Music

The word “music” is from the Greek word

mousike, which means “Art of the Muses.” It is The Elements of Music
the art of arranging tones in an orderly way to Music is highly useful art that originates in nature
produce aunified and continuous composition. The and has been take up by humanity as a way of
common elements of music are pitch (which governs expression. It has the power to influence emotional
melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated and psychological aspects of behavior. It has major
concepts tempo, meter, and articulation) dynamics, elements, namely:
and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture. 1. Harmony (From the Greek harmonia, meaning
To many people of different cultures, music is “joint or agreement”) - It refers to the
an integral part of their way of life. It is an art that verticalization of pitch. It is often thought as the art
puts sounds together in a way that people like. Most of combining pitches into chords. These chords are
music includes people singing with their voices or usually arranged into sentence-like patterns called
playing a musical instrument, such as drums, piano, chord progressions.
guitar, and others. When music is written on a staff, 2. Key- It is known as tonality, a principle in music
the pitches (tones) and their duration are composition wherein at the end of the piece there is
represented by symbols known as notes. These a feeling of completion by going back to the tonic.
symbols are put on the lines and in the spaces 3. Melody (From a Greek meloidia, which means
between the lines. Each position says which tone “singing” or “chanting”)- It refers to the tune of a
must be played. The higher the note is in the staff, song or piece of music.
the higher the pitch of the tone. The lower the notes 4. Pitch- It refers to the perceptual property that
are, the lower the pitch of the tone. allows the ordering of sounds on a frequency-related
scale either relative lowness or highness.
Music can also be written, naming them as in 5. Rhythm- It comes from a Greek word rhythmos,
the solfa “Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Si/Ti, Do.” The next which means “any regular recurring motion.” It is
table shows how each note is represented in the the pattern of the sound in time and beats in music.
Standard Notation or chords. This notation was made 6. Tempo- It regards to the speed (slow or fast) of a
to make the lecture on music notes simple and given piece of music.
easy to read. 7. Texture- It refers to how the harmonic materials
are combined in a composition. It could be
What is the Role of Music in Our Lives? monophonic (single melodic line), polyphonic (two
Art and music are fundamental human or more melodic lines) and homophonic (the main
functions and essential parts of human life. Without melody accompanied by chords).
music, our life is a lost, unsure, and probably 8. Timbre- It refers to the quality of the sound (tone)
incapable of venting our emotions (Galindo, 2003). that distinguishes one voice or instrument from
Based on studies, music can be a right way of helping another.
our imagination goes to new heights. It touches our
soul and enables us to express different moods and The Essentials in Song writing
emotions. It inspires people and The song is a composition for a voice or
allows us to get in touch with our feelings in a way voices, performed by singing. Musical instruments
that is unique. It allows our body and mind to make a may accompany a song, or it may be
break from the monotony of life. unaccompanied, as in the case of the cappella songs.
Likewise, music can kindle the mind. It can It may be for a solo singer, a duet, trio, or larger
inspire ordinary human feelings and bridges gaps ensemble involving more voices. Songs with more
between cultures. It touches our emotional being and than one voice to a part are considered choral works.
shows emotions that are sometimes difficult to Most song writing techniques are about what you
articulate. It can be our day happy or excited. should do to succeed. Below are the common
essentials in song writing (Kamien, 1997).
  Song Sections. Songs are divided up into
 Arrangement. Arrangement in music is sections or components such as intro, verse,
considered as a reconceptualization of a chorus, bridge, lead breaks, etc.
previously composed work. It includes the
order in which the sections of music are The Different Music Genres
placed (such as, introverse-chorus-verse- Being involved in a musical event with music-
chorus), and the organization of the minded people who enjoy the same sort of songs and
instrumentation, vocals or other parts of sounds can be a good experience. Genres can
music that make up the song. sometimes be a good-natured way to
 Beat and Rhythm. The beat is the speed work with other people and to introduce new fans to
(tempo) of the song that drives the listener to the music you are producing. Music is a form of art
feel either fast or slow. On the other hand, and an organized sound. It voices our emotions
the rhythm is the beat that the various harmoniously and
instruments such as bass, drum, and guitar pleasantly. Different genres of music help in soothing
have produced. one’s disturbed soul in the growth of concentration
 Chords (chord progression). It refers to and cheer us to live our life joyfully. Some types of
any harmonic set of pitches used to music are as follows:
accompany the melody of the song. It is  Classical Music. Classical music is a
formed when multiple pitches (notes on a sophisticated form of composition as it
musical instrument) are placed together on requires skills like learning the ability to
staff (a sheet of music). It comes in different coordinate with others musicians.
varieties, which includes the augmented  Folk Music. This type of music reflects the
chords, major chords, minor chords, emotions of common people. Cultural and
diminished chords, seventh chords, and popular music are the two sub-genres of folk
Neapolitan chords. music.
