Elements of Music
Instrument Families
Identifying Dynamics
Defining Dynamics
100

the perceived highness or lowness of a sound 

What is pitch?
100

violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, ukulele, etc.

What are strings?

100

p

what is piano?

100

forte

What is loud?

200

the perceived loudness or softness of music

What are dynamics?

200

Drums, cymbals, xylophone, marimba, tambourine, triangle, etc.

What are percussion?

200

f

what is forte?

200

piano

What is soft?

300

the main succession of pitches and rhythms in a song

What is melody?

300

Piano, organ, harpsichord, electric piano, keytar, etc.

What are keys?

300

mp

what is mezzo-piano?

300

fortissimo

What is very loud?

400

the pitches and rhythms that complement the melody

What is harmony?

400

Trumpet, cornet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, etc.

What are brass?
400

mf

what is mezzo-forte?

400

pianissimo

What is very soft?

500

the structured pattern of sounds and silences over time

What is rhythm?

500

piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, recorder, etc.

What are woodwinds?

500

ff

What is fortissimo?

500

mezzo-forte

What is medium-loud?
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