Generally music is a series of pitches, with a a relationship derived from a single digit integer frequency ratio, of the form 2/1 and/or 3/1. The 'Harmony' page has more information. The duration, spacing & order of these pitches determine the tune or melody.

Melody: A.K.A. Tune, a recognisable series of musical pitches, either sounded singly or in combination (chords). What defines a melody, as compared to an apparently arbitrary sequence of sounds, is harder to quantify. It is largely a matter of individual taste, one man's tune is another man's noise.

Chord: A number of pitches sounded together, the ratio between them usually being derived from single digit integers. This is covered on the 'Harmony' page.

Much more soon...

Music is one of the most important subjects that can be taught in schools, preceded only by literacy and numeracy ('Music soothes the savage breast').

Far more is available to pupils & students than a generation or so ago. Electronic keyboards are common, as are other instruments. So why is take-up so low, six percent according to a recent statistic?

Is music seen as irrelevant to today's younger generation? If so, what can or has been able to replace it? Surely the all pervading video game can't replace being able to express oneself in the most universal language?

It is important that schools teach more than just scales and the practice of singing or playing instruments. Music technology is an important part of music, not necessarily a separate subject in its own right.

Many people, including some musicians, say that technology inhibits the immediacy of music, getting in the way of the creative process. This shows a misunderstanding of the subject.

Music began when early humans, possibly drawing inspiration from bird calls, found that controlling the voice into a series of discrete pitches was pleasing to the ear.

Technology got into the act when people discovered the manipulation of inanimate objects, by striking, blowing or scraping etc. could produce musical tones. As soon as man modified such objects to better fit his purpose music technology was born.

Our most famous composers and virtuoso musicians over the centuries have known that an understanding of how instruments work is important in getting the best from them. Whether an instrument uses carved wood & strings or digital algorithms, having at least a basic knowledge will improve creativity. Not knowing how to translate an imagined sound into reality can be frustrating.