Glossary of Musical Terms
The language of music
Quick Links:
A (a capella → atonal)
B (bar → broken chord)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| bar |  |
A division of music that occurs between 2 bar lines - also called a measure |
| bar line | A vertical line drawn across a Staff which divides the music into equal sections - called bars | |
| baritone | A male singing voice with a range between that of a tenor and a bass. | |
| barre chord | A chord played with 1 finger laying over multiple strings - usually 6. A mini-barre is used when 1 finger lays over fewer strings, e.g., F Major requires a mini-barre over the first 2 strings with the first finger in the open chord position. | |
| bass | Voice: the lowest of the 4 standard voice ranges - Bass Tenor Alto Soprano Music: the lowest melodic line in any musical composition Orchestra: reference to the double-bass Guitar: 4th, 5th and 6th strings |
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| bass clef |  |
A musical symbol used to indicate the pitch of written notes on a line which serves as a reference point by which the names of notes on any other line or space of the stave can be determined - also known as the F Clef as the F-line passes between the 2 dots of the clef. |
| beat | 1. the rhythm of the music 2. a single stroke of rhythmic accent. | |
| bend | A specific technique where a string is pushed upwards or downwards which raises the pitch of the fretted note in question | |
| binary form | A musical structure characterized by two contrasting sections, often labeled as A and B. | |
| Blues Scale | A scale consisting of the I, ♭III, IV, V, and ♭VII notes relative to the Major Scale | |
| bpm (beats per minute) | A measure of the tempo or speed of a musical piece, indicating the number of beats in one minute. | |
| brass instruments | Musical instruments, such as trumpets and trombones, typically made of brass, known for their bold and brassy sound. | |
| bravo | An Italian term used to express enthusiastic approval or praise, especially after a musical performance. | |
| bridge | 1. passage of music connecting 2 sections of a composition. Also known as a transition 2. section of a stringed instrument that holds the strings in place and transmits the vibrations of the strings to the resonating body of the instrument |
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| broken chord | A chord where all the notes are not played at once |
C (cadence → cut time)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cadence | A sequence of chords that provides a sense of resolution or conclusion in a musical phrase or piece. | |
| cadenza | A cadenza is a virtuosic solo passage in a piece of music, often found in concertos or other works featuring solo instruments. It typically occurs near the end of a movement, serving as a showcase for the technical skill and creativity of the performer. Cadenzas are often improvised or partially improvised, allowing the performer to demonstrate their musical prowess through elaborate runs, trills, and other embellishments. | |
| caesura |  |
A caesura is marked by double oblique lines, similar to a pair of slashes // (pictured.) It refers to a brief moment of silence or a break in the musical phrasing. It's not a complete stop like a rest, but a subtle pause that disrupts the rhythmic flow for a short period. Similar to the fermata symbol, the length of a caesura is at the discretion of the conductor or performer. |
| canon | A musical composition in which a melody is imitated by voices or instruments in a strict and overlapping manner. A famous example of this is Pachelbel's Canon in D Major | |
| capo | 1. head - the beginning of a piece or movement 2. a key-changing device for guitars and banjos - allows a key change without altering the chord shape. |
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| chamber music | Music composed for a small ensemble, typically featuring one player per part. | |
| chord | A group of three or more musical notes played or sung together to create harmony. For guitarists, a combination of 2 notes played at the same time is denoted as a power chord. | |
| chord progression | A series of chords played as a musical entity, e.g., a song | |
| chorus | In a song, the repeated and typically more musically intense section, often featuring the main theme. | |
| chromatic scale | An ascending and descending scale using semitones only, e.g. C chromatic scale ascending: C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C descending: C B B♭ A A♭ G G♭ F E E♭ D D♭ C |
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| clef |  |
A sign place at the beginning of every staff of music which fixes the position of a particular note on the staff which in turn fixes the position of all the other notes. The most popular clefs are the Treble or G clef (fixes the G note), and the Bass or F Clef (fixes the F note). The C clef is not widely used. |
| cliches | Small musical phrases that are commonly used | |
| coda (tail) |  |
A musical section at the end of a composition, providing a sense of conclusion. |
| common time |  |
Time signature of 4/4. This means there are 4 beats per measure with each beat a quarter-note or crotchet beat in length - 4 quarter-note beats per bar. |
| compound time | Occurs when a beat falls on a dotted note which is therefore divisible by 3, e.g., 6⁄8, 9⁄8, 12⁄8 | |
| conductor |  |
The person who leads a musical ensemble, directing the performers and shaping the interpretation of the music. |
| contralto | Deepest female singing voice with a range typically between the F below middle C (F3) to the second G above middle C (G5). Extreme voices can reach E below middle C (E3) or the second B♭ above middle C (B♭5). Middle C is C4 | |
| contrapuntal | Describes a specific style of writing that involves the combination of multiple independent melodic lines. The concept of contrapuntal music is closely tied to the principles of counterpoint, and it is a key aspect of understanding how different voices interact harmonically in a composition. | |
| counterpoint | Refers to the technique of combining different melodic lines in a way that is harmonically interesting and structurally sound. The principles of counterpoint involve the interplay of independent voices, each with its own melodic and rhythmic characteristics. | |
| crescendo |  |
Gradually increasing the volume or intensity of the music. |
| crotchet | ♩ | A note with the value of one beat in 4/4 time - also called a quarter-note. |
| cut time |  |
Time signature of 2/2. This means two half notes per measure. Also referred to as Alla breve |
D (da capo → dynamics)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| da capo | From the head or beginning | |
| D.C. al fine | From the head or beginning to the word fine | |