 Concept (story). All songs have a storyline  Funk. This music became known in the late
or concept. Typically, the song title will 1960s. Funk made rhythm the most
convey the essence of that story idea and the important element while de-emphasizing
words (lyric) will expound upon that idea. melody.
 Genre and Style. The genre of the song  Hip-hop Music. Hip-hop music always
such as pop, rock, or country is established includes the use of an instrument such as
by the beat and rhythm of the song. The bass, drums, guitar, piano, violin, and fiddle.
quality of the song branches out from the In this type of music, the bass is the main
genre, such as alternative, hip-hop, punk instrument. This can be used in different
rock, or alternative type of music. intensities to emote feelings of anger or
 Length. The length of a song is always pride.
considered, depending on its use. They can  Jazz. Complex and strong beats feature this
be shorter or longer, but this is the typical type of music. The main instruments used for
length of today’s musical arrangement. this type of music are a cornet, trumpet, or
 Lyrics. This term comes from the Greek word violin.
lyrikos, which means “singing to the lyre.” It  Meta Music. This is a type of music wherein
describes a concept of a theme which rhymes the melody is influenced by the structure of
in the sections of music the songs (known as “information music”).
 Melody. Melody is the harmony of the song  Opera Music. This genre has a fantastic
that you play or sing. It is the main line of combination of theatrical art and musical
music you’re making and the basis of the invention and is played explicitly in big
song. audiences.
 Rock Music. This music genre requires the
vocals to be accompanied by bass, drums,
 and guitar. Sometimes, piano, synthesizer, 3. Bass Saxophone-It is one of the largest
saxophone, flute, mandolin, and sitar are also members of the saxophone family of low
in this genre for a more profound impact. range, usually supported on a stand while
This type of music has several sub-genres, being played.
such as hard rock, metal rock, and 4. Tuba- It is the largest and deep-pitched
progressive rock. brass instrument. The Sound is produced by
 Techno Music. This genre is also known as vibrating the lips into a sizeable cup-shaped
fusion type of music. This is a form of mouthpiece.
electronic dance-music based on African-
American music styles like electro jazz and Baritone Instruments
funk. 1. Bassoon- It is, a woodwind instrument in the
 Trance Music. This type of music is usually double reed family. It is played by pressing
performed in clubhouses. This is the reed between the lips and blow to sound
characterized by fast tempo and repetitious the instrument.
beats. 2. Baritone Saxophone- It is one of largest
Classification of Musical Instruments members of the saxophone family and is the
A Musical instrument is a tool adapted or lowest-pitched saxophone.
created in making musical sounds. It was primarily 3. Bass Clarinet- It is regularly performed in
designed to emulate natural sounds for ritual symphony orchestras, wind ensembles,
purposes. Their vocal range often classifies it in occasionally in marching bands, and plays an
comparison with other instruments such as the occasional solo role in contemporary music.
following; 4. Cello (viooncello)- It is a bowed, and
sometimes plucked string instrument. It has
Alto Instruments a hollow wooden body with two sound holes,
1. Alto Saxophone- It is a member of the and four strings were running along the body
saxophone family of woodwind instruments and neck.
invented in 1841 by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian 5. Baritone Horn-It is a wind instrument that
instrument designer. It is a type of device consists of a brass tube (usually of variable
mostly used in classical compositions. length) that is blown using a cup-shaped or
2. French Horn- It is a brass instrument made pipe-shaped mouthpiece.
about 12-13 feet of tubing wrapped into a coil
with a flared bell. Soprano Instruments
3. English Horn (also known as coranglais) - It 1. Flute- It is a wind instrument that produces
is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the sound through the flow of air from the hole
oboe family. that has an elaborate set of keys.
4. Viola- It is the middle voice of the violin 2. Violin- It is a small string instrument, usually
family and between the violin and the cello. It with four strings tuned in perfect fifths.
is a bowed string instrument. 3. Soprano Saxophone- It is a woodwind
instrument used as a solo and chamber
Bass Instruments instrument in classical music or a concert
1. Double Bass- It is the largest and lowest- band or orchestra.
pitched bowed string instrument in the 4. Trumpet- It is the musical instrument which
modern symphony orchestra. is usually played by blowing air through
2. Bass Guitar- It is a stringed instrument with closed lips in producing a buzzing sound.
a longer neck and scale length, with four to 5. Clarinet- It is a type of woodwind instrument
eight strings. It is played mainly with the that has a straight cylindrical tube with a
fingers or thumb, by picking, plucking, flaring bell and a single-reed mouthpiece.
slapping, popping, tapping, or thumping.
