Music Question Thread

[caitlinlddouglas]

Hey i was wondering if someone could explain the difference between counterpoint and polyphony? I always get mixed up by them! Thanks:)

[RuiAce]

Hey i was wondering if someone could explain the difference between counterpoint and polyphony? I always get mixed up by them! Thanks:)

From what I remember, quite loosely speaking polyphony just involves the presence of multiple voices in your piece. Counterpoint is a subclass of this, because it focuses on the interactions of the voices relative to each other.

A piece can involve polyphony, but not necessarily be contrapuntal.

[caitlinlddouglas]

hey another question related to texture- I was wondering what the texture was in this piece? They different layers seem to be vying for attention (except the bottom repeated one) yet it seems like there is a dominant melody? Could I say it was homophonic with contrapuntal aspects? Thanks!!

http://www.musicconcepts.com.au/scaffold/201202.html

[jamonwindeyer]

hey another question related to texture- I was wondering what the texture was in this piece? They different layers seem to be vying for attention (except the bottom repeated one) yet it seems like there is a dominant melody? Could I say it was homophonic with contrapuntal aspects? Thanks!!

http://www.musicconcepts.com.au/scaffold/201202.html

I'd say those ideas are all complex enough to warrant call it a polyphonic texture

[caitlinlddouglas]

I'd say those ideas are all complex enough to warrant call it a polyphonic texture

Thanks!

[caitlinlddouglas]

hey i was wondering how I would go about answering a question that asks 'comment on the roles of the sound sources.' Is that an all concepts question? Thanks

[jamonwindeyer]

hey i was wondering how I would go about answering a question that asks 'comment on the roles of the sound sources.' Is that an all concepts question? Thanks

Yep, a little bit! With a focus, of course, on texture (the sound sources and the roles they fill is definitely a texture thing), but other concepts are likely to blend in

[mercurry]

Grats to those who got nominated for Encore!! Proud of you guys
I'm kinda sad I didn't get a nomination, but I fumbled during the difficult parts and started too early because I didn't realise the examiners were supposed to say "play when ready" HAHA... I guess playing a Steinway piano will always be a dream Maybe one day!

That aside, I usually get 1-2 marks deducted per question on the Aural paper. Is there a surefire way to boost that up? (eg. just expanding heaps on each point)

Also, when referring to the concepts, is it okay to use Italian terms and not explain them, or would it be better to use it and define said word in brackets? (eg. blah blah forte (loud) blah blah) <- I feel like there's no need for that, but with other terms perhaps? Or just stick with English?

[georgiia]

Grats to those who got nominated for Encore!! Proud of you guys
I'm kinda sad I didn't get a nomination, but I fumbled during the difficult parts and started too early because I didn't realise the examiners were supposed to say "play when ready" HAHA... I guess playing a Steinway piano will always be a dream Maybe one day!

That aside, I usually get 1-2 marks deducted per question on the Aural paper. Is there a surefire way to boost that up? (eg. just expanding heaps on each point)

Also, when referring to the concepts, is it okay to use Italian terms and not explain them, or would it be better to use it and define said word in brackets? (eg. blah blah forte (loud) blah blah) <- I feel like there's no need for that, but with other terms perhaps? Or just stick with English?

I personally din't put the explanation unless its referring to something other than a dynamic/tempo marking. Like if they all played in unison i wouldn't write 'tutti' i'd just go 'layers of sound/performing media play in harmonic/rhythmic unison' but for tempo I'd go 'tempo is allegro' not 'tempo is fast.

Hope this helps

[jamonwindeyer]

That aside, I usually get 1-2 marks deducted per question on the Aural paper. Is there a surefire way to boost that up? (eg. just expanding heaps on each point)

Also, when referring to the concepts, is it okay to use Italian terms and not explain them, or would it be better to use it and define said word in brackets? (eg. blah blah forte (loud) blah blah) <- I feel like there's no need for that, but with other terms perhaps? Or just stick with English?

Definitely agree with above - The Italian terminology is fine and definitely looks better than the English counterparts, shows you know the lingo

Here are a few tips to help you squeeze those extra few marks out of aural exams!

[pbcampion]

Hi Everyone!
I am a passionate music student who approaching my first assessment, a Viva Voce, for year 12. Amongst the few of us, I am an enthused drummer and intend on doing my Viva on drums as my principal instrument. The task requires us to give a Viva centered on our principal instrument and its associated techniques. We must explain the musical function of the instruments and link it to the concepts. I am asking any other drummers, or even musicians that have experience with Vivas, on some tips on the best way to approach this?
In what areas could i speak about more, due to a lack of definite pitch in my instrument?

Thankyou!

Regards,
Peter

[jamonwindeyer]

Hi Everyone!
I am a passionate music student who approaching my first assessment, a Viva Voce, for year 12. Amongst the few of us, I am an enthused drummer and intend on doing my Viva on drums as my principal instrument. The task requires us to give a Viva centered on our principal instrument and its associated techniques. We must explain the musical function of the instruments and link it to the concepts. I am asking any other drummers, or even musicians that have experience with Vivas, on some tips on the best way to approach this?
In what areas could i speak about more, due to a lack of definite pitch in my instrument?

Thankyou!

Regards,
Peter

Hey Peter! Welcome to the forums!

I wrote a guide on Music 1 Viva Voce, you can read it here! You'll want to focus heavily on dynamics, expressive techniques and tone colour in terms of conceptual discussion, explain how different ways of playing the instrument can alter the concepts and create musical interest. As a drummer, duration will probably also get a mention

Would be happy to help you out more if you need it, just let us know! Good luck with your first assessment

[xxmomochanxx]

Hi!

This year I'm doing 3 vivas for my electives
So far I've chosen Music for multimedia
I'm stuck between Music of a culture, theatre, and 21st century
I have no specialised knowledge in any of these areas, and I don't know how to narrow down topics (like so far for theatre I just have "Wicked" as my topic)
Any advice?

[jamonwindeyer]

Hi!

This year I'm doing 3 vivas for my electives
So far I've chosen Music for multimedia
I'm stuck between Music of a culture, theatre, and 21st century
I have no specialised knowledge in any of these areas, and I don't know how to narrow down topics (like so far for theatre I just have "Wicked" as my topic)
Any advice?

Hey! I think my best advice would be, which of those three 'genres' or styles do you personally listen to more? Personal interest and background knowledge is the best place to start

[angewina_naguen]

Hey, everyone!

Concerned Music 2 student here. I was looking at some timetables from past year and the aural/musicology exam for both Music subjects seem to fall on the same day as the English papers  Although we don't definitively know until the 2nd of May, if a clash like this occurs, any tips for how to manage both?