| D.S. |  |
Dal Segno - from the sign |
| D.S. al coda |  |
Instructs the musician to repeat back to the sign, and when Al coda or To coda is reached, jump to the coda symbol. |
| D.S. al fine | Instructs the musician to repeat back to the sign (segno), and end the piece at the measure marked fine. | |
| decrescendo diminuendo |  |
Gradually decreasing the volume or intensity of the music. |
| development | The section in a musical composition where themes are manipulated, expanded, and transformed. | |
| diatonic | Music that is based on or uses the notes of a diatonic scale. | |
| diatonic scale | A seven-note scale consisting of whole and half steps, with a specific pattern of intervals. | |
| diminished chord | ° | A chord consisting of a root, minor third, and diminished fifth, often denoted by "dim" or a small circle (°). |
| dissonance | A combination of notes that sounds tense or unstable and requires resolution to a consonant interval. | |
| divisi | A term indicating that a section of an ensemble should be divided into two or more parts. | |
| dolce | An Italian term meaning "sweetly" or "gently," used as a musical instruction. | |
| dominant | The fifth scale degree in a diatonic scale; also, the chord built on this degree, which creates tension and typically resolves to the tonic. | |
| dot | . | A sign (dot) placed after a note indicating that the time of the note is extended by a half, e.g., ♩ = 1 beat count ♩. = 1½ beat counts |
| double bar line | ‖ | Two vertical lines on the staff indicating the end of a section or a composition. It is also used with two dots to enclose repeated sections. ‖: :‖ |
| double flat | ♭♭ | lowers the note one whole tone |
| double sharp | x | raises the note one whole tone |
| double stop | A technique in which a string player plays two notes simultaneously on a bowed instrument. | |
| downbeat | The first beat of a measure, typically emphasized in music. | |
| drone | A continuous, sustained sound or pitch, often used as a harmonic or rhythmic foundation. | |
| duet | A musical composition or performance for two voices or instruments. | |
| duple meter | A musical meter in which each measure is divided into two beats. | |
| duplet | A group of 2 notes that are played in the same time as 3 notes of the same kind | |
| duration | The time value of each note or strum | |
| dynamics | The variations in loudness or intensity in music, often indicated by markings such as piano (soft) and forte (loud). |
E (eighth note → extended technique)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| eighth-note |  |
A musical note representing half the duration of a quarter note (♪) - also called a quaver. |
| eighth-note rest |  |
indicates half a beat of silence |
| elegy | A mournful or reflective musical composition, often written to honor the deceased. | |
| Embouchure | Embouchure is a term used in music to describe the way in which a player's lips, mouth, and facial muscles are positioned and used when playing a wind instrument, such as the oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, or flute. It is a crucial aspect of playing any wind instrument, as it directly affects the sound quality, intonation, and control of the instrument. The embouchure can vary depending on the instrument being played, as well as the individual player's preferences and physical characteristics. Developing a good embouchure is essential for any wind instrument player, and it requires practice, patience, and attention to detail. It is important to work with a qualified instructor to develop proper embouchure technique and avoid potential issues such as fatigue, tension, and injury. |
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| encore | again - perform the relevant passage once more | |
| endpin | A retractable rod on the bottom of a cello or double bass that supports the instrument while playing. | |
| enharmonic | Two notes that are written differently but sound the same, e.g., C# and D♭ | |
| ensemble |  |
A group of musicians performing together, either as a whole or in smaller combinations. |
| epic | A term used to describe music that is grand, heroic, and often associated with large-scale compositions. | |
| epic scale | A musical scale with more than seven pitches, often used in film scores and dramatic music. | |
| epicene | A term used to describe a composition that is not specifically masculine or feminine in character. | |
| episode | A section within a musical composition that provides contrast to the main themes. | |
| equal temperament | A tuning system where the octave is divided into twelve equal parts, allowing for flexibility in key modulation. | |
| ethnomusicology | The study of music from different cultural and ethnic perspectives. | |
| etude | A musical composition, usually short and focused on technical skill development. | |
| exposition | The initial section of a sonata or symphony where the main thematic material is presented. | |
| expressivo | An Italian term meaning "expressively," instructing the performer to play with emotion and feeling. | |
| extemporize | To improvise or compose on the spot, often in a free and spontaneous manner. | |
| extended chord | A chord that includes additional notes beyond the root, third, and fifth. | |
| extended technique | Unconventional methods of playing a musical instrument, expanding beyond traditional techniques. |
F (fanfare → fundamental bass)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| fanfare | A short, triumphant musical composition, often used for ceremonial purposes. | |
| falsetto | A vocal technique where a singer uses a higher range than their normal register. | |
| fermata |  |
hold/pause - a symbol indicating that the note or rest it is placed over should be extended in duration, often at the performer's discretion. |
| fifth | An interval spanning five diatonic scale degrees. It is also the name given to an interval in relation to the position above or below a tone (G is a fifth up from C, or F is a 5th down from C). It is also used to describe the interval itself, e.g., perfect 5th, an augmented 5th or a diminished 5th. | |
| fill | Instructs musicians to improvise, e.g., a riff between lines sections or phrases | |
| finale | The concluding movement of a musical composition or the final section of an act or scene. | |
| fine | fine | the end - used to indicate the end of a piece of music. Often used in phrases like "al fine" (to the end); "D.C. al Fine" (from the beginning to the end), or "D.S. al Fine," (from the sign to the end.) |
| fingering | The choice and arrangement of finger placements on an instrument. | |
| flat | ♭ | A symbol indicating that the pitch of a note is lowered by a half step or semitone. |
| flutter-tonguing | A technique used by wind players, particularly brass players, to produce a fluttering sound by rolling their tongue. | |
