- Definition
Musical symbols are like a special code of pictures and marks that tell you how to play music notes.
The symbol for 'loud' (a lowercase f) tells you to sing or play with a strong voice.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Music symbols are like the secret code in a game that tells you which move to make.
Ask your child: What do you think this little drawing tells our voice to do?
Common mix-up: Kids may think these are just little drawings on the page. Each symbol is actually a specific instruction that tells a musician how to play or sing a note.
Examples
- The symbol for 'soft' (a lowercase p) tells you to use a quiet voice.
- A filled-in note with a stem tells you to make a short sound, like one clap.
- A rest symbol tells you to be silent for a moment.
symbols is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+23 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 ↗
