Music-Theory Resources

Hybrid research involving concepts from both standard music curricula and audio engineering may employ hierarchies of values explained by different terms of reference. Conversely, similar terms of reference as employed by different communities may presuppose divergent contexts and uses. We emphasize tools and terminology that can support collaborators across a spectrum of specialties.

Intervals

Musical intervals refer to the distance between two pitches.

• If the pitches are consecutive, the interval is melodic.
• If the pitches are simultaneous, the interval is b>harmonic.

Intervalic types depend on the distance between the two pitches.

Within the realms of both sound and notation, several units of measurement are recognized.

Intervallic units in notation

In the context of tonal music, the same vocabulary of intervallic names is used, but the grammar of intervallic combinations is based on notation and its written conventions in the tonal era (roughly 1690-1911).

Intervallic sizes are stable, but their relationship to a governing key varies with the identity of the key.