| folk music | Music that originates from the common people of a region and is passed down orally through generations. | |
| form | The structure or organization of a musical composition. | |
| forte | f | An Italian term indicating a strong or loud dynamic level. |
| fortepiano | fp | An Italian term instructing the performer to play loudly, then immediately soften. |
| fortissimo | ff | An Italian term indicating a very strong or very loud dynamic level. |
| fourth | The fourth degree of a diatonic scale. Also, the name given to an interval in relation to the position above or below a tone (F is a 4th up from C, or G is a 4th down from C). It is also used to describe the interval itself, e.g., perfect 4th, an augmented 4th or a diminished 4th. | |
| free stroke | this is where the finger after picking the string does not rest on any other string as in fingerpicking | |
| fugue | flight or fleeing - In the context of music, a fugue involves the "flight" or interplay of musical voices. The term reflects the way different voices enter and engage with each other, where two or more independent melodic lines harmoniously intertwine. These intricate compositions, once a staple of classical music in the Baroque era, have found their way into movies, video games, and even your favorite cartoons. Have you ever heard that iconic chase music that seems to loop without end? That's a fugue! Explore the history of this musical form. |
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| fugato | fugato | A passage within a composition that resembles a fugue. |
| full score | A complete musical arrangement that includes parts for all instruments or voices. | |
| full stop | The conclusion of a musical composition or section. It can take various forms, depending on the musical style and context. For example, in classical music, a full stop might be indicated by a fermata, or by a form of punctuation such as a double bar line or a repeat sign. In jazz and popular music, a full stop might be indicated by a specific chord progression or a rhythmic figure. It is a way for the composer to indicate to the performer that a particular musical idea has concluded, and it is time to move on to the next section or phrase. | |
| functional harmony | Harmony that follows traditional tonal principles and progressions. | |
| fundamental bass | The lowest pitch in a chord, often the root. |
G (gentile → grazioso)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| gentile | gently | |
| G Clef (Treble Clef) | A symbol indicating the pitch range for higher notes, typically found on the staff for instruments like violin, flute, and piano. | |
| galop | A lively dance in duple meter, often associated with the 19th-century ballroom. | |
| gig |  |
a musician's job |
| giocoso or gioioso | gaily | |
| glissando | A continuous sliding from one pitch to another. | |
| grace note | A small, quick note played before a main note, often indicated by a small printed note symbol. | |
| Grand Staff | A combination of the treble and bass staves, used for piano music and other keyboard instruments. | |
| grandioso | A term indicating that a passage should be played in a grand or majestic manner. | |
| grave | An Italian term indicating a slow and solemn tempo. | |
| grazioso | gracefully |
H (half note → humoresque)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| half-note |  |
A note with the value of 2 beats in 4/4 time - also called a minim. |
| half-note rest |  |
indicates 2 beats of silence written on the third staff line |
| half-step | The smallest interval in Western music, equivalent to one fret on a guitar or one key on a piano, e.g., F - F# - also called a semitone. | |
| hammer-on |  |
sounding of a note by only using the left hand fingers... also called a slur. Lefties would use the right hand fingers. |
| harmonic minor scale | A minor scale with a raised seventh degree, distinguishing it from the natural minor scale. | |
| harmonic progression | The movement of chords in a sequence, creating harmonic relationships. | |
| harmonic series | The series of overtones or partials that are naturally produced when a musical instrument is played. | |
| harmonics | A chime-like sound made by gently or lightly touching a vibrating string at certain points along the fretboard. | |
| harmony | The simultaneous combination of different musical notes to produce a pleasing sound. | |
| head voice | The upper part of a singer's vocal range, resonating in the head. | |
| hemiola | A rhythmic pattern where two groups of three beats are temporarily replaced by three groups of two beats, creating a cross-rhythmic effect. | |
| heterophony | Simultaneous variations of a single melodic line played by multiple instruments or voices. | |
| homophony | A musical texture where one voice or instrument carries the melody, while others provide accompaniment. | |
| hook | A catchy and memorable musical phrase or motif. | |
| humoresque | A composition with a whimsical or humorous character. |
I (iambic → italian sixth chord)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| iambic | A metrical pattern in poetry or music where an unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed syllable. | |
| imitative counterpoint | A form of counterpoint where one voice introduces a musical idea and another voice imitates it. | |
| impetuoso | impetuously | |
| impromptu | A composition or performance created on the spot without prior planning. | |
| improvisation | Creating or performing music spontaneously without prior preparation. | |
| in nomine | A type of composition popular in the Renaissance period, often based on a plainsong. | |
| index finger | i | Used in identifying right hand fingers in finger-picking patterns. Identifies left hand fingers for Lefties |
| instrumentation | The arrangement or choice of instruments used in a musical composition. | |
| intensity | The strength or force of a musical sound. | |
| interlude | A short, intermediate section within a longer musical composition. | |
| interval | The distance in pitch between two notes. | |
| intervallic | Pertaining to the intervals or distances between pitches. | |
| intrada | An opening piece of music, typically for brass instruments. | |
| Introduction (Intro) | The opening section of a musical piece that precedes the main theme or melody. | |
| inversion | A rearrangement of the notes in a chord where the lowest note becomes the highest, and vice versa. | |
| ionian mode | The major scale, characterized by a specific pattern of whole and half steps. | |
| irish reel | A lively traditional Irish dance tune in simple duple meter. | |
| irregular meter | A meter that deviates from the regular pattern of beats, such as asymmetrical time signatures. | |