 6. Oboe- It is a woodwind instrument with a actors move and speak. In a drama, the artist should
double-reed mouthpiece, a slender tubular start with characters that are full, rich, interesting,
body, and holes stopped by keys. and different enough from each other to come up
7. Piccolo- It is the high-pitched woodwind with a good story. Engaging characters are at the
instrument used in orchestras and military heart of all good drama. Characters should be
bands realistic, even if they are in an incredible situation.
We should be able to empathize or engage with the
Tenor Instruments main characters, even if we don’t necessarily like
1. Trombone- It is a musical instrument in them.
which the sound is produced when the A good drama is something that is cool which
player’s vibrating lips trigger the air column we always wanted to watch. It is something that
inside the device to vibrate. appeals to our emotions, has proper character
2. Tenor Saxophone- It is a medium-sized development, and leaves us wanting to come back
woodwind instrument that is very prominent for the next episode to find out what’s going to
in jazz groups and is one of the essential happen next.
voices of a concert or marching band. Drama is a favorite form of entertainment for many
3. Guitar- It is a stringed musical instrument people.
with a fretted fingerboard, typically incurved
sides, and have six or twelve strings, played The following are its elements:
by plucking or strumming. 1. Audience. The audience is the body of
theatre-goers that the writer always had in
mind when he/she wrote the play. The role of
the audience is to witness the production and
to encourage the actors through their
applause and appreciation.
2. Dialogue. The dialogue is a technique in
which playwright used two or more
characters to be engaged in conversation
with one another. It has two parts: Inner
Dialogue (the characters speak to themselves
and reveal their personalities like a
monologue) and the Outer Dialogue (a simple
conversation between two characters in a
Drama play).
He terms “Drama” is from a Greek word 3. Plot. It refers to the order of events or story
drao, meaning “to do” or “to act.” It is performed that occurred in a play. What the characters
by actors and actresses onradio, television or stage do, how they interact, the course of their
before an audience. Often, it combined with music lives as narrated by the story, and what
and dances (Clark, 1965; Banham, 1998). happens to them in the end, constitutes the
Drama is a play that is acted out. It is a plot.
reflection of the everyday lives of people. It shows 4. Stagecraft. It refers to the technical aspects
how people seriously or humorously experience some of theatrical production, which include
eventful period in their lives. It combines the arts of costume design, lighting, scenic design,
the actor, author, director, designer, and others (Bain stage machinery, sound, and makeup.
et al., 1973). 5. Convention. It refers to the technique of
Drama is writing the scene that is intended to actions established by the director to the
be performed by the artists for an audience. The actors to create a desired dramatic effect.
script are consists of dialogue, the words the actors 6. Genres. It refers to the types of acts used in
say, and the stage directions on how and where the a drama in showing an emotional and
 relational development of realistic feelings such as anger, desire, frustration, or
characters. pity. It can also be through lighting, sound,
7. Characterization. It is a writer's ability to movement, setting, rhythm, contrast, or
match the Protagonist against an Antagonist. conflict.
the protagonist is the main character in a  Rhythm. It refers to the speed and timing
story while the antagonist is the opposition. (beat or tempo) of the play that follows the
emotional state of one or more characters of
Other Dramatic Elements the performance.
Dramatic elements are the center of all  Sound. It is a means of creating an
drama. They canbe used in isolation and are atmosphere or mood in a play. Small props
manipulated by a performer for a spectacular result. sometimes produced sound effects that can
The following are the other dramatic elements: be used live during a performance.
 Climax. It is the highest point of dramatic  Space. It refers to the practical use of
tension or conflict in a story or play. Without available area utilized by the actors, such as
the climax, a story will have lack of crawling, bending over, sitting, or lying down.
excitement or an overarching meaning.  Symbol. It refers to the objects or sets and
 Conflict. It is a vital element of drama and props used in theatre performances. They are
script writing. It is an essential ingredient for intended to arouse some concept or emotion
all dramatic performances. It can be between in the mind of the audience.
two or more characters, or just one (inner  Tension. This can sometimes be similar to
conflict). It can be verbal (physical) or non- the term conflict. The tension form when
verbal (psychological). audience anticipates specific outcomes in the
 Contrast. The use of variation in a drama is plot of the story. The development of tension
a useful way to focus the audience's usually parallels the advancement of the plot,
attention. Without the careful use of contrast, leading to the climax.
a performance is dull and lacks tension. A  Timing. It refers to the dramatic phases or
prominent example of contrast is a sad scene synchronization of movements and gestures
followed by a happy one. of the various parts of production for
 Focus. It is used interchangeably with the theatrical effect.
