Music

• What are the main concepts covered in the Blues and Jazz unit?


  Melody/Harmony, Rhythm/Tempo, Texture/Structure/Form, Timbre/Dynamics, Style
• What is the significance of "Call and Response" in music?

  • A musical form where a phrase is played and then responded to.
  • Common in blues and jazz.
  • Engages the audience and performers.
• What chord progression is commonly used in blues music?

  Chords I, IV & V (major keys)

  
• What is a "Vamp" in music?

  A vamp is a bass note followed by a chord, creating an Oom-cha-oom-cha rhythm.
• What is "Scat singing"?

  A vocal improvisation style using random syllables or no words.
• What is "Syncopation" in music?

  Syncopation refers to off-beat rhythms that create a sense of surprise.
• What is "Ragtime" music characterized by?

  Syncopation and a vamp rhythm.
• Who is a famous Ragtime composer?

  Scott Joplin
• What are the main features of Jazz music?

  Syncopation, improvisation, and walking bass.
• What instruments are commonly used in Jazz?

  Saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
• What is "Walking Bass" in Jazz?

  A bass line that moves up and down a pattern of notes.

  
• What is "Improvisation" in music?

  Creating music spontaneously during a performance without written notes.
• What is "Swing" in music?

  A style of jazz that developed in the early 1930s with an upbeat tempo.
• What does "Con Sordino" refer to in music?

  The use of a mute to create a 'fuzzy' sound on instruments like the trumpet.
• What is "Scat" in music?

  A style of vocal improvisation using nonsensical syllables.
• What are the main features of Rock 'n' Roll music?

  Fast tempo, often uses a 12-bar blues structure, and includes vocals, guitar, bass, and drums.
• Who is a famous Rock 'n' Roll musician?

  Elvis Presley
• What is "Jazz-Funk"?

  A combination of jazz improvisation and amplified instruments from rock music.
• What is the Hammond Organ used for?

  It is used in blues, jazz, and jazz-funk music.
• What are the key concepts to recognize in the Blues and Jazz unit?

  • Melody/Harmony
  • Rhythm/Tempo
  • Texture/Structure/Form
  • Timbre/Dynamics
  • Style
• How do spirituals influence blues music?

  • Spirituals reflect themes of hardship and longing.
  • They provide a foundation for the emotional expression in blues.
  • Both genres utilize call and response techniques.
• What are the similarities and differences between Gospel and Spirituals?

  Similarities:

  • Both have religious themes.
  • Use of call and response.

  
  

  Differences:

  • Gospel is more lively and upbeat.
  • Spirituals often have a slower tempo.
• What are the characteristics of the 12-bar blues structure?

  • Consists of 12 bars.
  • Typically uses chords I, IV, and V.
  • Features repetitive lyrics.
• What are the main features of Swing music?

  • Upbeat tempo.
  • Incorporates improvisation.
  • Utilizes syncopation and walking bass.
• How does improvisation function in jazz performances?

  • Musicians take turns creating music spontaneously.
  • The main tune is played at the beginning and end.
  • Improvisation occurs in the middle section.
• What is a Cadence in music?

  A Cadence is the end of a musical phrase.
• What does a Perfect Cadence sound like?

  A Perfect Cadence sounds finished.
• What chords are involved in a Perfect Cadence?

  Chord V-I.
• How does an Imperfect Cadence sound?

  An Imperfect Cadence sounds unfinished.
• What chord does an Imperfect Cadence finish on?

  An Imperfect Cadence finishes on chord V.
• What are the variations that can occur in Theme and Variation musical structure?

  • Changes to Melody
  • Changes to Rhythm
  • Changes to Key
  • Changes to Tempo
• What is the definition of Theme and Variation?

  The theme is heard and then repeated with variations.
• What is Binary musical structure?

  Binary (AB) is music made up of two different sections, A and B.
• What does Ternary musical structure consist of?

  Ternary (ABA) consists of two sections with the first section rounding off the piece.
• What is Rondo musical form?

  Rondo (ABACA) is a form where the first section repeats between contrasting sections.
• What is a Coda in music?

  A Coda is a section at the end of a piece that finishes it off effectively.
• What is Dissonance/Discord in music?

  Dissonance/Discord refers to notes that clash when sounded together.
• What does Chromatic mean in music?

  Chromatic refers to notes that move in semitones.
• What is Contrary Motion in music?

  Contrary Motion is when notes move in the opposite direction at the same time.
• What characterized the Romantic Era in music?

  Everything was bigger during the Romantic Era, particularly the orchestra.