F. I. T. Cutting Edge text

Understanding the Nature of Music 
Any piece of music, whether it be jazz improvisation or a symphony performed by the 
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, requires the organization of several primary elements: 
melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo
,
 
and
 dynamics
. 
Melody
is the tune of a piece of music, the 
part to which you might hum or whistle along. Indeed many people refer to a piece of music 
as a “tune” which highlights the importance of this element. 
Harmony
involves the 
combination of notes, which acts to influence the mood of the listener. The “sonic tapestry” 
that results when different notes are combined can make you feel happy, sad, relaxed, or 
edgy. The next time you watch a movie, pay particular attention to how changes in harmony 
are used to manipulate your emotions.
Rhythm
involves the distribution of notes over time and the way in which they are 
accented. Musical styles, such as reggae – which has a strong second and fourth beat of each 
bar – or salsa – which has a syncopated (off the beat) feel – are characterized by very distinct 
rhythms. That is why when you dance to a reggae “skank”
1
your movements are slow and 
jolting, whereas when you dance to a salsa “montuno”
2
they are fast and pulsating. 
Tempo
is 
the speed at which music is played, usually measured in beats per minute (bpm). Most 
1
“Skank” is a West Indian colloquialism representing the beat that characterizes reggae music. This involves a 
strong emphasis on the second and fourth beat of the bar. 
2
“Montuno” is a name given to the particular style of piano playing that typifies salsa music. It features a 
catchy, syncopated vamp that is repeated throughout the piece. 

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The Role of Music 4 
4 
common musical styles or rhythms only work within a certain bandwidth of tempi; so when 
reggae is played at a very high tempo it just doesn‟t sound right. 
Dynamics
reflect the energy 
transmitted by a musician, through their touch or breath, to impact on the loudness of an 
instrument. For example, in a jazz ballad, such as Ella Fitzgerald‟s version of 
Summertime
, 
the drummer strokes his drums with brushes, whereas in a rock anthem, such as Queen‟s 
We 
Will Rock You
, he strikes them forcefully using both sticks simultaneously. 
In many professional arenas, music and sport have become very closely linked, with the 
use of disc jockeys who select music that will inspire the players and engage the crowd. In 
the highest echelons of modern-day sport, the line between sporting endeavor and show 
business has become blurred. Fans attend games and matches, not just to support their 
favorite team, but to be entertained. Accordingly, stimuli, such as music, video, and lighting, 
have become an integral part of the sporting spectacle.