Pitch in music refers to the notes of a particular song or musical score. Notes range from very high to low. Children can learn this beginning concept when they are played songs that are easily identifiable by their varied pitch. Play music that relies heavily on the violin, followed by music played on the cello for a contrast between high and low notes. Children will learn both the beginning concept of pitch as well as various instruments and their range of sounds. Children can utilize this beginner concept when playing an instrument or singing.
Tempo refers to the speed of music, which affects the way a song sounds. Tempo may be constant or change during a song. Children will begin to understand the musical concept of tempo by listening to and singing songs of varying speeds. Tempo can be learned by hearing a fast-paced song followed by a slow-paced song, or singing one song all the way through, then singing it again at a faster pace and then again, faster still. By practicing the concept of tempo in music as they learn it, children are more likely to understand it.
Duration and pitch in music are designated through musical note symbols. Teach children musical notation basics in the beginning. The symbol "f," means forte. When seen in sheet music, "f" means to play notes loud. The note "ff" or fortissimo designates that notes should be played very loud. The note "p" means piano, or softly, while "pp" means very softly. The symbol crescendo looks like a "v" on its side with the two parallel lines extending to the right. Cresendo means the music should be played steadily louder and louder. Its opposite, decrescendo, is the same symbol facing to the left, meaning to play softer and softer. A colon with a vertical bold line next to it is a "repeat" symbol, meaning the music should be repeated. After these beginner symbols are grasped, more complicated musical notation such as clefs (range of notes), time signatures (beat), whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes may be introduced.
Rhyming concepts can be taught by printing out songs with clear rhyme schemes that children will recognize, such as "Mary Had A Little Lamb." Children can pick out the rhyming verses, such as "snow" and "go," in the last two lines to understand how and why some songs incorporate end rhyme. After understanding basic end rhymes, children can begin to grasp internal rhyme, off rhyme and more. Rhythm refers to a pattern of sounds and silences in music, either in a steady beat or varying beats. Many different rhythms may be used in one song. Play songs with simple, constant rhythms for children to understand before introducing songs with more complicated rhythm.