- Definition
Pitch is how high or low a sound is, like the difference between a squeaky mouse and a rumbling bear.
The high notes of a flute have a higher pitch than the low notes of a tuba.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Pitch is like the difference between a tiny mouse's high squeak and a big lion's low roar.
Ask your child: Can you make your voice sound high like a bird, then low like a bear?
Common mix-up: Kids often confuse pitch with loudness. Pitch is about how high or low a sound is, not how loud or quiet it is.
Examples
- A small bell has a higher pitch than a big drum.
- A siren goes up in pitch and then down in pitch.
pitch 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 ↗