| isorhtthm | A medieval musical technique involving repeating rhythmic patterns. | |
| italian sixth chord | It+6, #iv+6 | A type of augmented sixth chord used in Western classical music. It consists of a root position major triad with an added augmented sixth above the root. For example, in the key of C major, the Italian sixth chord built on the note A would be represented as "It+6" in Roman numeral analysis and consists of the notes A, C#, and F. |
J (jazz → juxtaposition)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| jazz | A genre of music characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a strong rhythmic feel, originating in the United States. | |
| jazz standard | well-known or popular jazz piece | |
| jig | A lively dance in compound meter, often associated with Celtic and folk music. | |
| jubilant | An expressive indication directing the performer to play in a joyful and triumphant manner. | |
| jubiloso | An Italian term meaning "joyful" or "joyously," often used as a tempo marking. | |
| juxtaposition | The act of placing two or more elements (such as musical themes) side by side for comparison or contrast. |
K (key → klezmer)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| key | The central note or pitch around which a musical composition is based. It also refers to the tonal system of a piece. | |
| keyboard | A set of keys or levers, typically on a piano or organ, that are pressed to produce musical sounds. | |
| key change | A modulation or shift from one key to another within a musical composition. | |
| keynote | The first or main note of a scale, serving as the tonal center of a piece. | |
| key signature | A musical symbol placed at the beginning of each staff, immediately following the clef. It indicates the key of the composition by specifying the sharps or flats present in the corresponding scale. For example, if there are two sharps on the staff, it signifies the key of D Major, with F# and C# in its scale. Conversely, no sharps or flats on the staff denote the key of C Major. | |
| klezmer | A musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews, often characterized by lively dance tunes and instrumental improvisation. |
L (lament → lyrics)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| lament | A musical composition expressing grief, sorrow, or mourning. | |
| largo | An Italian term indicating a slow and broad tempo. | |
| lead | Playing single notes — lead solo or a melody line. | |
| leading tone | the seventh degree of a major scale | |
| ledger lines | Small horizontal lines upon which notes are written when their pitch is either above or below the range of the Stave. | |
| legato | A musical instruction directing the performer to play the notes smoothly and connected. | |
| leitmotif | A recurring musical theme or motif associated with a particular character, idea, or emotion in a composition. | |
| lento | An Italian term meaning "slow," often used as a tempo marking. | |
| libretto | The text or script of an opera, musical, or other dramatic work. | |
| lied | A German art song, typically for solo voice and piano, characterized by expressive and poetic qualities. | |
| ligature | A symbol in musical notation indicating that two or more notes are to be played as a single, connected phrase. | |
| lochrian mode | The seventh and final mode of the diatonic scale, characterized by a diminished fifth and often considered dissonant. | |
| lyric soprano | The highest female vocal range, often associated with roles in opera and classical music. | |
| lyrical | Having the characteristics of a lyric or expressing intense personal emotion. | |
| lyricism | The quality of being lyrical, expressive, or having a song-like character. | |
| lyricist | A person who writes the lyrics (words) of a song. | |
| lyrics | The words of a song, typically set to music. |
M (maestoso → mute)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| maestoso | An Italian term directing the performer to play in a majestic or stately manner. | |
| major pentatonic scale | A five tone scale that is derived by the Major Scale defined by the following degrees: Tonic, Major 2nd, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, Major 6th with the omission of the 4th and 7th degrees of the major scale, formula: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6. The scale is based on the interval sequence T - T - T½ - T or Whole, Whole, Whole and a Half, Whole. For example, the C Major Pentatonic Scale would read, C-D-E-G-A. | |
| major scale | A diatonic scale consisting of seven pitches, with a specific pattern of whole and half steps, and characterized by a major third interval between the first and third notes, based on the interval sequence: (W-W-H-W-W-W-H) OR (T-T-S-T-T-T-S). | |
| marcato or marc |  |
An Italian term indicating that a note or passage should be played with emphasis, often marked with a symbol such as an accent. |
| marcato / staccato |  |
An Italian term indicating that the notes should be played with a combination of both strong emphasis (like in marcato) and short, detached articulation (like in staccato). |
| measure | |
A unit of musical time, typically containing a specific number of beats as indicated by the time signature, e.g., a bar of music |
| medley | A musical composition consisting of a series of different tunes or songs arranged and performed as a continuous piece, and sometimes overlapping | |
| melody | A sequence of single pitches that is musically satisfying and often the main tune of a piece. | |
| meter | The organization of beats into regular groups. It is a fundamental aspect of musical rhythm and helps define the overall feel and structure of a piece of music. Meter is often expressed as a time signature at the beginning of a musical score. It can also relate to the pattern of strong and weak beats in the rhythm of the music including downbeats (stronger), upbeats (weaker), accents emphasizing a particular beat to make it stand out, and syncopation where the emphasis is placed on weak beats or off-beats. Different meters and rhythmic patterns create distinct rhythmic identities, influencing how listeners perceive and respond to the music. For example, a 4/4 time signature with a strong emphasis on the first beat (common time) has a different feel than a 3/4 waltz with a strong emphasis on the first beat of each measure. |
|
| mezza voce | mv | half voice - with subdued or moderated volume |
| mezzo forte | mf | moderately loud |
| mezzo piano | mp | moderately soft |
| mezzo-soprano | A term used to describe a vocal range for female singers with a range usually extending from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above (A3-A5). They may extend down to the G below middle C (G3) and as high as (C6). Mezzo-sopranos generally have a darker vocal tone than sopranos, and their vocal range is between a soprano and a contralto. | |
