Music
Elements of Music
Sound: a vibratory disturbance capable of being heard.
Pitch: highness and lowness of a sound. A tone is a specific pitch to which we refer as a letter note, such as C, E,
F# (F-sharp) or Bb (B-flat). A pitch or tone is determined by the amount of frequency, or rate of vibration.
Dynamics: the loudness and softness of a sound.
Tone color: also referred to as timbre, is the characteristic quality of the sound of a voice or
instrument. Example: play an A on a guitar, then play the same A on a piano, or sing A.
Duration: the length of time a note (or notes) is held.
Interval: the distance between two pitches or notes.
Scale: an arrangement of pitches in ascending or descending order
Rhythm: arrangement of time in music, consisting of beat, meter, and tempo.
Beat: basic underlying pulse of music.
Meter: the regular succession of beats in a given measure.
Measure: a cluster of beats into a single unit.
Syncopation: beat accents occurring on normally unaccented beats or between beats.
Tempo: rate of speed of a composition.
Melody: a succession of sounds with rhythmic and tonal organization.
Tune: melody that is easy to recognize, memorize, and sing.
Theme: melody that recurs throughout a section, a movement, or an entire composition.
Motive: short melodic phrase.
Harmony: two or more tones sounding together.
Chord: three or more tones played simultaneously (at the same time).
Consonance: agreeable, passive sounds.
Dissonance: active, unstable sounds.
Tonality: system of harmony, mostly based on major and minor scales.
Monophony: one unaccompanied melodic line.
Polyphony: combination of two or more simultaneous melodic lines
Homophony: melodic line accompanied by chords.
Composition: a work of art, or music.
Movement: section of a complete work that has its own formal design and a degree of independence, but it is part of
a whole composition. For example, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5(1807) contains four movements.
Soprano: the highest range of a human voice, usually a female voice. The top vocal line.
Alto: the female (rarely male) vocal range just below soprano and just above the tenor voice.
Tenor: the vocal range just below alto, but above the bass, usually sung by a male voice, although a female voice
may reach this range.
Bass: the lowest range of a human voice, usually a male voice. The bottom vocal line.
Types of Music Compositions throughout History
Music can either be instrumental or vocal. Instrumental music refers to music in which only a single instruments or
many instruments are performing. Vocal music refers to music in which only voice, or voice with instrumental
accompaniment are performing. In some cases, a composition may either be performed with instruments or with
voices. The following is a list of common compositions, vocal (V) or instrumental (I) or both (VI).
Mass (V)
A mass is a sacred choral composition. These compositions are usually performed in church as part of the church
mass ordinary. It is referred to as the ordinary because this text is used on a daily basis, year round by the Catholic
church. There are five movements in the mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.
Cantata (V)
A cantata is a choral work with one or more vocal soloists and an instrumental ensemble.
Motet (V)
A motet is a polyphonic choral composition using a sacred Latin text other that of the mass.
Opera (V)
An opera is a secular theatrical performance that includes acting, mythology (sometimes), and musical theater, in
which the entire performance is sung. Operas usually incorporate choral ensembles, instrumental overtures, and
arias.
Oratorio (V)
An oratorio is a sacred choral performance of a biblical story, very similar to opera, but without acting, scenery, and
costumes. Oratorios, like opera, also use choral ensembles, instrumental overtures, and arias.
Fugue (VI)
A fugue is a polyphonic composition based on one main theme or subject. It can be composed for instruments or
voices. The composition is based on a theme, or melodic line, which is first introduced by a single voice, then
successively repeated by the remaining voices in different keys.
Symphony (I)
A symphony is a large orchestral composition comprised of four movements.
Concerto (I)
A concerto is a large orchestral composition comprised of three movements, featuring an instrumental soloist or
soloists.
Suite (I)
A suite is a set of dance-inspired movements all written in the same key, but differing in tempo, meter, and
character. The stylized dance pieces may be popular dances from the local region or from other countries.
Philosophy of Music
The Doctrine of Ethos- is a doctrine (or a body of principles) developed by the Ancient Greek philosophers about
music (and art), claiming that music has the power to affect human character and behavior. We all understand that
music has the power to affect our mood, however, the Ancient Greeks also believed that music can actually affect
your overall character if you listen to a particular type of music for over a long period of time.
