|
Ternary (ABA) |
Section A- Section B- Section A |
Make you feel my love by Adele |
|
Ronda (ABACA) |
Section A- B- A-C-A-D-A |
Fur Elise by Beethoven |
|
Stropic (AAA) |
Section A- A- A |
Amazing Grace, Christian Hymn |
|
Verse-Chorus |
A-B-A-B… |
Love Story by Taylor Swift |
How to teach music elements to beginners
- Introduce beats and rhythms through clapping activities.
- Use simple songs to explain melody and how it works.
- Introduce the concept of pitch and tempo through these simple songs.
- Try to explain the different types of dynamics.
Final Thoughts
Each element plays a unique role while creating music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, one must understand these basic concepts to appreciate what we hear.
Book a free demo with the musicmaster today and learn to sing like a pro.
FAQs
Melody, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, timbre and form are the 7 basic elements of music.
They are the foundation upon which music is built.
Creating original musical pieces using the 7 key elements of music.
There are 7 elements of music.
They combine to create structure, emotion and character in music.
Timbre is the unique sound quality of instruments.