| middle C |  |
Middle C on a piano is denoted by C4. (Since Middle C is the fourth C note from the left on a standard 88-key piano, its octave number is 4 ). The location of Middle C on the staff depends on the clef being used. For example, in the Treble Clef (G Clef), Middle C is located on the first ledger line below the staff. In the Bass Clef (F Clef), Middle C is located on the first space above the staff. |
| middle finger | m | The middle finger used in identifying right hand fingers in finger-picking patterns. Identifies left hand fingers for Lefties |
| minor pentatonic scale | A five-note scale that is derived from the natural minor scale defined by the following degrees: Tonic (root), Minor 3rd, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Minor 7th, formula: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7. The scale is based on the interval sequence T½ - T - T - T½ or Whole and a Half, Whole, Whole, Whole and a Half. For example, the C Minor Pentatonic Scale would read, C-Eb-F-G-Bb. | |
| minor scale | A diatonic scale consisting of seven pitches, with a specific pattern of whole and half steps, and characterized by a minor third interval between the first and third notes. | |
| mode | A displaced scale, e.g., playing through the C to C Scale but starting and finishing on a D note. | |
| moderato | An Italian term directing the performer to play at a moderate tempo - often combined with other terms, usually relating to tempo e.g., allegro moderato | |
| modulation | Most commonly the act or process of changing from one key to another. This may or may not be accompanied by a change in key signature. | |
| molto | An Italian term meaning "very," often used as a modifier for dynamics or tempo (e.g., "molto allegro" means "very fast"). | |
| monophony | A musical texture featuring a single, unaccompanied melodic line. | |
| motif | A short musical idea or pattern that is repeated or developed throughout a composition. | |
| movement | a section of a musical composition | |
| Mozartean | Relating to the style or characteristics of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music. | |
| musical form | The structure or organization of a musical composition, often divided into sections such as the exposition, where the main musical ideas or themes are introduced; development, where the music evolves and develops; and recapitulation, a summary or a reminder of what we heard at the beginning, but often with some variations or changes. | |
| musical notation | Symbols and markings used to represent musical sounds on paper, including notes, clefs, and time signatures. | |
| musicology | The scholarly study of music, encompassing historical, cultural, and theoretical aspects. | |
| mute | A device placed on a musical instrument, such as a trumpet or violin, to alter or reduce the volume or timbre. |
N (natural → note)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| natural | ♮ | A symbol that cancels the effect of a sharp or a flat. The word is also used to describe the 'natural notes' A, B, C, D, E, F, G. |
| No Chord | N.C. | When you see "N.C." in musical notation, it indicates that no specific chord should be played at that particular point in the music. |
| ninth | 9th | An interval spanning nine diatonic scale degrees |
| nocturne |
A nocturne is a musical composition, typically for piano, that is characterized by its dreamy, tranquil, and often melancholic mood. The term "nocturne" is derived from the French word "nocturnal," which means "of the night," and the genre is often associated with the night or the idea of night music. One of the most famous composers of nocturnes is Frédéric Chopin, who wrote 21 nocturnes for solo piano. Other composers who have written nocturnes include John Field, Gabriel Fauré, and Claude Debussy. |
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| nonet | A composition or group of nine musicians. | |
| non troppo | A musical term instructing the performer not to exceed a certain tempo or mood. | |
| notation | The written representation of music by the use of symbols, e.g., (music on a stave), letters (as in note and chord names) and diagrams (as in chord illustrations). | |
| note |  |
A symbol representing the pitch and duration of a sound in musical notation. The example pictured begins with a whole note and follows with a half note; quarter note; eighth note; sixteenth note; thirty-second note, and ends in a sixty-fourth note. |
O (obbligato → overture)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| obbligato | obligatory, required, indispensable - typically written for a specific instrument or voice and is intended to be performed exactly as written. It often serves a prominent and expressive role within the musical texture, complementing or interacting with the main melody or vocal line. | |
| octatonic scale | A scale consisting of eight notes, alternating between whole and half steps. The octatonic scale, also known as the diminished scale, alternates between whole and half steps. There are two common types of octatonic scales: the whole-half diminished scale and the half-whole diminished scale. Here are some examples: Whole-Half Diminished Scale: ** C Whole-Half Diminished Scale: C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, A, B Half-Whole Diminished Scale: ** C Half-Whole Diminished Scale: C, D♭, E♭, E, F♯, G, A, B♭ In both examples, you can see the alternation between whole steps (W) and half steps (H). These scales are often used in jazz and classical music and are characterized by their symmetrical pattern. The symmetrical nature of the octatonic scale makes it unique and versatile in creating tension and dissonance in musical compositions. |
|
| octave | 8va, 8vb | The symbol for an octave is an 8 with a horizontal line drawn through it. This symbol is used to indicate that a note should be played or sung an octave higher or lower than written. For example, if you see a note with an 8va (ottava) marking above or below it, it means that the note should be played or sung one octave higher or lower than written. Similarly, if you see an 8vb (ottava bassa) marking above or below a note, it means that the note should be played or sung one octave lower than written. The distance between any given note with a set frequency, and another note with exactly double that frequency. Both notes have the same letter name. An octave is equal to 12 half-steps or semitones - the first and eighth note in a major or minor scale. A(220) <———————> A(440)
1 OCTAVE
|
| open chord | A chord that contains at least one open string, i.e., a string that is played without being pressed down by a finger on the fretboard. Open chords are commonly used in guitar playing and contribute to the instrument's characteristic sound. | |
