By Revision Genie
Understanding Music
Unit 1
Musical Elements Overview
Melody: Conjunct and Disjunct
Melody: Triadic and Broken Chords
Melody: Scalic and Arpeggio
Melody: Ornamentation Techniques
Melody: Ostinato and Phrasing
Harmony: Diatonic and Chromatic
Harmony: Consonant and Dissonant
Harmony: Cadences and Their Types
Harmony: Major, Minor, and Seventh Chords
Tonality: Major and Minor Keys
Tonality: Modulation Techniques
Tonality: Relative and Tonic Relationships
Structure: Binary and Ternary Forms
Structure: Rondo and Arch Shape
Structure: Sonata and Theme Variations
Sonority: Instrumental Techniques
Sonority: Timbre in Combination
Texture: Homophonic and Polyphonic
Texture: Imitative and Canonic
Texture: Antiphonal and Layered
Tempo: Italian Terms and Pulse
Rhythm: Augmentation and Diminution
Rhythm: Syncopation and Triplets
Dynamics: Crescendo and Diminuendo
Dynamics: Gradation of Volume
Articulation: Legato and Staccato
Articulation: Accents and Slurring
Staff Notation Basics
Reading Staff Notation: Melody
Reading Staff Notation: Rhythm
Writing Staff Notation: Melodic Lines
Writing Staff Notation: Rhythmic Patterns
Chords: Identifying Major and Minor
Chords: Recognizing Seventh Chords
Musical Vocabulary and Terminology
Listening Skills: Unfamiliar Music
Critical Appraisal of Study Pieces
Audience, Time, and Place Effects
Changes in Music Over Time
Composer's Purpose and Intentions
Western Classical Tradition Overview
Popular Music Overview
Traditional Music Overview
Western Classical Tradition Since 1910
Study Piece: Mozart's Clarinet Concerto
Study Piece: Beethoven's Symphony No.1
Study Piece: Little Shop of Horrors
Study Piece: Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody
Study Piece: Paul Simon's Graceland
Study Piece: Zoltán Kodály's Háry János
Unit 2
Western Classical Tradition 1650–1910
Introduction to Western Classical Tradition 1650–1910
Defining Art Music and European Tradition
Characteristics of Notated Music
Public Performance in Western Classical Music
The Baroque Period: Key Features
Handel’s Coronation Anthems
Handel’s Oratorios
The Classical Period: Key Features
Haydn’s Orchestral Music
Mozart’s Orchestral Music
Beethoven’s Orchestral Music
The Romantic Period: Key Features
Chopin’s Piano Music
Schumann’s Piano Music
Late Romantic Requiems: Overview
Verdi’s Requiem
Musical Elements: Melody in Western Classical Music
Musical Elements: Harmony in Western Classical Music
Musical Elements: Tonality in Western Classical Music
Musical Elements: Structure in Western Classical Music
Musical Elements: Sonority and Timbre
Musical Elements: Texture in Western Classical Music
Musical Elements: Tempo, Metre, and Rhythm
Musical Elements: Dynamics and Articulation
Reading Staff Notation for Western Classical Music
Writing Staff Notation for Melodic Lines
Identifying Major and Minor Chords
Cadences: Perfect, Plagal, Imperfect, Interrupted
The Study Piece: Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major
The Study Piece: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, Movement 1
Rondo Form in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto
Sonata Form in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1
Modulation in Classical and Romantic Music
Role of the Audience in Western Classical Music
Impact of Historical Context on Composition
Evolution of Western Classical Music Over Time
Composer Intentions in Western Classical Music
Using Musical Vocabulary in Analysis
Orchestral Instruments of the Baroque Period
Orchestral Instruments of the Classical Period
Orchestral Instruments of the Romantic Period
Arco and Pizzicato Techniques
Con Sordino and Other Instrumental Techniques
