Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
To recognize and understand the qualities or value of something. In the context of music, it refers to perceiving and enjoying different musical notes on a piano.
The perceived highness or lowness of a sound. For example, higher-pitched piano keys produce sounds like "C," while lower-pitched keys produce sounds like "A."
The quality or tone color of a sound. It distinguishes between different instruments playing the same note on the piano. For instance, when a note is played on both a trumpet and a violin, they have distinct timbres.
Emotional Impact: Refers to how specific musical notes elicit various feelings or moods in listeners. For example, minor chords often evoke sadness or melancholy compared to major chords which may create feelings of joy or happiness.