Plato believed that music should be controlled and only used for purposes of educating oneself. He also advocated
for music that would lead to virtuous (good) behavior and character. Aristotle, on the other hand, believed that
music should be used for practical purposes. He believed that music may be used to enhance a person’s character in
order to become that particular that the listener wishes to become, for example, the soldier would listen to music that
develops courage and strength in order to prepare oneself for war or other soldier activities.
http://www.charis.wlc.edu/publications/symposium_spring03/gurgel.pdf (read pages 10-13)
In Ancient Greece, music was incredibly important and incorporated in their culture. In Athens, for instance, people
were required to be educated in music and even participate in performing music every year through the age of 30.
Elements of Music
Sound: a vibratory disturbance capable of being heard.
Pitch: highness and lowness of a sound. A tone is a specific pitch to which we refer as a letter note, such as C, E,
F# (F-sharp) or Bb (B-flat). A pitch or tone is determined by the amount of frequency, or rate of vibration.
Dynamics: the loudness and softness of a sound.
Tone color: also referred to as timbre, is the characteristic quality of the sound of a voice or
instrument. Example: play an A on a guitar, then play the same A on a piano, or sing A.
Duration: the length of time a note (or notes) is held.
Interval: the distance between two pitches or notes.
Scale: an arrangement of pitches in ascending or descending order
Rhythm: arrangement of time in music, consisting of beat, meter, and tempo.
Beat: basic underlying pulse of music.
Meter: the regular succession of beats in a given measure.
Measure: a cluster of beats into a single unit.
Syncopation: beat accents occurring on normally unaccented beats or between beats.
Tempo: rate of speed of a composition.
Melody: a succession of sounds with rhythmic and tonal organization.
Tune: melody that is easy to recognize, memorize, and sing.
Theme: melody that recurs throughout a section, a movement, or an entire composition.
Motive: short melodic phrase.
Harmony: two or more tones sounding together.
Chord: three or more tones played simultaneously (at the same time).
Consonance: agreeable, passive sounds.
Dissonance: active, unstable sounds.
Tonality: system of harmony, mostly based on major and minor scales.
Monophony: one unaccompanied melodic line.
Polyphony: combination of two or more simultaneous melodic lines
Homophony: melodic line accompanied by chords.
Composition: a work of art, or music.
Movement: section of a complete work that has its own formal design and a degree of independence, but it is part of
a whole composition. For example, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5(1807) contains four movements.
Soprano: the highest range of a human voice, usually a female voice. The top vocal line.
Alto: the female (rarely male) vocal range just below soprano and just above the tenor voice.
Tenor: the vocal range just below alto, but above the bass, usually sung by a male voice, although a female voice
may reach this range.
Bass: the lowest range of a human voice, usually a male voice. The bottom vocal line.
Types of Music Compositions throughout History
Music can either be instrumental or vocal. Instrumental music refers to music in which only a single instruments or
many instruments are performing. Vocal music refers to music in which only voice, or voice with instrumental
accompaniment are performing. In some cases, a composition may either be performed with instruments or with
voices. The following is a list of common compositions, vocal (V) or instrumental (I) or both (VI).
Mass (V)
A mass is a sacred choral composition. These compositions are usually performed in church as part of the church
mass ordinary. It is referred to as the ordinary because this text is used on a daily basis, year round by the Catholic
church. There are five movements in the mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.
Cantata (V)
A cantata is a choral work with one or more vocal soloists and an instrumental ensemble.
Motet (V)
A motet is a polyphonic choral composition using a sacred Latin text other that of the mass.
Opera (V)
An opera is a secular theatrical performance that includes acting, mythology (sometimes), and musical theater, in
which the entire performance is sung. Operas usually incorporate choral ensembles, instrumental overtures, and
arias.
Oratorio (V)
An oratorio is a sacred choral performance of a biblical story, very similar to opera, but without acting, scenery, and
costumes. Oratorios, like opera, also use choral ensembles, instrumental overtures, and arias.
Fugue (VI)
A fugue is a polyphonic composition based on one main theme or subject. It can be composed for instruments or
voices. The composition is based on a theme, or melodic line, which is first introduced by a single voice, then
successively repeated by the remaining voices in different keys.
Symphony (I)
A symphony is a large orchestral composition comprised of four movements.
