Dynamics Dynamics describe the degree of loudness or softness of sounds in relationship to what effect or mood is being communicated. Texture Texture is the combination and layering of different sounds in music. Composers create various textures by combining sounds, instruments or voices to achieve expressive effects. The texture may be thick, thin, dense or transparent. Harmony is one aspect of texture.
Harmony occurs when two or more sounds are heard simultaneously.
Principles of Composition Principles of composition are tools or devices that help organize sounds and the elements of music into cohesive works. Middle years students should investigate such principles of composition as variety, repetition, balance, acoustics, tension and resolution, transition, and unity. Exploration related to the elements of music and principles of composition should be taught within a context of interest to the students. Students need to realize it is the interaction, not the isolation, of individual elements and principles that is important in music. Variety A musician or composer uses variety within a musical composition to create interest.