Music
- Details
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 09:30
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 853
Vocabulary for IELTS: Music
"Music" is a common topic in the IELTS speaking and writing tests. You may be asked to describe your favourite kind of music, discuss how music influences mood, or express your views on the role of music in culture and education. A strong command of music-related vocabulary can help you express your opinions fluently and add nuance to your responses.
In this lesson, we’ll explore some vocabulary items associated with music. These words and phrases range from everyday use to more advanced, academic expressions that are still practical and appropriate for IELTS candidates. Each example demonstrates how these terms can be applied in realistic contexts during the exam.
1. Musical instrument: [Meaning: A device used to produce music]
Example 1: I learned to play a musical instrument in school, and it helped me develop discipline.
Example 2: Playing a musical instrument regularly is believed to improve memory and concentration.
2. Genre: [Meaning: A category or style of music]
Example 1: My favourite genre of music is classical, especially pieces by Mozart and Chopin.
Example 2: Every genre has its own charm, from jazz to rock to electronic music.
3. Lyrics: [Meaning: The words of a song]
Example 1: The lyrics of that ballad are so emotional that they moved me to tears.
Example 2: I prefer songs with meaningful lyrics rather than repetitive beats.
4. Tune: [Meaning: The melody or musical line of a song]
Example 1: I couldn’t get the tune out of my head after hearing it just once.
Example 2: That old folk song has a very catchy tune that people still love today.
5. Live performance: [Meaning: A musical show played in front of an audience]
Example 1: Watching a live performance of an orchestra is a truly unforgettable experience.
Example 2: The energy in a live performance is completely different from a studio recording.
6. Acoustic quality: [Meaning: The clarity and richness of sound in a space]
Example 1: The concert hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustic quality.
Example 2: Proper acoustic quality is essential for classical and instrumental performances.
7. Musical arrangement: [Meaning: The adaptation or organisation of a musical composition]
Example 1: The musical arrangement of the song was altered to include traditional instruments.
Example 2: A good musical arrangement can completely transform the mood of a piece.
8. Rhythmic complexity: [Meaning: Intricate or irregular patterns in timing and beat]
Example 1: Jazz is known for its rhythmic complexity, which makes it both challenging and rewarding for musicians.
Example 2: The rhythmic complexity of this composition adds depth and unpredictability.
9. Auditory perception: [Meaning: The brain's interpretation of sound signals]
Example 1: Musical training enhances auditory perception, especially in recognising pitch and tone.
Example 2: Children exposed to music early show faster development in auditory perception.
10. Emotional resonance: [Meaning: The ability of music to evoke deep feelings or memories]
Example 1: The soundtrack had such emotional resonance that it brought the audience to tears.
Example 2: Music with emotional resonance often becomes personally meaningful to listeners.
11. Neuroacoustic stimulation: [Meaning: The effect of sound frequencies on brain activity and mood]
Example 1: Some therapists use neuroacoustic stimulation to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
Example 2: Studies show that neuroacoustic stimulation through low-frequency tones can enhance concentration.
12. Tonal modulation: [Meaning: Changing the key or pitch in a musical piece for variation]
Example 1: The tonal modulation in the bridge section creates a dramatic emotional shift.
Example 2: Effective tonal modulation can make a song feel more dynamic and expressive.
13. Ethnomusicological perspective: [Meaning: Understanding music in its cultural and social context]
Example 1: An ethnomusicological perspective reveals how folk music preserves ancestral knowledge.
Example 2: The documentary explored indigenous instruments from an ethnomusicological perspective.
14. Harmonic architecture: [Meaning: The structure and progression of chords and harmonies in music]
Example 1: The piece’s harmonic architecture is sophisticated, moving seamlessly between tonal centres.
Example 2: Advanced composers pay close attention to the harmonic architecture of their music to create depth.
15. Intermodal integration: [Meaning: The brain’s ability to combine musical input with other senses or experiences]
Example 1: Concerts that combine lights, visuals, and sound offer powerful intermodal integration.
Example 2: Music therapy often benefits from intermodal integration, combining rhythm with movement.
Report