Blues -characterized by specific chord progressionsthe twelve-bar blues chord progressions being the most commonand the blue

notes, notes that for expressive purposes are sung or played flattened or gradually bent (minor 3rd to major 3rd) in relation to the pitch of the major scale. Jazz -use of blue notes, improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopation, and the swung note. Rock & Roll -combination of the blues, country music, jazz and gospel music. -the beat is essentially a boogie woogie blues rhythm with an accentuated backbeat, the latter almost always provided by a snare drum. Hip hop - is defined by four key stylistic elements: rapping, DJing/scratching, sampling (or synthesis), and beatboxing. New Age -intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism -used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments, and is often associated with environmentalism and New Age spirituality. -harmonies are generally modal, consonant, or include a drone bass -melodies are often repetitive, to create a hypnotic feeling, and sometimes recordings of nature sounds are used as an introduction to a track or throughout the piece Light Classical/Pop Opera -The style is a less "serious" form of Western classical music, featuring through-composed, usually shorter orchestral pieces and suites designed to appeal to a wider audience than more serious compositions. -The style is also known as mood music or concert music, and is often grouped with the easy listening genre.