- Definition
An accidental is a symbol in music (like a sharp, flat, or natural sign) that tells you to play a note a little higher or lower than usual, even if it's not part of the song's main key.
If a sharp sign appears next to a C note, you play C-sharp instead of C for that measure.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An accidental is like a special rule in a board game that changes your move just for one turn.
Ask your child: How does this sharp sign change the sound of the note?
Common mix-up: Kids might think an 'accidental' is a mistake in the music. It's actually a planned instruction from the composer to briefly change a note's pitch.
Examples
- A flat sign next to a B tells the musician to play B-flat.
- A natural sign cancels a sharp or flat from the key signature for that one note.
accidental is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
