Listening Tips

Vocals

• Are there vocalists in the piece?
• How many vocalists?
• Are there male and/or female vocalists?
• How many vocal parts are there (SATB)?
• What language are the vocalists singing?
• What is the text about?
• What is the texture of the voices? (Chorale, melody and accompaniment, contrapuntal)
• What is the style of the vocals? (Operatic, jazz, rock, folk, country)

Instrumentation

Are there instruments in the piece?
• What kind of instruments are there?
• How many instruments are there?
• Do the instruments play independently or in sections?
• Do the instruments comprise a standard ensemble orchestration? (Symphony orchestra, big band, rock quartet)
• Which instruments carry the melody?
• Are the instruments acoustic, electric, synthesized, etc.?

Tonality

• Is the piece tonal, modal, atonal, twelve-tone, etc.?
• If tonal, is it major or minor? Does it change keys or mode?
• If modal, which mode? Does the mode change?
• Is the piece diatonic or chromatic?

Meter and Rhythm

• What is the meter of the piece?
• Does the meter change?
• What rhythmic patterns are emphasized?

Form and Style

• What is the overall form of the piece?
• What musical elements mark formal boundaries?
• What style and/or style period is represented by the piece?

Recording Style (when applicable)

• How clear is the recording?
• Is the recording monophonic, stereophonic, surround-sound, etc.?
• Is the recording live?
• How many tracks are used in the recording?
• What sort of recording effects are used on the vocals and instruments?

Critical Thinking Question