The Role of the Continuo in Baroque Music
Ground Bass in Baroque Music
Theme and Variations in Classical Music
Minuet and Trio in Classical Music
Scherzo and Trio in Romantic Music
The Role of Ornamentation in Baroque and Classical Music
Common Exam Traps in Western Classical Tradition
Unit 3
Popular Music
Introduction to Popular Music
Defining Popular Music Styles
Broadway Music 1950s–1990s
Rock Music of the 1960s
Rock Music of the 1970s
Pop Music 1990s to Present
Film Music 1990s to Present
Computer Gaming Music 1990s to Present
Study Piece: Little Shop of Horrors Prologue
Study Piece: Mushnik and Son
Study Piece: Feed Me (Sudden Changes)
Study Piece: Queen's Seven Seas of Rhye
Study Piece: Queen's Love of My Life
Melody in Popular Music
Riffs and Hooks
Pitch Bend and Glissando
Melisma in Pop and Rock
Improvisation Techniques in Popular Music
Harmony in Popular Music
Power Chords and Stock Progressions
The Blues Scale and Modal Tonality
Structure in Popular Music
Verse, Chorus, and Outro
Twelve-Bar Blues Structure
Drum Fills and Breaks
Sonority in Popular Music
Electric Guitar and Synthesizers
Vocal Timbres: Falsetto, Rap, and Beatboxing
Instrumental Techniques: Palm Mute and Slap Bass
Technological Effects: Distortion and Amplification
Tempo, Metre, and Rhythm in Popular Music
Beats Per Minute (BPM)
Syncopation and Groove
Swing and Shuffle Rhythms
Backbeat and Off-Beat Rhythms
Dynamics in Popular Music
Crescendos and Diminuendos
Examining Musical Contexts in Popular Music
Audience, Time, and Place in Popular Music
Changes in Popular Music Over Time
Composer Intentions in Study Pieces
Using Musical Vocabulary in Popular Music
Reading Staff Notation for Popular Music
Writing Staff Notation for Popular Music
Identifying Chords in Popular Music
Common Exam Traps in Popular Music Questions
Unit 4
Traditional Music
Introduction to Traditional Music
Defining Folk Music
Characteristics of Blues Music
Origins of African Music
Caribbean Music Traditions
Introduction to Latin Music Styles
Pentatonic Scales in Traditional Music
Blue Notes in Blues Music
Call and Response in Folk Music
Improvisation in Blues and Jazz Fusion
Instrumentation in African Music
Steel Drums in Caribbean Music
Rhythmic Patterns in Latin Music
Fusion Music: Combining Traditions
Esperanza Spalding’s Fusion Techniques
Paul Simon’s Graceland Album Analysis
Strophic Form in Folk Music
12-Bar Blues Structure
Clave Rhythms in Latin Music
Syncopation in Traditional Music
Texture in Traditional Music
Modal Tonality in Folk Music
Polyrhythms in African Music
Instrumentation in Latin Music
Falsetto and Vibrato in Vocal Techniques
Role of Technology in Contemporary Traditional Music
Sampling and Reverb in Fusion Music
African Influences in Blues Music
Caribbean Influences in Fusion Music
Samba Rhythms in Latin Music
Tango Characteristics in Latin Music
Habanera Rhythm in Latin Music
Bi-Rhythms and Cross-Rhythms in African Music
Melodic Scat Techniques
Analyzing Graceland: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
Analyzing Graceland: You Can Call Me Al
Analyzing Esperanza Spalding: I Know You Know
Analyzing Esperanza Spalding: Little Fly
Analyzing Esperanza Spalding: I Adore You
Examining the Role of Ostinato in Traditional Music
Drone in Traditional Music
Latin Dance Styles: Salsa and Merengue
Bubble and Skank Rhythms in Caribbean Music
Analyzing Fusion in Contemporary Folk Music
Exam Techniques for Traditional Music Questions
Common Pitfalls in Traditional Music Analysis
Using Musical Vocabulary in Traditional Music
Listening Skills for Unfamiliar Traditional Music
Historical Context of Traditional Music
Cultural Influences in Traditional Music
Unit 5
Introduction to Western Classical Tradition Since 1910
