A pitch contour can be traced without singing

Use a rising and falling line to represent relative pitch direction under a shared key. Gesture or visual following can explore the same relationship, keeping pitch separate from loudness and physical height.

A rising line can represent pitch moving higher in this notation.

Explain what the line represents

Use the same contour key throughout the activity. The line represents relative pitch direction rather than physical height or sound volume.

Read the contour. Trace its direction. Match with optional voice or gesture.

Which direction does the contour show? Use gesture-only participation.

Pitch height differs from loudness.

Resources

• Rhythm Pattern Partner Cards — Use the pattern cards with a clear symbol key and optional quiet participation.

Further reading

• Musica Viva Australia — education program

Read next

• Reflect on the composition by returning to one chosen moment
• Puppet dialogue works when the characters respond to each other
• High and low are relative to a chosen movement reference

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