Fundamentals
Musical Tuning and the Role of Reference Pitches
Learn what tuning is, why A 440 Hz became the standard, and how strings, keys and winds are adjusted so that every instrument sounds together in tune.
Category
Music Fundamentals
Rhythm, melody, harmony, tuning, and notation: the basic ideas behind every conversation about music.
Pulse, tempo, melody, harmony, tuning, notation: these ideas are simple to state and full of nuance when examined carefully. They come up in every conversation between musicians and underpin the study of any instrument.
The articles in this category present each concept with concrete examples and without unnecessary jargon, and the matching quiz helps you check whether the ideas have stuck. It is a good starting point for beginners and a useful review for players who already know their way around.
Play this category's quiz 36 questions across three levels
Articles in this category (4)
Fundamentals
Rhythm, Pulse, Tempo, and Meter
Learn to tell rhythm, pulse, tempo, and meter apart, with practical examples, common time signatures, and tips for feeling the beat while you listen.
Fundamentals
Melody, Harmony, and Timbre Explained Clearly
Discover what melody, harmony, and timbre are, how the three elements combine in a piece of music, and how to train your ear to hear each one separately.
Fundamentals
An Introduction to Reading Sheet Music
Learn the basic elements of a score, including staff, clefs, note values, meter, key signature, and dynamics, with a simple routine for getting started.