Wei Jie's Lectures Notes

Lecture 01 Introduction to Music Instruments

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Character Building - Music Instrument Ensemble (Week 1)

Introduction to Music

Music is organized sound created by combining melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre (tone color). It can be made with instruments, voices, or even everyday objects.

Basic Elements of Music

  • Melody: The “tune” or main part of a song (e.g., “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”).

  • Harmony: Combination of different notes played together to create chords.

  • Rhythm: The pattern of beats or timing in music.

  • Tempo: The speed of the music (e.g., allegro = fast, adagio = slow).

  • Dynamics: The volume of the music (forte = loud, piano = soft).

  • Timbre: The unique sound quality of an instrument or voice.

Music Ensembles

Music ensembles are categorized based on the number of performers and the instruments used.

Small Ensembles

  • Duo: Two performers (e.g., singer & guitarist).

  • Trio: Three performers (e.g., piano, violin, cello).

  • Quartet: Four performers (e.g., string quartet: 2 violins, viola, cello).

  • Quintet: Five performers (e.g., brass quintet: 2 trumpets, French horn, trombone, tuba).

Large Ensembles

  • Symphony Orchestra: 70–100+ musicians including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

  • Chamber Orchestra: A smaller orchestra with 20–40 musicians.

  • Choir: A group of singers divided into soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections.

  • Rock/Pop Band: Typically includes a guitarist, bassist, drummer, and vocalist.

Roles in a Music Ensemble

  • Melody: The main tune.

  • Harmony: Supporting chords.

  • Rhythm: The beat that keeps the music moving.

  • Bass: The low-end foundation.

  • Percussion: Adds texture and keeps time.

How Ensembles Work

  • Rehearsals: Musicians practice together to perfect timing and dynamics.

  • Conductor: Leads larger ensembles.

  • Music Notation: Musicians read music sheets to perform accurately.

  • Listening: Staying in tune and synchronized with the group.

Benefits of Playing in an Ensemble

  • Teamwork: Collaboration and communication.

  • Skill Development: Improves timing, dynamics, and listening.

  • Social Connection: Meeting like-minded musicians.

  • Performance Experience: Boosts confidence.

  • Fun: Playing music together is enjoyable and rewarding.

Music Instruments for This Class

The class will focus on three main categories:

  • Strings: Ukulele

  • Percussion: Cajon

  • Vocals

Ukulele (Main Instrument)

A small, guitar-like instrument from Hawaii, known for its bright, cheerful sound.

Key Features

  1. Sizes & Types:

    • Soprano: Smallest, bright tone.

    • Concert: Fuller tone, more fret space.

    • Tenor: Deeper, richer sound.

    • Baritone: Tuned like a guitar, deeper tone.

  2. Strings:

    • Usually four nylon strings, tuned to G-C-E-A.

  3. Why Ukulele?

    • Beginner-friendly

    • Portable

    • Versatile

    • Affordable

Cajon (Percussion)

A box-shaped percussion instrument from Peru, played by slapping the front face.

Key Features

  1. Parts:

    • Tapa: Front face where you strike.

    • Soundhole: Allows sound projection.

    • Snare Wires: Adds a buzzing effect.

  2. Playing Techniques:

    • Bass Tone: Strike the center.

    • Slap Tone: Hit the top edge.

    • Tap Tone: Light tapping for softer sounds.

  3. Why Play Cajon?

    • Portable

    • Versatile

    • Easy to learn

    • Affordable

Basic Cajon Rhythm (Rock Beat)

  • Bass (center): Beats 1 & 3

  • Slap (edge): Beats 2 & 4

Vocals

Singing is a universal form of music found in every culture and genre.

Key Elements of Singing

  1. Breath Control: Use your diaphragm for better support.

  2. Pitch & Tone: Singing in tune and with good tone quality.

  3. Resonance: Enhancing sound quality through vocal tract control.

  4. Articulation: Clear pronunciation of lyrics.

  5. Dynamics: Adjusting volume and intensity for expression.

Common Vocal Ranges

  • Soprano: High female voice

  • Alto: Low female voice

  • Tenor: High male voice

  • Bass: Low male voice

Fun Facts About Singing

  • Singing releases endorphins, boosting mood and reducing stress.

  • Some singers can sing in the “whistle register” (e.g., Mariah Carey).

Bonus Role: Event Management & Crew

Event management ensures smooth planning and execution of musical events.

Tasks for a Music Concert

Pre-Event

  • Book venue & performers.

  • Arrange sound, lighting, and stage setup.

  • Promote the event and sell tickets.

On the Day

  • Set up stage and equipment.

  • Manage guest entry.

  • Coordinate with performers and crew.

Post-Event

  • Break down equipment.

  • Collect audience feedback.

  • Finalize payments and evaluate success.

Event management requires teamwork, organization, and attention to detail to ensure a successful event.

Conclusion

Music ensembles teach collaboration, discipline, and creativity. Whether you play the ukulele, cajon, or sing, participating in an ensemble enhances musicality and teamwork. Have fun and enjoy making music together!

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