What does the term "interval" refer to in music?

The term "interval" in music specifically refers to the distance between two notes. It is a fundamental concept that helps musicians understand how notes relate to one another in terms of pitch. Intervals can be described in various ways, such as the number of steps between notes (whole steps and half steps), and they can be categorized by quality, such as major, minor, augmented, or diminished.

Understanding intervals is crucial for composition, improvisation, and tune recognition, as they form the building blocks of melodies and harmonies. This knowledge allows musicians to create a variety of musical expressions by manipulating the relationships between different notes, thereby shaping the overall sound and character of a piece.

The other options do describe elements of music but do not pertain to the definition of an interval. Chord progressions involve the sequence in which chords are played, rhythmic patterns relate to timing and beats, and dynamic changes refer to the variations in loudness of the music. These are all integral parts of music theory but do not define the concept of an interval.