Which property of sound indicates how loud or soft a note is played?

Volume is the property of sound that specifically indicates how loud or soft a note is played. It is a crucial aspect of music since it affects the overall dynamics and emotional impact of a piece. When a musician adjusts the volume, they manipulate the amplitude of the sound wave, which results in differences in perceived loudness.

For example, a stronger blow on a wind instrument or a more vigorous strum on a guitar will produce a louder sound, while a softer approach will yield a quieter note. Understanding volume allows musicians to create contrast and shape the expressive qualities of their performances.

In contrast, timbre refers to the unique quality or color of a sound that distinguishes different instruments or voices. Duration relates to the length of time a note is held, and pitch defines how high or low a note sounds based on its frequency. Each of these other properties plays a different role in music but does not directly convey the loudness or softness of a note.