The Science of Song: How and Why We Make Music

The Science of Song: How and Why We Make Music — page 5
WHAT IS MUSIC ANYWAY If you listen to music composed by Beethoven in the 1800s and compare it with what you usually listen to assuming that isn't classical music you'll probably notice some differences You'll hear some instruments such as piccolos and bassoons that you might not hear on the radio today People may even be singing in a different style than you're used to All those sounds are still music But what exactly is music Put simply it's a combination of different sounds that express emotion using melody harmony and rhythm These elements work together to create a song a symphony or even a jingle Music means something different to everyone You likely have a favorite song or even a preferred style of music called a genre Pop Rap Rock Country All different genres Someone who prefers rap might think rock is awful or vice versa But they're both music whether you like it or not Melody is a combination of musical notes arranged in a pattern Harmony is the sound two or more different notes make when played at the same time Rhythm is a repeating pattern of long and short notes