Understanding music

The elements of music

Music is learned through developing skills and knowledge associated with the elements of music. Musical ideas are conceived, organised and shaped by aspects and combinations of pitch, duration, expression, tone colour (timbre), texture, and form and structure.

In the Victorian Curriculum F–10, these are referred to as the ‘elements of music’.

This section provides a range of resources designed to assist teachers of music. It covers the elements of music as well as providing advice on notation and music technology.

Instructions

The world is full of music. As you listen to each of the following examples, think about:

• what questions you would ask the composer or the performer about this music, or their life in music?
• how you would describe the music?
• what examples you would recommend?

Focus first on what the example is illustrating, then listen for how the example uses other elements of music. Ask your students the same questions. The following recordings can be accessed from a range of sources. Publication details are provided as a guide.

Back to Top