Overview
This lecture covered foundational music theory concepts, answering common questions about pitch, timbre, intervals, chords, scales, piano mechanics, and the significance of music theory.
Pitch vs. Timbre
- Pitch is how high or low a note sounds.
- Timbre refers to the texture or quality of a note, such as piano vs. voice.
Reharmonization
- Reharmonization means altering a song’s chords while keeping the same melody.
- Different chords can fit a single melody note, creating unique emotions and sounds.
Scales and Modes
- The major pentatonic scale consists of five notes; its second mode starts on the second note and has a distinct sound.
- Modes are variations of scales beginning on different scale degrees.
Middle C and Piano Basics
- Middle C, also called C4, is the central C note on the piano.
- It's considered the most accessible reference point on the keyboard.
Learning Piano at Any Age
- It’s never too late to start learning piano or keyboard.
Music Theory and Sound Perception
- No one fully understands why music sounds pleasing; it’s partly a mystery.
Emotion in Keys and Chords
- There is no objectively "saddest" key; context and chord progressions influence emotional effect.
- Major and minor chords can feel happy or sad depending on their context within music.
The Circle of Fifths
- The circle of fifths arranges the 12 notes in a circular pattern, each a fifth apart.
- It reveals relationships and similarities between keys.
Swing Percentage
- Swing refers to the rhythmic feel of a piece, adding a flexible, uneven timing to notes.
The Tritone ("Devil's Interval")
- A tritone is an interval of three whole tones, historically viewed as dissonant.
- It creates tension and is neither major nor minor.
Chord Changes
- To change a C major chord to C minor, lower the third note (E) by a half step to E flat.
Piano Pedals
- Right pedal (sustain) holds notes longer.
- Left pedal (soft) reduces volume.
- Middle pedal (sostenuto or mute) sustains chosen notes or muffles sound.
Time Signatures: 3/4 vs. 6/8
- 3/4 time has three beats per measure with each beat emphasized once.
- 6/8 time has two main beats, each divided into three sub-beats.
Piano Key Layout
- White keys represent natural notes; black keys are sharps/flats, adding color and complexity.
Relevance of Music Theory
- Music theory enhances a musician’s creative options, but exploration and enjoyment are most important.
Key Characteristics
- Each key has its unique character and emotional feel, beyond just pitch.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Pitch — the perceived highness or lowness of a note.
- Timbre — the unique quality or color of a sound.
- Reharmonization — changing a melody’s chord progression.
- Tritone — an interval of three whole tones (six half steps).
- Circle of Fifths — a visual arrangement showing relationships among keys.
- Sustain Pedal — a piano pedal that prolongs notes.
- Sostenuto Pedal — a piano pedal that sustains selected notes.
- Time Signature — notation showing how beats are grouped in music.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Explore the sound and feeling of different chords and keys on an instrument.
- Practice distinguishing pitch and timbre using various instruments or voices.
- Try reharmonizing a simple melody using different chords.
- Experiment with piano pedals to understand their effects.