What can we objectively say about music? Our emotional response to music is based upon what we hear. This course provides a basic vocabulary for any discussion of music. Fundamental music concepts are presented in a hierarchical fashion. Meter, tones, dynamics, rhythm, scales, melody, consonance and dissonance, harmony, tonality and form will be defined, discussed, and illustrated with audio examples. The unique thrust of the course will be the introduction of scientific and music historical foundations for each topic. The lectures will conclude with an analysis of these features as presented in Rachmaninoff's Vocalise.