- Definition
The "elements of music" are the basic building blocks that make up any song, like how long notes last, how loud or soft they are, and the overall sound.
A lullaby uses a slow tempo and soft dynamics, which are two elements of music.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Elements of music are like the different ingredients you use to make a song, like how fast, slow, loud, or quiet it is.
Ask your child: Let's clap to this song. Are we clapping fast or slow?
Common mix-up: Kids may think music is just the tune you can hum. The elements of music also include its speed, volume, and the different sounds of the instruments.
Examples
- A song getting louder and louder is a change in dynamics.
- A bird chirping high and a frog croaking low shows a difference in pitch.
- Marching music often has a strong, steady beat you can feel.
elements of music is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+8 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 ↗
