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Module 9 - Music

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Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4 : : Activity 5 : : Activity 6

Activity 5: Competency Builder: Analyze a piece of music using the elements of music

Using the terms you studied in Activity 2, 3 and 4, you can analyze a work of music. Some questions to ask yourself as you listen to the piece:
 
  • Form – In what ways does the program identify the form of the selection? In what specific ways does the selection meet the characteristics of that form?
  • Dynamics – How does the piece explore dynamics? How, using the specific musical terms - for example, pianissimo, forte, etc.- would you describe the progression of the piece from beginning to end? In what ways does the piece explore color tones?
  • Rhythm – What is the meter of the piece? Do any changes occur? If so, where and how?
  • Tempo – In what ways does the tempo of the piece affect your response? How, using the specific musical terms – for example, largo, andante, moderato, presto, etc. – would you describe the progression of the piece from beginning to end?
  • Texture – What texture does the piece explore? Where, if any, do changes in texture occur?
  • Ensemble – What kind of ensemble played/sang the piece? Did its size have any effect on the way in which you listened to and perceived the piece?
  • Reaction – How do the previous elements combine to create a reaction in you? In other words, what draws your attention? What is the emotional response to the piece, and what causes that emotional reaction?
 
Please go to the Visual and Performing Arts Comunity and look for the message thread titled:

Competency Builder: Analyze a piece of music

Do a practice analysis of this musical selection using the criteria established above. This will help you with the assessments later on and will also help your fellow students understand the concepts and ideas in a much clearer way. 
 
Copyright 2008, by the Contributing Authors. Cite/attribute Resource. sguy. (2007, March 01). Module 9 - Music. Retrieved November 21, 2008, from Western Governors University Web site: http://ocw.wgu.edu/liberal-arts/visual-and-performing-arts-after-11-30-2007/a95.html. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. Creative Commons License