- Definition
In music, accompaniment is the background music or sounds that support the main singer or instrument. It's like the backup singers or band that makes the main performer sound even better.
A piano playing chords while someone sings a song is an accompaniment.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Accompaniment is like the beat you clap with your hands while your friend sings the main song.
Ask your child: Can you tap a steady beat while I sing this song?
Common mix-up: Kids may only notice the main singer or melody. The accompaniment is the important background part that supports the main tune.
Examples
- Clapping a steady beat while the class sings a song.
- The drum beat in a pop song that plays behind the singer's voice.
accompaniment is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+5 more mentions across the curriculum
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 ↗
