Music Theory - Describing and Identifying Music Elements



Follow this link to download a PLC to test general listening concepts, key words and terminology.

The main key to success in the listening exam is being able to comment on how the elements of music are used in the extracts you are played. So it is very important to try to understand the concepts in this section as fully as you can.

This knowledge is not only helpful for answering direct listening questions on pitch, rhythm, instrumentation and so on but it will also make questions on topics such as the Classical concerto or film music much easier to answer.

Make sure you can recognise these elements by ear - try to find them in a piece of music you can play, or in a song on your iPod.


Below are some links to help you understand some musical elements further. They include tests on melodic dictation, interval training, rhythm and time signature recognition and much more! Click below...

Musictheory.net

Teoria.com