Make a list of distinguishing characteristics. Italian futurist and composer Luigi Russolo argued in his 1913 futurist manifesto “The Art of Noises” that music is a combination of successive, periodic vibrations while noise is a sequence of fragmented and irregular noises. This is true to a point, but music can be fragmented too. Intent is a distinguishing factor between music and noise. Music, however chaotic and disorganized it sounds, was created with an intent. Noise can occur without human control. Write down a list of characteristics that will help you identify the difference. Include “regularity,” “repetition,” “fragmentation,” “structure” and “rhythm.”
Identify melodic intervals. A melodic interval is the relationship between two notes. While each note vibrates at its own frequency, the difference between two notes can be identical to the difference in frequency of a different pair of notes. This is called a harmony. For example, the difference between C and E is the same as the difference between G and B. Both intervals are the same harmonic distance. When listening to a combination of sound, list any passage where you hear harmonious differences in pitch.
Play along with your preferred instrument. Start by plucking a single string or pressing a key. If you hear a harmonic relationship between the sound recording and the notes of your instrument, you have identified "consonance." This refers to the pleasing aural effect of notes in harmony. If every note you play clashes with the sound you hear, you have identified "dissonance," which is the unpleasant aural effect of notes that are out of tune. Consonance is strongly associated with music, dissonance is associated with noise. Some composers, however, use dissonance for dramatic effect.
Identify musical intent. Note down any characteristics that suggest that a person is deliberately creating a combination of sounds. Signifiers include repetition, structure, rhythm and regularity.
Make a list of instruments that you hear. If you can hear a traditional musical instrument in the sounds, this signifies intent. A combination of sound created with musical instruments, no matter how chaotic, is evidence of human intent.