terms concentration and engagement in
assisting the performer in the portrayal of Types of Drama
believable personae. It also suggests  Tragedy: It is a simulation of an action that
memorization of word, moves, gestures, and is serious, complete, and of absolute
requires channeling (focusing) of all the magnitude in a play. It usually depicts the
performer’s energies into achieving the given downfall of the protagonist.
goals of a character.  Comedy: It is a type of dramatic work that is
 Language. It is the written script that helps amusing and humorous in its tone, mostly
achieve any performance. The use of words having a cheerful ending.
in performance can be verbal (vocal) or non-  Problem Play- It is a type of drama that
verbal (body language). It can also be sung deals with controversial social issues in a
or chanted as a major means of realistic manner. It exposes social ills and
communicating the story of the drama to the stimulates thought and discussion on the part
viewers. of the audience.
 Mood. It refers to the emotion or tone of a  Farce-It is a comedy that turns around
performance through a combination of impossible and exaggerated events.
several  Fantasy- This type of drama is often
Stage crafts and dramatic elements that romantic and contains the elements of the
harmoniously work with each other. The supernatural, magic, secret societies, and
mood of production is linked with common revenge.
  Melodrama- It is a dramatic work in which 5. It develops the ability to interact and work with
the plot is designed to appeal strong others.
emotions and takes precedence over detailed 6. It helps in building self-confidence and self-
characterization. esteem.

The drama of Historical Interest Drama Forms

 Ancient Drama- Drama existed in religious Drama forms are composed of specific
ceremonies for the worship of the different structures that define, differentiate, and shape ways
gods. in which it is explored. Often, its forms are the
 Medieval Drama- It dealt with Bible stories improvisation, movement, scene work, and speech.
and allegorical mysteries.
 Renaissance Drama- During this period, the
Greek and the Roman dramatist were 1. Movement
imitated in Italy, France, Germany, and  Clowning- It is the act that draws skill-based
England. Mask and costumes become popular exaggerated movements and gestures, to
also during this time. create humor for the viewers.
 Modern Drama- it was during the last two  Dance- It is the execution of a creative, free,
decades of the 19th century and the first half and exploratory series of actions performed
of 20th century that witnessed a great with or without music.
variety of trends in a stage play. Romanic  Mask Work- It is the exploration of
fantasy, symbolism, expressionism, movement using a mask to bring the focus to
impressionism, comedy, and poetic drama the physical expression of the body.
reached new heights during this period.  Mime- It is pantomime acting without words
and is through facial expression, gesture, and
Benefits of Drama and the Role of Artist movement.
Drama is a form of self-expression that exists  Stage Fighting- It is a choreographed
in every culture of the world. As a unique skill in movement designed to simulate fighting
itself, it is a topic that is discussed by many colleges between actors.
and universities. As a versatile, Drama  Tableau- It is a silent and motionless scene
can be in other areas of the curriculum in the form of created by actors to draw focus to the central
activities. Hence, by incorporating these activities theme of the drama.
into the program, the students have of play-acting.
He/she should have technical 2. Improvisation
equipment in his /her facial expression, bodily poise,  The character in Role- It is a person role-
gesture, voice, and by-act that enables him /her to playing character in a particular situation.
perform the character (Putatunta, 2012).Other  Improvisational Drama- It is a spontaneous
benefits of drama are as follows: style of theatre in which there is no set of
script and scenes are created without
1. It develops imagination, creativity, and flexible advance preparation
ways of thinking  Role Play- It is an activity in which
2. It promotes concentration, focus, and the ability to individuals assume identities other than their
pay attention to detail.Art Appreciation for the New own
General Education Curriculum  Spontaneous Stories- It is a verbal warm-
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3. It helps to master body language, blending body
movement and facial expression, 3. Speech
coupled with spoken language to convey oneself.  Choral Work- It refers to the ensemble
4. It helps to explore feelings, inner values, and speech or singing.
thoughts.
 Monologues- It is a long speech by a single
character.
 Radio Drama- It is a drama that is intended
to be listening instead of viewing.
 Reader’s Theatre- It is a performance
created by actors through reading a script.
 Recitation- It is the oral presenting of a
scripted piece of work that often involves
ballads, monologues, and rhymes.
 Soundscape- It is the use of various
overlapping sound to create an atmosphere
 Storytelling- It refers to relating stories to
an audience.

4. Scene Works
 Collective Creation- It is a group process of
writing an original script
 Docudrama- It is the use of dramatic
devices to illustrate a real-life situation
through performance
 Puppetry- It includes an extensive variety
of props that almost anything brought to life
by human hands to create a performance.
 Story Theatre- It refers to a theatrical
production of an existing story where the
characters speak every line of the story