Harmony

Why harmony is important in an organization?

How is harmony used in music?

​Essential Questions

By the end of of this lesson, you will be able to

• define and recognize harmony

• compare harmony to melody

• explain how harmony used in music
  
  
  
  
  

​Learning Objectives

Today we are going to learn about harmony. We will practice recognizing harmony and comparing it to melody. Learning about harmony is important, because it is a valuable tool for creating and performing music!

​Today's Lesson

As you listen to a song, think about the pitch of the singers. Remember, pitch means how high or how low the sound is. Are all of the people singing at the same pitch?

​Listening to the Harmony

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In the "Happy Birthday" video, each singer sung at a different pitch. When two or more pitches are combined at the same time, we call this harmony.


Harmony is different than melody, because there are two or more pitches happening at the same time. In a melody, there is only one pitch at a time.

Harmony

We are going to compare the sound of the song "Are You Sleeping (Brother John)," with and without harmony. Remember, harmony takes place when there are two or more pitches happening at once. First, we will listen to the song with only the melody.

Harmony vs. Melody

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Now, we are going to listen to another song. This time, we will hear both the melody and harmony. As you listen, think about harmony changes the sound of the music. Do you like the song better with harmony?

Harmony vs. Melody

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Poll

Which version did you like better?

• without harmony

• with harmony

With a partner, talk about how harmony is different than melody. Take turns sharing which version of "Are You Sleeping" you liked better and why.

Think-Pair-Share

Draw

What can harmony do to music?
Why harmony is important?

We are going to play a game called "Where's the Harmony?" On the next slides, you will listen to different songs. After listening to each song, you will vote whether or not you heard harmony in the music. Remember, there is harmony when there are two or more pitches sounding at once!

Where's the Harmony?

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Now, we are going to practice creating harmony as a class by singing in a round. When we sing in a round, one group starts, and the next group starts to sing the first line a bit later. Let's watch a video first to learn more about singing in a round!

Singing in a Round

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Multiple Choice

What is it called when two or more people sing the same melody, but start the song at different times?

• singing in a square

• singing in a box

• singing in a round

Multiple Choice

When there are two or more different pitches at the same time, it is called _______.

• harmony

• rhythm

• melody

Multiple Choice

Can you change the sound of harmony?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

In a melody, there is only one pitch at a time.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

When we sing in a round, all should start together.

• True

• False