- Definition
A bordun is a musical accompaniment that uses only two main notes, like the "do" and "so" from "do-re-mi," repeated over and over.
Playing the notes 'do' and 'so' over and over on a xylophone while someone sings 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' creates a bordun.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A bordun is like the steady back-and-forth of a swing, a simple, repeating sound that goes underneath a song.
Ask your child: Can you hum a low note and a high note back and forth while I sing?
Common mix-up: Kids might think a bordun is the main tune. A bordun is actually a simple, repeating pattern that plays underneath the melody to support it.
Examples
- Playing the notes C and G together on a piano to accompany a simple song.
- Alternating between two different-toned bells to create a steady accompaniment for a song.
bordun 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 ↗