Defining Modern and Contemporary Classical Music
Characteristics of Experimental Music
Understanding Minimalist Music
Key Features of Minimalist Music
The Orchestral Music of Aaron Copland
Copland's Saturday Night Waltz
Copland's Hoedown
British Music Since 1910: Key Composers
The Music of Malcolm Arnold
The Music of Benjamin Britten
The Music of Peter Maxwell Davies
The Music of John Tavener
Orchestral Music of Zoltán Kodály
Kodály's Háry János Suite Overview
Kodály's Battle and Defeat of Napoleon
Kodály's Intermezzo
Orchestral Music of Béla Bartók
Bartók's Hungarian Pictures Overview
Bartók's Evening in the Village
Bartók's The Bear Dance
Bartók's Slightly Tipsy
Bartók's Swineherd’s Dance
Minimalist Composers: John Adams
Minimalist Composers: Steve Reich
Minimalist Composers: Terry Riley
Techniques in Minimalist Music
Ostinato and Repetition in Minimalism
Phasing and Gradual Change in Minimalism
Tonal Ambiguity in Modern Classical Music
Use of Dissonance in 20th Century Music
Pentatonic and Modal Scales in 20th Century Music
Role of Technology in Contemporary Classical Music
Timbre and Instrumentation in 20th Century Music
Layering and Texture in Modern Classical Music
Cross-Rhythm and Polyrhythm in Experimental Music
Analyzing Unfamiliar 20th Century Music
Impact of Audience, Time, and Place on Modern Classical Music
Changes in Western Classical Music Since 1910
Purpose and Intention in 20th Century Compositions
Using Musical Vocabulary for 20th Century Music
Reading Staff Notation in Modern Classical Music
Writing Staff Notation for Modern Classical Music
Identifying Chords in 20th Century Music
Examining Minimalist Study Pieces
Examining Experimental Study Pieces
Common Exam Traps in Western Classical Tradition Since 1910
Strategies for Listening to Unfamiliar Modern Classical Music
Unit 6
Performing Music
Solo Performance Requirements
Ensemble Performance Requirements
Minimum Duration Rules
Instrumental Performance Basics
Vocal Performance Basics
Using Technology in Performance
DJ Performance Requirements
Production Technology Performance Basics
Technical Control in Performance
Expression and Interpretation in Performance
Accuracy in Instrumental Performance
Accuracy in Vocal Performance
Accuracy in Technology-Based Performance
Expression in Instrumental Performance
Expression in Vocal Performance
Expression in Technology-Based Performance
Levels of Demand in Instrumental Performance
Levels of Demand in Vocal Performance
Levels of Demand in DJ Performance
Levels of Demand in Technology-Based Performance
Using Microphones Effectively
Using Pizzicato and Other Techniques
Using Dynamics in Performance
Using Articulation in Performance
Interpreting Musical Elements in Performance
Selecting Repertoire for Performance
Preparing for Solo Performance
Preparing for Ensemble Performance
Recording Performances for Assessment
Submitting Performance Evidence
Using Notated Scores in Performance
Using Lead Sheets in Performance
Using Guide Recordings in Performance
Annotating Performance Intentions
Common Performance Mistakes
Marking Criteria for Solo Performance
Marking Criteria for Ensemble Performance
Marking Criteria for Technology-Based Performance
Understanding the Assessment Grids
Technical Control Assessment Criteria
Expression Assessment Criteria
Accuracy Assessment Criteria
Balance in Technology-Based Performance
Panning in Technology-Based Performance
Using Effects in Technology-Based Performance
Sense of Style in Technology-Based Performance
Live Performance Settings
Authenticating Performances
Avoiding Common Timing Penalties
Developing Fluency in Performance
Unit 7
Composing Music
What is Free Composition?
