"Music is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound organized in time. General definitions of music include common elements such as pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture (which are sometimes termed the ""color"" of a musical sound). Different styles or types of music may emphasize, de-emphasize or omit some of these elements. Music is performed with a vast range of instruments and vocal techniques ranging from singing to rapping; there are solely instrumental pieces, solely vocal pieces (such as songs without instrumental accompaniment) and pieces that combine singing and instruments. The word derives from Greek ??????? (mousike; ""art of the Muses""). See glossary of musical terminology.Even a basic understanding of music can be hugely beneficial, regardless of the age or level of your students. If music is not the primary focus of your lessons, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which aspects of music to cover and how to introduce and discuss them. The first step is to figure out what you want to teach and how adding elements of music into the learning environment will benefit your learners. The music tips and methods outlined in this lesson can serve as a starting point for deeper discussion and expression. Even if you're not a music teacher by trade, incorporating at least some exploration of music into your lessons may help students develop a better understanding and appreciation of this timeless and universal art form.
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Himani Pandey is Director of the Center for Ethnomusicology at the Private University. She edited Music, a monograph published in 2002. Besides her academic writing, Pandey is also a noted performer of Indian music and Islamic chant.