Concerto (I)
A concerto is a large orchestral composition comprised of three movements, featuring an instrumental soloist or
soloists.
Suite (I)
A suite is a set of dance-inspired movements all written in the same key, but differing in tempo, meter, and
character. The stylized dance pieces may be popular dances from the local region or from other countries.
Philosophy of Music
The Doctrine of Ethos- is a doctrine (or a body of principles) developed by the Ancient Greek philosophers about
music (and art), claiming that music has the power to affect human character and behavior. We all understand that
music has the power to affect our mood, however, the Ancient Greeks also believed that music can actually affect
your overall character if you listen to a particular type of music for over a long period of time.
Plato believed that music should be controlled and only used for purposes of educating oneself. He also advocated
for music that would lead to virtuous (good) behavior and character. Aristotle, on the other hand, believed that
music should be used for practical purposes. He believed that music may be used to enhance a person’s character in
order to become that particular that the listener wishes to become, for example, the soldier would listen to music that
develops courage and strength in order to prepare oneself for war or other soldier activities.
http://www.charis.wlc.edu/publications/symposium_spring03/gurgel.pdf (read pages 10-13)
In Ancient Greece, music was incredibly important and incorporated in their culture. In Athens, for instance, people
were required to be educated in music and even participate in performing music every year through the age of 30.
Music has the ability to greatly impact human emotion, it can soothe or excite humans and even
cause us to become distracted from stressors or any other kind negativity present in our lives. It has been
scientifically proven that music can fulfill therapeutic purposes, this fact can be beneficial for many
reasons particularly for my field of study in dental health. Due to the fact that, people tend to view a visit
to the dentist as a horrid and extremely stressful experience. I believe that music on the other hand, can
distract the mind from such fears and help even the most anxious patient feel more at ease at the dentist.
The fear of dentists, otherwise known as “dentophobia” is very common and is known to cause a
great amount of anxiety to its sufferers. According to sources, approximately seventy-five percent of
adult’s experience some fear related anxiety when visiting a dentist (Gentle dental, 2016). Most
orthodontist turn to anxiety medication and other forms of drugs such as laughing gas in order to “relax”
the patients. I suggest that using music therapy in order to relax patients would be much safer than anxiety
medications and virtually result in having the same effect on people. As stated in the following source,
“listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication (UNR,
2012).” Music therapy is mainly used for its power to restore inner peace, therefore it will distract the
mind from fears or worries that an individual may experience at the dentist and allow the body to forget
that it is distressed.
Musical therapy studies have succeeded in proving that music can in fact make people feel good
and block out anxiety. One specific study was specially performed to analyze the effects music can have
on a group of 60 children between the ages of 9 and 14. The children were all hospital patients who were
soon to undergo serious surgeries (Melodic caring, 2014). The outcome of the experiment further
strengthened the theory of music therapy. The children were noticeably more calm than they were prior to
being exposed to music. This is the same reaction I seek to obtain from patients who suffer from anxiety
when visiting the dentist. I intend to create the headphone set so that it may offer appropriate dynamics, as
well as have music of various rhythms and genres that would provide the project with assured success.
According to musical therapy studies, each individual’s musical preference would play a
big role in the success of this project, because in order for the patient to relax they have to actually like
the music they are listening to. “All forms of music may have therapeutic effects, although music from
one’s own culture may be most effective (Psychology today, 2016).” Elements pertaining to music such
as, melody, tempo and theme also contribute to the reaction that the patient will have to the music and
how well they respond to the treatment. Therefore, a vast variety of music is necessary in order to fulfill
the initial purpose of music therapy. Genres such as, Pop, Reggae and country are examples of the
different types of music that could be effective. An example of the pop genre would be “Firework”
(2010) by Katy Perry, and “Three Little Birds” (1980) by Bob Marley is an example of the reggae genre
as well as My Wish (2006) by Rascal Flatts for the country genre (LL Music, 2011). Offering a variety of
genres such as the examples given would enhance the overall quality of the experience.
Musical therapy could be incorporated into a dental practice by attaching a set of built in head
phones to each dental chair of every operatory. The headphones would be uniquely designed to be a
universal fit, and it must be safe enough to wear during the entire procedure, even for any x-ray scans that
may need to be performed. Also, the head phones will each be attached and powered by a tablet. The
tablet will offer the patient the option to either connect their own device to the head phones using an
auxiliary cable or choosing through the variety of genres already downloaded onto the program.
