Overview:
Timbre, harmony, and expression give music depth and provide a rich vocabulary for the expression of musical ideas. Timbre helps students distinguish between sound sources, harmony gives music more varied tonal complexities, and the emotive aspects of music (expression) quickly elicit responses from young students. Teaching strategies using visualizations through color associations or free form shapes (dots, lines, waves, or shapes) help to teach these concepts because students need to detect more subtle nuances.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
- Identify the characteristics in the elements of timbre, harmony, and expression,
- Describe the distinctive components of timbre, harmony, and expression,
- Select music experiences that are age-appropriate,
- Create lessons focused on timbre, harmony, and expression, and
- Analyze lesson plans for effective sequence and delivery.
Module Summary
Timbre, harmony and expression, while more subtle music elements, are characteristics that relay the affective qualities of compositions. In learning about these elements, students must be encouraged to make musical decisions and judgments based on what they know and feel.
This module introduced strategies for timbre, harmony and expression. Each element was divided into different perception qualities that could be discovered and identified through exploration, listening, and participation. Examples of age-appropriate lessons were provided to enhance students’ musical perception and reaction to a variety music compositions and genres.