What is a Round (Music)?

A round is a type of musical composition in which a melody is sung or played by multiple voices entering at different times, each following the same melody in succession. As each voice enters, it overlaps with the others, creating a continuous, repeating texture.

In a round, the melody is written so that it harmonizes with itself when layered at staggered starting points. A classic example is “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”, where each singer begins the same melody a few measures after the previous singer, producing interweaving harmony.

Rounds are commonly used in folk music, educational settings, and choral music. They help teach musical timing, pitch accuracy, and ensemble coordination while providing a simple yet engaging way to experience counterpoint and polyphony in a repeating, cyclical format.