Incorporating this technique will guarantee patients a more soothing experience at the dentist. The idea is
also expressed by Music therapist, Anci Sandell, “Music can lower the pulse, the blood pressure, and the
levels of stress hormones as well as improve breathing” (News Medical, 2016). The goal of the project
would be to decrease the levels of anxiety and stress related hormones present in the patient. Music will
allow them to feel soothed to the point that they no longer experience anxiety or stress related emotions.
The idea of a dentist has been around since ancient Egypt 2600 BC, but the profession was first
considered to be a profession when John Baker who was the first trained dentist set up a practice in
America (ADA, 2016). During the medieval times, dental health was not practiced professionally, the
“dentists” were actually just barbers or surgical barbers (Namibia, 2016). The profession has since
expanded in demand and in technology. Thus, the invention of dental chairs and the discovery of nitrous
oxide used as an anesthesia emerged into society further developing into a more professional field.
In order to successfully complete my studies, in dental health I am expected to first complete a
bachelor’s degree. Then continue on to dental school where I would then complete my studies and receive
a doctor of dental surgery degree. Therefore, I intend on completing my bachelor’s degree in Florida
International University and then hopefully attend the dental school in Nova Southern University. It
generally takes about eight years to complete schooling as a dental student. In order to specialize in
something specific could take an additional three years. (Cyber Dentist, 2005). I am planning to
specialize in pediatric dentistry which could take me a total of about ten years to complete, but I believe it
will be worthwhile, because in return I will be an educated professional and have a promising career to
devote my knowledge into.
As an orthodontist I will be educated in diagnosing any problems related to the teeth and mouth
tissues. I will also be able to educate others such as my patients about the importance of tooth care and
how nutrition, brushing and flossing play a big role in oral health. (Become A dentist, 2016). I will mostly
be expected to be able to prevent any health problems rather than treating them. The reason being that a
big part of the responsibility is to inform patients and help them beforehand, prior to them developing any
serious problems.
In my practice I will come across patients who like discussed previously are traumatically afraid
of any dentists related situations. It is important for me to take the matter into consideration because I will
most likely have patients with the same anxiety. Due to the research I conducted, I have come to the
conclusion that music would be the ultimate solution to the matter. Music would offer a safe way to
guarantee my patients a smooth visit, and a stress free procedure. The safe design of the headsets would
also ensure that there would be no need for the patients to have to remove the at any point during the
procedure. This would allow the relaxing stimuli to continue having its effect on the patient.
The Greek philosopher, Artistole believed music has a significant impact on humans and our
emotions, he believed music acquires the capacity to not only alter our emotions but also affect our
character. I believe this is accurate, music has an astonishing influence on humans and it obtains the
power to improve our emotions for the better. This aspect illustrates how much of a success the project
would be. Music therapy will most definitely be a useful and practical contribution in my practice. All in
the hopes of relaxing and calming the stress a patient may experience while coming in for a visit.
In conclusion, my career as a dentist will over all require me to dedicate some reflective thought
to matters such as “dentophobia”. As a dentist I want to be able to have a practice where my patients will
not only receive quality service and care but also feel comfortable. I know from personal experience that
music can be a mood altering mechanism that works wonders. As well as factual evidence provided by
research also indicates that music does have the ability to make us feel better in a time of stress, fear or
any other negative emotion that may be present in our life. I have high hopes that music will one day
contribute to my success as a dentist and I will be able to offer my patients a natural remedy to the anxiety
that was once thought to need medication in order to overcome.
Works Cited
caring, m. (2014). scientific study: music therapy.
Collingwood, J. (2016). PsychCentral.
dentistry, T. h. (2016). Namibia dental association .
dentistry, w. t. (2016). becomeAdentist.org.
life, s. c. (2013). Newsmedical.net.
music, R. s. (2016). UniversityofNevada.edu.
Overcoming Dentophobia, a. f. (2016). Gentledental.com.
timeline, H. o. (2016). American dental association .
ulbricht, c. (2013 ). psychology today.
Rambach, R. (2011). Listenlearnmusic.com.
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