| opera | A form of musical drama in which the characters sing the dialogue. | |
| oratorio | A large musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, typically on a sacred theme. | |
| orchestra | A large ensemble of musicians playing various instruments, typically including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. | |
| orchestration | The arrangement or adaptation of music for an orchestra. | |
| ostinato | obstinate, persistent - a short musical pattern that is repeated throughout an entire composition or portion of a composition | |
| ottava | octave e.g. ottava bassa - an octave lower | |
| overture | An introductory piece of music, often played before the start of an opera or musical. |
P (passing note → pulse)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| passing note | Connects 2 melody notes which are a third or less apart — usually occurs on an unaccented beat of the bar. | |
| parlando or parlante | like speech, enunciated (talking) | |
| phrase | A small group of notes forming a recognizable unit within a melody | |
| pianissimo | pp | very gently - perform very softly, even softer than piano |
| piano | p | Italian for "soft," it indicates a dynamic level to be performed quietly. |
| pitch | The perceived frequency of a sound, determining its highness or lowness. | |
| pivot finger | A finger which remains in position while the other fingers move, when changing chords. | |
| plectrum | A small object usually triangular in shape made primarily of plastic which is used to strum the strings on a guitar. | |
| pizzicatissimo | An exaggerated playing technique where the strings are plucked forcefully. While there is no specific symbol for pizzicatissimo, it is typically written as a dynamic marking above or below the staff, similar to other dynamic markings such as "piano" or "forte." Additionally, the term "pizzicatissimo" may also be written out in full in the score, either in Italian or in the language of the composer. |
|
| pizzicato | A playing technique on string instruments where the strings are plucked with the fingers instead of being bowed. | |
| pizzicato arco | A string instrument technique where the player alternates between plucking and bowing. | |
| poco | a little | |
| poco a poco | Italian for "little by little," indicating a gradual change in dynamics or tempo. | |
| polyphony | Music that consists of two or more independent melodies played simultaneously. | |
| position | term used to describe the location of the left hand on the fretboard. The left hand position is determined by the fret position of the first finger (lefties - the right hand position), e.g., 1st position refers to frets 1 - 4, the 2nd position refers to frets 2 - 5, the 3rd position refers to frets 3 - 6 etc. | |
| portamento | A smooth, continuous glide from one pitch to another. | |
| prelude | A short piece of music typically serving as an introduction to a larger work. | |
| presto | Italian for "quick" or "fast," indicating a very fast tempo. | |
| prima vista | Italian for "at first sight," referring to the ability to read and perform music without prior practice. | |
| primary finger | p | primary finger (thumb)— used in identifying right hand fingers in finger-picking patterns. Identifies left hand fingers for Lefties |
| primo or prima | The terms "primo" and "prima" are both Italian words that mean "first" or "primary." In music, these terms are used to indicate that a particular part or line is the primary or most important part in a piece of music. For example, "primo" is often used to indicate the first violin part in a string quartet, while "prima" is often used to indicate the first vocal part in a choral work. In general, "primo" is used to refer to a part or line that is played or sung by a single performer, while "prima" is used to refer to a part or line that is played or sung by a group of performers. |
|
| progression | A sequence of chords moving from one to another. | |
| pulse | The regular, underlying beat in a piece of music. |
Q (quarter note → quintet)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| quarter note |  |
A note with the value of one beat in 4/4 time - also called a crotchet. |
| quarter note rest |  |
Indicates one beat of silence |
| quarter tone | Half of a semitone - not commonly used in Western music notation except in some forms of Jazz, Blues, artistic and experimental music and a variety of non Western music cultures. | |
| quartet | A musical ensemble or composition for four performers or voices. | |
| quaver | |
In musical notation, a quaver is a note that represents half the duration of a crotchet, or an eighth note. |
| quintet | A quintet refers to a musical composition or group involving five performers or voices. |
R (rallentando → rubato)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| rallentando | rall. | A gradual slowing down of tempo, similar to ritardando. |
| reed | A thin piece of material in woodwind instruments that vibrates to produce sound. | |
| refrain | A repeated section of a song or piece, often containing the main theme. | |
| reggae | A Jamaican rhythm featuring an accent on the second and fourth beats in 4/4 time. | |
| relative | A term used to describe the relationship between a major and minor key which share the same key signature; e.g., D major and Bm are relative keys both sharing F# and C# in the key signature. | |
| repeat signs |  |
:|| indicates the repeat of a section of music, by means of 2 dots placed before a double bar line The repeat sign (pictured) indicates an exact repeat of the previous bar. / used to repeat parts in a bar, e.g., | C / / G | means you play the C chord for 3 beats and the G chord for 1 beat. |
| rest |  |
A symbol in musical notation indicating a period of silence. Different types of rests represent different durations of silence. |
| rest stroke | after picking a string, the finger comes to rest on the next string (for accenting the note). | |
| rhapsody | A free-form composition with emotional and virtuosic characteristics. | |
| ritardando | rit. | A musical term indicating a gradual slowing down of tempo. |
| rondo | A musical form typically featuring a recurring main theme (refrain) interspersed with contrasting sections. | |
| rondo form | A musical structure featuring a recurring main theme (A) alternated with contrasting sections (B, C, etc.), often expressed as ABACA or ABACABA. | |
| rhythm | The tempo, duration and accents of notes or chord strums. Tempo indicates the speed of a piece (fast or slow); duration indicates the time value of each note or strum (quarter-note, eighth-note, sixteenth-note etc.); and accents indicate which beat is more predominant (in rock, the 1st and 3rd beats, in reggae, the 2nd and 4th beats). | |
