WorksheetsTechnology and Melody terms in BH
Total questions: 18
Worksheet time: 9mins
Word Painting
A technique where music is played in a major key only
A technique in which the music reflects the literal meaning of the lyrics — for example, a rising melody for the word 'up' or dissonant chords for 'pain.'
A method of composing music without lyrics
A style of music that focuses solely on rhythm and beats.
Ascending
Moving upward in pitch.
Moving downward in pitch.
Staying at the same pitch.
Changing pitch randomly.
Panning
Positions sounds within the stereo field (left/right/center). Creates a sense of space and separation in the mix.
Adjusts the volume of sounds in a mix.
Modulates the pitch of sounds in a mix.
Applies effects to sounds in a mix.
Portamento
A rapid succession of notes played in a sequence.
A smooth, expressive slide between two notes, often used in singing and on string instruments; more subtle than a glissando.
A technique used to play notes in a staccato manner.
A method of playing notes with a strong emphasis on rhythm.
Overdubbing
A technique that removes existing tracks from a recording.
A method of adding new recordings over existing tracks, creating layered, fuller-sounding music.
A process that compresses audio files for easier storage.
A way to enhance the volume of a single track without adding new recordings.
Vocoder
Produces a natural human voice without any modification.
Blends a human voice with a synthesized tone. Produces a robotic or electronic vocal sound.
Is a device used for recording live performances.
Enhances the clarity of spoken words in a recording.
Flanger
Mixes a sound with a slightly delayed, changing copy. Produces a sweeping, 'whooshing' effect.
Creates a static sound that remains constant over time.
Amplifies the sound to create a louder output.
Adds a reverb effect to the sound, making it echo.
Intervals
The distance between two pitches, measured by the number of letter names or scale degrees between them (e.g., a third, a fifth, an octave).
A type of musical scale that consists of seven notes.
A technique used to create harmony in music composition.
A method of tuning musical instruments.
Vibrato
A technique to produce a steady pitch
Slight, rapid pitch variation in a note. Adds emotion and liveliness.
A method of playing notes in a staccato manner
A way to increase the volume of a note
Arpeggiated
Notes of a chord played simultaneously
Notes of a chord played one after another, rather than simultaneously — often heard as a 'broken chord.'
A type of scale played in reverse order
A technique for playing chords with a rapid succession of notes
Distortion
Alters the signal by clipping it and adding harmonics. Creates a gritty, powerful sound.
Enhances the signal by smoothing it out and reducing noise.
Modulates the signal to create a clean and clear output.
Compresses the signal to increase its dynamic range.
Descending
Moving upward in pitch.
Moving downward in pitch.
Staying at the same pitch.
Changing pitch randomly.
Glissando
A rapid succession of notes played in a sequence.
A continuous slide between two notes, passing smoothly through the pitches in between — often used on instruments like the harp, trombone, or voice.
A technique of playing notes in a staccato manner.
A method of playing a single note with varying intensity.
Conjunct / Stepwise
A melodic movement that progresses mainly by small intervals, typically by steps between adjacent notes (e.g., C–D–E).
A melodic movement that jumps between notes, often creating a wide intervallic leap.
A rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the off-beat in music.
A harmonic progression that resolves tension through dissonance.
Reverb (Reverberation)
Simulates the natural echo and reflections of sound in a space. Adds depth and ambience; makes sound feel spacious.
A technique used to amplify sound in a live performance.
A method for reducing background noise in recordings.
A type of sound effect that creates a sense of distance.
Register
The general pitch range of a voice or instrument (e.g., low, middle, or high register).
A type of musical scale used in composition.
A method of recording sound in a studio.
A term used to describe the tempo of a piece of music.
Octave
An interval spanning eight notes, where the higher note has double the frequency of the lower one — for example, from one C to the next C above or below.
A musical scale consisting of seven notes, where the first and last notes are the same.
A type of musical chord that consists of three notes played simultaneously.
A rhythmic pattern that repeats every four beats.
Multitrack Recording
Records instruments/vocals on separate tracks. Allows mixing control and balance of parts.
Records all instruments and vocals on a single track for simplicity.
Is a method used for live performances without any recording.
Involves recording only vocals without any instrumental accompaniment.
