Read a brief definition and history of this method of composition in which the composer purposely avoids the principles of tonality.
Discover a brief history of the development of harmony, which is the sounding of two or more tones at once, and the study of chord relationships.
Term defines the space between tones in a musical scale. Distinguishes between major and minor intervals.
Find out what a key signature or tonality is, and see how the seven notes of a scale fit into it.
Learn all about the different modes. Each has a Greek name, although their direct relation to Greek musical theory cannot be traced.
Defines this term, which indicates a change in the key of a musical piece, often based on a pivot chord that is common to both keys.
Read about different systems of musical notation and their histories.
Term refers to where a particular tone is located within a scale or a mode. See a brief history of the standardization of pitch.
Find the definition and origins of musical polyphony, illustrated by the fugues and choral settings of J.S. Bach.
Read a definition of the scale and its many varieties, and find out how modes of scales have developed over the centuries.
Learn about this atonal system of composition, which defies the idea of a home key. It's also known as the 12-tone system.
Discover this basic musical term, which refers to pieces of music that are centered around a tonic note.
Read all about the features of a distinct tone, which includes pitch, intensity and quality.
Gives a definition and a brief history of atonalism, the mark of music that does not rely on a tonic.
Look over an extended definition of chromaticism and its rise in popularity during the Romantic period.
Read about this form of music, which is generated randomly and was pioneered by John Cage. Has a sound clip.
Read about minimalism's entrance into western music and get an idea of its structure.
Term refers to the application of mathematics to different aspects of music, such as note length or volume. Read about the subject.
Read about this form of unharmonized chant from medieval times and learn how many subsequent compositions were derived from it.
Examine this extensive glossary of musical terms and a detailed bibliography of theory-related books. Users can add entries, as well.