Understanding Musical Scores, Instruments, and Genres

How to Read a Musical Score: Basics

The Greeks invented the word "music." They believed these mythological creatures were wise men, and music was inspired by their thoughts. They said that music was the beginning of wisdom. Musical language is a graphical representation of sound. Letters are symbols that represent the pitch of the sound. Notes are placed on or under the staff lines. Additional ledger lines are added for notes too high or too low to be represented on the staff. A scale is a series of correlative sounds. Ascending is when the sound goes from low to high, and descending is the opposite. The staff is composed of five lines and four spaces, where the music is written. A clef is a symbol placed at the beginning of each staff to indicate the name and pitch of the notes. The three main clefs are: G clef, F clef, and C clef.

How to Read a Musical Score: Duration

Figures represent the duration of the sound, not the sound itself, but its duration. Silence figures represent periods of silence.

Bars divide the music into equal parts of time, according to accent. The end of a bar is indicated by a double bar line ||. Repetitions are indicated by two dots before a double bar line |: :|.

• 2/4 time: Two beats per measure. Each beat is a quarter note (black figure) or its equivalent in silence.
• 3/4 time: Three beats per measure. Each beat is a quarter note or its equivalent in silence.
• 4/4 time: Four beats per measure. Each beat is a quarter note or its equivalent in silence.

Voice Changes

Voice Types. In the 19th century, human voices were classified into six vocal types: three male and three female. Most voices are not formally trained. Children's voices and untrained voices are similar to women's voices.

Wind Instruments

Recorder (Flute Honey or Mokoduna)

The recorder, also known as flute honey or mokoduna, is one of the oldest wind instruments. It was very common in Renaissance and Baroque music. Later, composers ceased writing specifically for the recorder until the 20th century, when it experienced a resurgence in popularity. Contemporary musicians have written new works for it, and music from other periods is often adapted for the recorder. It is also very popular in music education.

Woodwind Instruments

Aerophones, known as wind instruments, produce sound primarily through vibrating air. They are divided into two groups: woodwind and brass. Woodwind instruments include the flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, while brass instruments include the trumpet, trombone, and tuba.

• Flute: The flute is one of the oldest musical instruments, invented by blowing on a reed.
• Pan Flute: This instrument's name derives from Greek mythology, where the god Pan is credited with its invention. It consists of interconnected cane tubes. It is a common instrument in Inca folk music.
• Recorder (Mokoduna Flute): See above.
• Transverse Flute: Unlike other woodwind instruments, the transverse flute is often made of metal. It is played by blowing air across a hole.
• Saxophone: A metal instrument made of copper or brass. Invented by Adolphe Sax in 1846, it became a traditional instrument in orchestras and jazz bands by the end of the 19th century. Saxophones come in different sizes and pitches.
• Oboe: Produces a high, clear sound.
• Contrabassoon: Similar to the bassoon, but its sound is an octave lower.
• Bassoon: Produces a deep, low sound.
• Clarinet: A musical instrument with a high, clear sound. Mozart was captivated by the clarinet's sound in 1770.
• Piccolo: A small flute with a higher pitch. It consists of two parts and can be made of wood or metal.

Music Genres

• Popular or Folk: Transmitted orally from generation to generation and originating from the people.
• Modern Popular: Developed in the second half of the 20th century, including styles like pop and rock. These styles would not exist without inventions like the gramophone or records.
• Classical (Cultured): More complex than popular music, it has been preserved for centuries thanks to musical notation. It originated centuries ago and is still performed in homes and concert halls today.
• Religious: Written for worship and praise of God by composers of all kinds.