Humanities – Music The Elements of Music

Learning Targets I can define and give examples of Melody. I can define and give examples of Timbre.

The first Two (2) Elements … there are Seven (7) total elements we will learn. Melody – The “tune” of the music a) If you can whistle it or hum it, it’s probably the melody Timbre (pronounced “Tamber”)– The unique sound an instrument makes a) It’s what makes a piano sound different than a guitar

Melody = the “tune” Listen to this example. Can you remember the “tune?” When instructed, the whole class will whistle this tune. STOP WHEN IT’S OVER!  This is a MELODY!!!!!! What is the name of this song?

What other melodies can you think of? Here’s one more example Can you whistle or hum it? What song is this melody from?

A few thoughts about Melody Melody – The “tune” of the music Most (not all) music that people remember has obvious melodies. A Melody is often what “hooks” a listener to a song. A good melody can stand alone without any other “Backup” or accompaniment. Think of your favorite song (or songs). Do they have melodies that you can remember?

Timbre – The unique sound of an instrument Listen to this instrument sound example. What is this instrument? Now do the same for this example.

Can you listen? Was the Melody the same for both examples? Did they sound different somehow? What instruments do you think each sounded like? (the computer sometimes has less-than-authentic sounds!) This example shows how Timbres are different from instrument to instrument.