Composing to a Brief
Understanding Musical Elements
Selecting Musical Elements for Composition
Developing Rhythmic Ideas
Using Metre in Compositions
Creating Texture in Music
Developing Melodic Lines
Exploring Structure and Form
Using Harmony Effectively
Exploring Tonality in Composition
Manipulating Timbre
Using Dynamics Expressively
Understanding Phrasing in Music
Articulation Techniques in Composition
Extending and Manipulating Musical Ideas
Improvisation as a Compositional Tool
Using Technology in Composition
Score Writing Software Techniques
Sequencing Software in Composition
Multi-Tracking in Studio Composition
Traditional Notation for Compositions
Documenting Compositions with Scores
Creating Lead Sheets for Compositions
Writing Programme Notes
Composing for Specific Audiences
Composing for Specific Occasions
Using Visual Stimuli in Composition
Using Text as a Compositional Stimulus
Using Aural Guides in Composition
Combining Vocal and Instrumental Elements
Blending Genres in Composition
Avoiding Common Composition Pitfalls
Editing and Refining Compositions
Evaluating Compositional Success
Meeting Minimum Duration Requirements
Ensuring Technical and Expressive Control
Creative Use of Musical Elements
Responding to Feedback on Compositions
Submitting Compositions for Assessment
Understanding Assessment Criteria for Composition
Unit 8
Musical Elements and Language
Defining Melody in Music
Conjunct and Disjunct Motion
Triadic and Broken Chords
Scalic and Arpeggio Patterns
Intervals Within the Octave
Passing Notes and Diatonic Scales
Chromatic Notes and Slides
Ornamentation: Acciaccaturas and Appoggiaturas
Ostinato in Melody
Phrasing and Articulation in Melody
Understanding Harmony in Music
Diatonic and Chromatic Harmony
Consonant and Dissonant Chords
Pedal and Drone Techniques
Tièrce de Picardie Explained
Major, Minor, and Dominant Seventh Chords
Roman Numerals in Harmony
Exploring Tonality in Music
Major and Minor Key Signatures
Modulation to Dominant and Subdominant
Relative Major and Minor Keys
Tonic Major and Minor Explained
Musical Structure: Binary and Ternary Forms
Rondo and Arch-Shape Structures
Through-Composed Music
Theme and Variations in Structure
Sonata Form Overview
Minuet and Trio vs Scherzo and Trio
Call and Response Techniques
Ground Bass and Continuo
Cadenza in Music
Sonority: Timbre and Instrumental Techniques
Arco, Pizzicato, and Con Sordino
Texture in Music: Harmonic and Homophonic
Polyphonic and Contrapuntal Textures
Imitative and Canonic Textures
Antiphonal Texture Explained
Melody and Accompaniment
Unison and Octaves in Texture
Understanding Tempo and Metre
Simple and Compound Time Signatures
Regular and Irregular Rhythms
Anacrusis in Rhythm
Italian Tempo Terms: Allegro, Andante, etc.
Pulse and Beat in Music
Augmentation and Diminution Techniques
Hemiola in Rhythm
Dotted Rhythms and Triplets
Scotch Snap Rhythms
Rubato and Pause in Tempo
Dynamics and Articulation in Music
Dynamic Gradations: pp to ff
Crescendo and Diminuendo Symbols
Sforzando (sfz) Explained
Common Symbols for Dynamics
Writing Staff Notation: Rhythm and Melody
Applying Musical Vocabulary to Analysis
Unit 9
Music Technology and Production
Introduction to Music Technology
History of Music Production Techniques
Analog vs Digital Recording
Microphone Types and Uses
Microphone Placement Techniques
Understanding Audio Interfaces
MIDI and Its Role in Music Production
Using Sequencers in Music Creation
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Basic Audio Editing Techniques
Introduction to Multi-Track Recording
Equalization (EQ) Basics
Compression and Dynamic Processing
Reverb and Delay Effects
Automation in Music Production
Sampling Techniques in Music
Looping and Beat Creation
Synthesizers and Sound Design Basics
Understanding Audio Formats
Mastering Basics for Final Tracks
Mixing Techniques for Balance and Clarity
Using Virtual Instruments
Creating Music for Film and Games
Live Sound and Performance Technology
DJ Technology and Techniques
Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues
Role of Producers in Music Creation
Copyright and Licensing in Music Production
Exploring Music Production Careers
Collaborating with Musicians Using Technology
Understanding Signal Flow in Studios
Noise Reduction Techniques
Pitch Correction and Auto-Tune
Creating Custom Sound Libraries
Using Controllers and Pads in Production
Understanding Surround Sound Mixing
Creating Music for Social Media Platforms
Real-Time Effects Processing
Using Score Writing Software
Hardware vs Software Instruments
Introduction to Foley and Sound Effects
Virtual Reality Music Production
Exploring AI in Music Creation
Building a Home Studio Setup
Understanding Latency in Recording
Creating Music for Commercials
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Using Plugins for Creative Effects
Music Technology in Education