Back to topics

When does music have one line, and when does it have several?

Several people can sing the same melody without creating several independent melodic parts. Musical texture concerns how the parts relate, not just how many performers are present. Monophony, homophony, and polyphony offer ways to hear that organization, from a shared line to accompaniment or interwoven melodies.

5–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • How is doubling a melody different from adding an independent one?

Start reading

Ready to try your ideas aloud?

Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.

Why do a flute and a violin sound different on the same note?

Music and sound4–5 minTwo instruments can play the same pitch without sounding alike. The balance of frequencies and the way a note begins help create its timbre, so one number does not describe the whole sound.

Music and sound

Who performs the footsteps you hear in a film?

Some screen sounds are performed again during post-production to fit the picture. Foley combines a choice of sound with a choice of timing, so the most useful prop need not be the object shown on screen.

5–7 min

Who performs the footsteps you hear in a film?

Music and sound5–7 minSome screen sounds are performed again during post-production to fit the picture. Foley combines a choice of sound with a choice of timing, so the most useful prop need not be the object shown on screen.

Music and sound

Why can six eighth notes have two different beats?

Six equal subdivisions can be grouped as three pairs or two groups of three. In conventional Western notation, that helps explain the different organization of 3/4 and 6/8 even when the total note value matches.

3–5 min

Why can six eighth notes have two different beats?

Music and sound3–5 minSix equal subdivisions can be grouped as three pairs or two groups of three. In conventional Western notation, that helps explain the different organization of 3/4 and 6/8 even when the total note value matches.

When does music have one line, and when does it have several? | Speech Topic | speaking.app