Materials of Music 1

An introduction to the materials of music, advancing students’ understanding of scales, modes, chords, rhythm and musical structure, illustrated with examples drawn from a wide range of music.

If we are to understand, perform or compose the widest range of music, we need to understand its basic building materials. Fundamentally these include rhythm, harmony and melody. The paper contains both analytical and practical elements in each of these areas through exercises and species counterpoint assignments. This paper provides the foundation for study in all areas of music and offers a voyage of discovery in terms of personal musical development.