MUSIC AND ITS BASIC ELEMENTS

The elements of music can be broken down into a three general categories:
rhythm, harmony, and melody. Each of these categories has a number of
subcategories

Different Types of Music

Music is a form of art. Edgard Varese defined it as "organized sound". Music

expresses our feelings as well emotions in a melodious and pleasant way. Is there
anybody who doesn’t like this form of art? Read on to know the various types of
music.

Different types of music help in soothing one’s disturbed soul, in the growth of
concentration and also enliven us to live life to the fullest. There are varied
genres of music as people have different tastes. For e.g., classical music, rock,
jazz, metal, rap, folk etc. But the objective remains the same. The aim of all
music is to touch the core of the heart and thus music can be called an
expression of our heart’s saying. To understand and know about different genres
of music, let us have a look at the following genres.

Different Music Genres

Classical Music: Classical music is a complex form of music as it requires high

musical skills, like learning the ragas and ability to coordinate with other
musicians. One has to maintain the complex relationship between its emotional
flows. If you wish to learn this music, then you have to go through proper
training.

Rock Music: This music genre originated in the rock and roll era of 1950s. The
vocals are accompanied by guitar, drum and bass. (Read information on musical
instruments.) Certain rock groups also use piano, synthesizer, saxophone, flute,
mandolin and sitar for a deeper effect. This type of music has several sub genres,
such as hard rock, progressive rock and metal rock. All these types of rock music
are popular till date.

Metal Music: Metal music emerged after the Second World War. Here the
melody of the song is heavily influenced by the structure of the songs. While in
rock music, songwriting is based within a form; in metal music, the central
melody decides the structure of the song. It is also known as ‘information music’.

Hip-hop Music: Hip-hop music always includes the use of instruments such as
guitar, violin, fiddle, piano, bass and drums. In these types of music, the bass is
the main instrument. This can be used in different intensities to emote feelings of
anger, pride and others. This type of music is the result of hip-hop culture and is
known as hip-hop music. This music shows a heavy influence of Jamaican music.
The roots of the music are found in African American and West African music. It
was first played by a group of traveling singers and poets of West Africa.
Wedding Ceremony Music: Wedding music is used in the ceremonies like
wedding. These can be classical and modern, according the tastes of people.
Some people prefer country melodies, while others opt for classical music as
wedding music. Such music varies from every culture.

Trance Music: This type of music is usually played in club houses and
discotheques. It originated in the 20th century. This music is characterized by
fast tempo and repetitious beats of the percussion. It has a hypnotic effect on the
souls of listeners.

Jazz: This type of music is featured by strong and complex rhythms. The main
musical instruments used for jazz music are cornet, trumpet or violins that help
carry the melody. This is a rhythmic music and has a forward momentum called
"swing". However, in this music genre, the skilled performer interprets a tune in
his own way. To know more about the musicians of this genre read on jazz
musicians.

Folk Music: Folk music is a kind of traditional music that is handed down from
generations in every culture. This type of music reflects the emotions of common
laity. Popular music and tribal music are the two sub genres of folk music. This
folk music shows the social upheaval that lies among various classes of people.
This also portrays their struggle for survival and their culture.

Techno Music: Techno music is also known as fusion music. This became
popular towards the middle part of of the 1980s. This is a form of electronic
dance music and based on African American music styles like funk, electro and
electric jazz. It features fast beats and this form was initiated by Juan Atkins,
Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May.

Opera Music: Opera music first emerged in Italy in the 1600s. This genre has a
remarkable combination of theatrical art and musical invention and is specifically
played in the theaters. This has greater appeal for its delightful orchestral
accompaniment. The preludes and interludes of this music set the tone for the
action on-stage.