| riff | A pattern of notes that is repeated throughout a progression or song. | |
| root note | The note after which a chord or scale is named (also called a 'key note' or 'tonic'). | |
| rubato | A flexible tempo where the performer can vary the speed of the music for expressive purposes. |
S (scale → syncopation)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | A series of notes arranged in ascending or descending order based on a specific pattern of intervals. | |
| Scale Degree | Each note of a scale is assigned a scale degree number, indicating its position in the scale. | |
| Scale Tone Chords | Chords which are constructed from notes within a given scale, e.g., C scale tone chords consist of consist of chords derived from the C Major Scale - any chords that don't include sharps or flats, e.g., C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bº. D scale tone chords consist of chords derived from the D major scale - any chords that include F# and C# etc. | |
| scherzando | An Italian term used in music notation, indicating a playful and joking style. | |
| scherzo | An Italian term used in music to indicate a lively, playful, and often humorous movement or section within a larger composition. The term itself translates to "joke" or "jest". | |
| Score | A musical score is a written representation of music, showing all the parts and instruments involved in a piece. It includes the notation for melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and dynamics, often in a multi-staff format for orchestral or choral works. Scores are used by conductors to guide performances, allowing them to see the complete arrangement and how the parts interact. They are essential for composers, musicians, and educators in creating, studying, and performing music. | |
| scordatura |  |
Scordatura (literally meaning "discord" or "mistuning" in Italian) is a technique used in music notation for string instruments. It involves tuning the strings of the instrument differently from the standard tuning.There are two main approaches to notation when using scordatura: Transposed notation: The music is written as if the instrument were in standard tuning, but the actual notes played will be different due to the retuning. The performer needs to mentally adjust the fingering based on the scordatura tuning. Finger position notation: The notation shows the finger positions on the fingerboard as if the instrument were in standard tuning. This can be easier for performers to read, but it doesn't necessarily show the actual sounding pitches. |
| segno | |
A sign - usually Dal Segno "from the sign", indicating a return to the point marked by 𝄋 |
| segue | An Italian term that means "follows" or "continues." In music, "segue" is used as a direction to indicate a smooth and seamless transition from one section or piece to another without a pause. | |
| semibreve | 
|
A note with the value of four beats in 4/4 time - also called a whole-note. |
| semibreve rest |  |
Indicates a silence or pause lasting for the duration of four quarter notes, the same as a whole note. It's also known as a whole-note rest and is placed halfway between the 3rd and 4th staff lines. |
| semitone | The smallest pitch difference between notes in most Western music e.g.( F → F#) | |
| serioso | An Italian term meaning "seriously" conveying a sense of gravity, earnestness, and depth in the emotional expression of the composition. | |
| sextet | A musical ensemble or composition for six performers or voices. | |
| sforzando | sfz | A dynamic marking indicating a sudden, strong accent on a single note or chord. |
| sharp | # | A symbol that raises the pitch of the note by a semitone. A double sharp (x) raises the pitch of the note by two semitones or one whole tone. |
| short accent | ^ | Hit the note hard and short |
| shuffle | A rhythmic pattern characterized by a series of unevenly spaced accents. | |
| silenzio | An Italian term that translates to "silence" in English. It instructs performers to observe a moment of silence, during which they do not play or sing, e.g., a composer might use "silenzio" in a symphonic work to punctuate a climactic moment, providing a brief pause before the music resumes. | |
| simple time | Occurs when a beat falls on an undotted note which is therefore divisible by 2 | |
| sixteenth-note |  |
A note with the value of quarter of a beat in 4/4 time - also called a semi-quaver. |
| sixteenth-note rest |  |
Indicates a quarter of a beat of silence |
| slide | A technique where the finger slides along the string to its new note, maintaining equal pressure on the string so that a continuous sound is produced. | |
| slur |  |
Sounding a note using only the left hand fingers on the fret or fingerboard. An ascending slur is also called a hammer-on whereas a descending slur is also called a flick-off. Lefties will use only the right hand fingers. |
| Solfège | A system of musical notation that uses syllables to represent the different pitches of a musical scale. Each syllable corresponds to a specific note, and it is commonly used as a tool for sight-singing and aural training. The most well-known syllables in the solfège system are "Do," "Re," "Mi," "Fa," "Sol," "La," and "Ti." Solfège is often employed to teach pitch and singing to music students. It provides a way to identify and reproduce musical pitches by associating them with specific syllables. The system can be adapted to different scales and keys, making it a versatile tool for vocal training. |
|
| sonata | A musical composition for solo instruments or small ensembles, typically in three or four movements. | |
| sonata form | A structure used in the first movements of many classical compositions, including sonatas and symphonies. | |
| soprano | The highest of the standard four voice ranges (bass, tenor, alto, soprano). Usually, a range from middle C4 (middle C) - A5 in choral music, or from C4 - C6 (two octaves above middle C) or higher in operatic music. The term can also represent a singer with a high voice. | |
| sostenuto | sustained, lengthened | |
| staccato |  |
A style of playing where each note is sharply separated from the others making each note brief and detached. A small dot under or over the head of the note indicates that it is to be played as staccato. |
| staff or stave |  |
The set of five horizontal lines and four spaces on which musical notation is written, each representing a different musical pitch. In this example we see the stave for the treble clef and the bass clef. |
| stanza | a verse of a song | |
| subdominant | The fourth degree of a diatonic scale, often represented by the IV chord. | |
| subito | subito | suddenly (e.g., subito pp, which instructs the player to suddenly drop to pianissimo as an effect) |
| syncopation | > | The placing of an accent on a normally unaccented beat, e.g.
