Music Theory in Five Easy Steps
Advisor Information
Barry Ford
Location
Milo Bail Student Center Gallery Room
Presentation Type
Performance
Start Date
8-3-2013 2:45 PM
End Date
8-3-2013 3:00 PM
Abstract
All music is written using some form of music theory. Some ideas for pieces come from as small an idea as two notes. I composed a piece for string quartet that came from the idea of two notes, E-flat and Dflat. Using compositional techniques, the piece expanded from two notes, to two chords, and from there to two different pitch centers. This piece, when broken down, will seem no different than Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 movement 4 or a popular song on the radio. It uses the same general form and principles of western music. The Five Easy Steps to Music Theory are: ‘Is there a motif, an idea?’, ‘Does that motif repeat? And how?’, ‘Is there a second motive or idea?’, ‘How does the second idea relate to the first, if at all?’, and ‘What do you think this piece is trying to tell you?’. Through those Five Easy Steps anyone can understand Music Theory and enjoy music that once seemed abstract but is really structured.
Music Theory in Five Easy Steps
Milo Bail Student Center Gallery Room
All music is written using some form of music theory. Some ideas for pieces come from as small an idea as two notes. I composed a piece for string quartet that came from the idea of two notes, E-flat and Dflat. Using compositional techniques, the piece expanded from two notes, to two chords, and from there to two different pitch centers. This piece, when broken down, will seem no different than Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 movement 4 or a popular song on the radio. It uses the same general form and principles of western music. The Five Easy Steps to Music Theory are: ‘Is there a motif, an idea?’, ‘Does that motif repeat? And how?’, ‘Is there a second motive or idea?’, ‘How does the second idea relate to the first, if at all?’, and ‘What do you think this piece is trying to tell you?’. Through those Five Easy Steps anyone can understand Music Theory and enjoy music that once seemed abstract but is really structured.