Form in Music

Form in Music

How do we communicate

using words?

Letters < Words < Sentences < Paragraphs < Chapters < Books

How do we communicate

using music?

Notes < Motifs < Phrases < Sections < Movements < Complete works

Common Forms

Music is often made up of different, repeating sections. We call this the form or structure of the piece, and we label each part with letters.

To help you visualize the different sections, I'll share some examples that include images, as well.

Binary Form

Binary form has two distinctly different sections that do not repeat. It is also referred to as AB Form.

I think of binary and bicycle - 2 sections and two wheels!

Ternary Form

Ternary form has three distinct sections. The first and last are the same (or very, very similar). It can also be called ABA Form.

I think of ternary form as "turning" back around to get to the first section.

Examples

Watch the video on the next slide for examples of binary and ternary form.

Rondo Form

Watch the video on the next slide for an example of Rondo Form.

Rondo Form

Now that you've seen the example, Rondo form can be described as having the form - ABACABA.

Multiple Choice

What word describes a song with this form: AABAA

• Binary form

• Ternary form

• Tertiary form

• None of these

Multiple Choice

How many sections does Binary Form have?

• 3

• 2

• 4

• 1

Multiple Choice

What is the musical name for the form which always returns to A in between each section of music?

• AABA
• Rondo
• Theme and Variation
• ABACA

Multiple Choice

Name the form represented in this image

• Ternary
• Binary
• Rondo
• Strophic

Multiple Choice

How do we indicate the different Sections in a musical piece?

• Using Numbers

• Using Capital Letters

Multiple Choice

True or False: Musical form is the pattern of same and different sections in a piece of music

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Ternary Form

Multiple Choice

Binary Form

Multiple Choice

What is FORM?

• A way to mold clay.

• The way music is organized.

Multiple Choice

What is the form of the holiday carol Jingle Bells? (Sing it to yourself- Start with "Dashing...")

• ABAB

• AABA

• ABCA

• AABB