Music Fundamentals

What are INSTRUMENT FAMILIES?

We can group instruments into four families: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Sing and play a game to learn the characteristics of each instrument family!

What is STEADY BEAT?

Explore STEADY BEAT by dancing, stomping, and clapping to catchy tunes!

What is IMPROVISATION?

Making up music on the spot is called “improvisation.” Learn how musicians improvise and practice creating your own music in this hands-on lesson!

What is MUSIC?

The composer John Cage said that music is simply “organization of sound.” What do you think music is? In this elementary music lesson for grades 2-6, students will discuss the definition of music.

What is ABA FORM?

Music is full of patterns. Learn about the ABA pattern in music and use it to create your own composition!

What is HARMONY?

Explore the basic concept of musical harmony improvising to create simple harmonies using visual prompts! For elementary age students, but adaptable for all ages.

What are ENSEMBLE SKILLS?

How do musicians stick together without a conductor? Help students understand and practice ENSEMBLE SKILLS in this lesson.

What is OPERA? (Part One)

Opera is for everyone- including kids! Our host Victoria explains what opera is, then introduces you to three opera singers. Perfect for elementary ages.

What is OPERA? (Part Two)

In part two of our opera lessons, Victoria uses opera to tell two stories: one about lunch, and one about special events. Students will be able to compose their own aria at the end of the lesson.

What are VOICE TYPES?

No two voices sound exactly the same. But, all voices fall into a range. Learn about four main voice types: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass!

What is TEMPO?

Fast or slow means tempo! In our Class Notes Tempo Video, we see lumberjacks moving to different speeds. End the lesson with a game of Tempo Olympics!

What is an AUDIENCE?

There are two roles in a musical performance: the role of the performer(s) and the role of the audience! Learn about both in this lesson!

What is a NOCTURNE?

Nocturnes are special pieces of music inspired by nighttime! Tap into a calm, peaceful feeling as you learn some defining features and listen to musical examples. For grades K-8.

What is FERMATA?

Fermata means to hold a note longer than usual. Go on a fermata scavenger hunt as you listen to several musical examples.

What is an ETUDE?

The word "etude" means "study" in French. Listen to etudes for piano, guitar, cello, snare drum, and trumpet in this lesson.

What is a SCHERZO?

The word "scherzo" means "to jest" or "to joke" in Italian. Learn about the characteristics of a scherzo while listening to some playful examples!

What is PRESTO?

Tap into your need for speed in this music lesson about PRESTO, or super fast music!

What is CRESCENDO?

When composers and musicians want to make the volume of music gradually increase, they use the word “crescendo.” Listen to musical examples and practice making your own!

What is a CONDUCTOR?

Conductors have a special musical job. Conductor Sarah Hicks will tell you about her job and teach you a few conducting patterns. For grades K-6.

What are STACCATO and LEGATO?

Explore contrasting articulation in this music fundamental lesson all about staccato and legato!

What is THEME AND VARIATION?

Composers like to take a familiar tune, or a THEME, and create different variations, or versions. Listen and respond to different pieces of music with a Theme and Variation form.

What is MELODY?

Melody use pitches that can go high or low and make shapes. Learn about melody by distinguishing it from beat and rhythm! Explore melodic contour by vocalizing and drawing your own melodic shapes!

What are DYNAMICS?

Music can be loud, soft or somewhere in between. Musicians use the word "dynamics" to describe the volume level of music. Practice identifying forte and piano sounds in this lesson!

What is TIMBRE?

Timbre is the unique or special sound that a thing makes. Watch a fun video about tone color and play around with timbre in objects around your classroom or home.

What is PIZZICATO?

Learn to differentiate between two different string techniques (pizzicato and arco) in this lesson.

What is a TOCCATA?

A toccata showcases many skills a musician needs to play a piece of music. Listen to several toccatas written for keyboard instruments and reflect on what techniques the performers must use. For Grades K-8.

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