AP Music Theory Flashcards
(49 cards)
Dynamics
Also known as amplitude.
The size of each individual wave, or wave height.
Pitch
Also knowns as frequency.
The wavelength, which is the distance between one wave and the next.
Timbre
Also known as tone colour.
Refers to the shape and form of the sound wave as it moves in distance and frequency. Produces unique qualities of sound.
For example, different instruments have different timbres.
Articulation
The manner in which we begin the note, sustain it, and end the note. The envelope of sound is composed of a sounds stack, sustain, and release.
Duration
The length of time sound and silence lasts.
Staff
The 5 lines and 4 spaces that music is written on. The lines and spaces are numbered from the bottom to the top.
Soprano
Highest female voice
Mezzo soprano
Moderately high female voice
Alto
Low female voice
Tenor
High male voice
Baritone
Low male voice
C Clef
Moved from line to line to show where middle C is located. Also called movable C clef.
Treble Clef
Also ‘G Clef’. The clef curls around the second line of the staff and indicates G4.
Bass Clef
Also ‘F Clef’. The clef curves around the 4th line and indicates F3.
Grand Staff
Combines both treble and bass chefs
Ledger lines
Small lines that extend the staff while keeping the 5 lines and 4 spaces intact in order to show notes that are above or below the staff.
Neutral clef
Used for rhythm only
Interval
The distance between two notes
Half step
The smallest interval possible on a piano keyboard.
Sharp
# Raises the pitch one half step above its natural pitch.
Flat
b
Lowers the pitch one half step below its natural pitch.
Enharmonic
Notes that sound alike but have different names.
Double sharp
x
Raises a pitch by two half steps
Double flat
bb
Lowers the pitch by two half steps
