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Word/Term Definition/Meaning

Melody A succession of single tones of varying pitch, organised as an
aesthetic whole, usually in the same key or mode; the linear
aspect of music, in contrast to harmony, the vertical (chordal)
aspect; melodies are constructed from motifs or short melodic
fragments; polyphony results from music whose texture is
formed by the interweaving of two or more melodic lines.

Mento National dance of Jamaica, often with topical lyrics. Like the
rhumba, it has a 3 + 3 + 2 pattern, which can be easily recognised
in today's dance hall music, especially on the bass drum.

Musical Literacy The awareness and understanding of the fundamental aspects of
music in relation to applied theory.

Musical Perception The way you think about or understand musical sounds and
elements.

Original Composition An original piece of music or the arrangement/creation of a piece
of music.

Ostinato A rhythmic, melodic or chordal pattern (or a combination of
these) that is repeated throughout a piece or a section of a piece
of music. The term is derived from an Italian word meaning
“obstinate”.

Parang The practice of house-to-house serenading by groups singing
religious songs in Trinidadian Spanish dialect, especially at
Christmas; the music so produced.

Raga A series of pitches, in ascending and descending patterns, used
in Indian music as a basis for improvisation in the classical
music of North India. Ragas are associated with moods such as
peacefulness or loneliness, and also with a particular time of day.

Reggae Popular Jamaican musical style, whose main characteristic is the
strong accentuation of the second and fourth beats in each bar.
Its most internationally acclaimed practitioner is the late Bob
Marley.

Rhythm 'n' blues The precursor of early rock n' roll, a popular music which
combines strong repetitive rhythms with simple melodies,
harmonies and the blues. Also known as R and B.

Riff A melodic figure, typically two or four bars long, usually in the
bass, repeated many times, common sometimes with slight
alterations in shape or pitch level in many types of popular music
and jazz.

CXC 31/G/SYLL 17 69