Module 2: Minor Keys, Melody, Texture, and Timbre

Minor Key System

A musical framework using three variations (Natural, Harmonic, Melodic) of the minor scale.

Natural Minor

The diatonic form of the minor scale corresponding to the Aeolian mode.

Harmonic Minor

A minor scale with a raised 7th scale degree used to create dominant chords.

Melodic Minor

A minor scale that raises both the 6th and 7th degrees ascending, but reverts to natural minor descending.

Subtonic

The 7th scale degree in Natural Minor, whole step below the tonic.

Leading Tone

The raised 7th degree in Harmonic and Melodic Minor, half step below the tonic.

Diatonic

Relating to a scale that consists of 7 pitches with no accidentals.

Scale Degrees

The positions of notes in a scale, numbered from tonic to tonic.

Whole Step

An interval equivalent to two half-steps.

Half Step

The smallest interval used in Western music, equivalent to one semitone.

Relative Major/Minor

Keys that share the same key signature but have different tonics.

Parallel Major/Minor

Keys that share the same tonic but have different key signatures.

Closely Related Keys

Keys that differ by no more than one accidental in their key signature.

Distantly Related Keys

Keys that differ by two or more accidentals.

Syncopation

A rhythmic device that emphasizes off-beats or weak beats.

Hemiola

A rhythmic feel where two bars of triple meter feel like three bars of duple meter.

Anacrusis

Pick-up notes that occur before the first full bar of music.

Dynamic Accent

Emphasis on a note through increased loudness.

Agogic Accent

Emphasis on a note by lengthening its duration.

Metrical Accent

The natural stress on strong beats in a measure.

Monophony

A single melodic line without accompaniment.

Homophony

A distinct melody accompanied by chords.

Polyphony

Two or more independent melodies occurring simultaneously.

Heterophony

Simultaneous variation of a single melodic line.

Contour

The shape or outline of a melody in terms of its pitch movement.

Conjunct Motion

Stepwise melodic movement using small intervals.

Disjunct Motion

Leaping melodic movement using larger intervals.

Timbre

The quality of sound that distinguishes different instruments or voices.

Perfect Consonance

Intervals that sound stable such as unison, fourths, fifths, and octaves.

Imperfect Consonance

Intervals that sound less stable, such as thirds and sixths.

Dissonance

Intervals that create tension and require resolution.

Sequence

Repetition of a musical idea at different pitch levels.

Inversion

Flipping a melody upside down, changing the direction of intervals.

Retrograde

Playing a melody backward.

Augmentation

Lengthening the rhythmic values of a melody.

Diminution

Shortening the rhythmic values of a melody.

Rhythmic Displacement

Moving a rhythm to a different beat while keeping its structure.

Compound Interval

An interval larger than an octave, named by reducing it to its simple equivalent.

Rule of 9

The total of an interval's original number and its inverted number equals 9.

Chordal Homophony

A style where all parts move together rhythmically (like a hymn).

Mirror Inversion

Intervals are preserved exactly during inversion.

Tonal Inversion

Intervals adjust to remain within the original key during inversion.

Motif

A short musical idea used as a building block in composition.

Tonic

The first scale degree, serving as the home or rest point of the scale.

Supertonic

The second scale degree of the scale.

Mediant

The third scale degree in diatonic scales.

Subdominant

The fourth scale degree in diatonic scales.

Dominant

The fifth scale degree, typically the most important for tension and resolution.

Submediant

The sixth scale degree that serves as a bridge to the tonic.

Subtonic vs. Leading Tone

Subtonic refers to the Natural Minor 7th degree, while Leading Tone refers to the raised 7th in Harmonic or Melodic minors.