GSOKIDS – BUILDING A MUSICAL DICTIONARY

MELODY

• Pitch

Pitch is the term used to refer to the highs and lows of sound.

• Melodic Span

Melodic span is the distance measured between the highest and lowest pitches.

• Melodic Shape: Conjunct vs. Disjunct

A conjunct melody is when the notes move smoothly by step from one musical letter to the next.

A disjunct melody is when there are many leaps and changes of direction. The overall effect is angular.

• Phrases

A phrase is like a musical sentence. Phrases give shape to the music while providing singers
with a place to breathe.

Phrasing is often balanced and symmetrical, giving the music a sense
of predictability.

• Articulation: legato, staccato

Staccato is when the notes are played very short, crisp, and detached.

Legato is when the notes are played in a smooth and connected fashion.

HARMONY

• major/minor

• consonance/dissonance

• diatonic/chromatic

cadences (authentic, half)