Bass notes (pronounced 'base')
Low notes. The word 'bass' also describes the voice and instruments that sing or play low notes (e.g. bass clarinet, double bass).
Duration Longer/shorter - including pulse, beat and rhythm. The terms 'pulse' and 'beat' can both be used to describe the recurring 'foot-tapping' emphasis that runs through rhythms, but 'beat' is now used more to describe the balance of strong and weak beats that form the 'pulse'.
Dynamics Louder or quieter sounds. Younger children can confuse louder with faster and quieter with slower. Don't be surprised. Try a simple example to show them that you can get quieter without getting slower. For instance you could make the sound of a ticking clock and ask them to imagine what would happen if they moved further and further away from it.
An interactive guide which helps you understand key terms in music by bringing them to life with sound, and moving images.
