Which term refers to the relative highness or lowness of a sound as determined by frequency?

The term that refers to the relative highness or lowness of a sound as determined by frequency is pitch. Pitch is a fundamental aspect of sound and is primarily determined by the frequency of sound waves; higher frequency waves produce higher pitches, while lower frequency waves yield lower pitches. Understanding pitch is essential in music therapy as it influences how music is perceived, created, and utilized in therapeutic contexts.

Timbre, on the other hand, relates to the quality or color of the sound, allowing us to differentiate between different instruments or voices even when they are playing the same pitch. Tone refers to a specific sound quality or character of a sound, which can include aspects like timbre and pitch, but does not specifically define highness or lowness. Sound quality is a broader term that encompasses various attributes of sound, not solely relating to frequency. This is why pitch is the most precise answer in this context.