reggae music or ragtime music
> > > > 1 2 3 4 OR 1 + 2 + 3 + |
T (tablature → tutti)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| tablature | A system of writing music which represents the position of a players fingers on a particular guitar string (not the pitch of the note). There are 6 lines which represent each string and each number represents the fret. Chord diagrams are also a type of tablature. | |
| tacet |  |
Silent - do not play. Pictured is a Multirest which is notated using the H-bar. In this example the musician will be silent for 7 bars. In guitar tablature or chord charts "N.C." ("no chord") is often used in to indicate tacets, rests, or caesuras in the accompaniment. |
| tempo | The speed at which a piece of music is played. It is typically measured in beats per minute (BPM), which indicates the number of beats in one minute. | |
| tenor | The second lowest of the standard four voice ranges (bass, tenor, alto, soprano) In choral music, the tenor voice lies between C3, (one octave below middle C), and A4 (A above middle C). Soloists can extend this range up to C5 (tenor high C). The low extreme for tenors is roughly B♭2 (two B♭s below middle C), while the highest extreme can be up to F5 (two Fs above middle C) | |
| tenuto | Held - touch on a note slightly longer than usual, but without generally altering the note's value. | |
| tessitura | Texture - describes a comfortable range for a singer and sometimes a musical instrument, a range where the voice or instrument displays its best texture. | |
| tie |  |
A curved line joining 2 or more notes of the same pitch, where the second note is not played, but its time value is added to that of the first note. |
| timbre | The quality of a musical tone that distinguishes a note produced on one instrument or voice to the same note produced on any other instrument. A given note on a guitar will sound different to the same note played on a piano or trumpet or violin etc. There can also be a difference in timbre from one guitar to another, e.g., electric guitar and classical guitar. | |
| time | The overall speed of a piece of music encompassing the organization of rhythm and the structure of beats within a piece. It includes elements like: Tempo: The speed at which a piece of music is played, often indicated in beats per minute (BPM). Time Signature: Notation that specifies the number of beats in a measure and the note value that constitutes one beat, e.g., 4/4 or 3/4. Rhythm: The pattern of sounds and silences in music, including the duration of notes and rests. |
|
| time signature |  |
A sign or figures at the beginning of a piece of music indicating the number of beats to a bar (top figure) and the type of note receiving one beat (bottom figure) |
| tone | Equivalent to 2 semitones - a distance of 2 frets on a guitar | |
| transposition | The process of changing music from one key to another. | |
| treble | Generally, the upper regions of a pitch. On the guitar, this relates to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings commonly known as the top 3 strings. | |
| treble clef |  |
A sign placed at the beginning of the stave to fix the position of the notes placed on it. The Treble Clef, also known as the G Clef is placed so that the second line indicates a G note. |
| tremolo | "shaking" - a rapid repetition of the same note, or an alternation between two or more notes (often an octave on the piano). String players perform tremolo with the bow by rapidly moving the bow while the arm is tense. On guitar, it is a rapid pick movement on a given note. | |
| triplet | Example:  |
A group of 3 notes played in the same time as 2 notes of the same kind. . |
| tutti | An Italian term in music that translates to "all" in English. It is used to instruct the entire ensemble or orchestra to play together, involving all instruments. |
U (Una corda pedal → ut)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| una corda pedal (soft pedal) | In pianos with three strings per note, "una corda" refers to the leftmost pedal, also known as the soft pedal. When pressed, this pedal shifts the entire action slightly so that the hammers strike only two of the three strings for each note. This results in a softer and mellower sound compared to playing without the pedal, but not as distinct as a true Una Corda piano with just one string per note. | |
| una corda piano | A specific type of upright piano with unique characteristics. These pianos have only one string per note, unlike the standard three strings found in most upright pianos. This design results in a distinctive sound, which is softer and a more delicate tone compared to traditional pianos. It is richer in overtones, creating a unique sonic character.These pianos are often used in classical and contemporary music for their unique sound qualities and ability to create subtle expressive nuances. | |
| unison | When two or more musical parts or voices sing or play the same pitch at the same time. | |
| un poco | An Italian term meaning "a little" or "a bit." It's commonly used in music notation and performance instructions to modify various aspects of the music, such as: 1. Tempo: un poco più mosso: a little faster (literally "a little more moved") un poco meno mosso: a little slower (literally "a little less moved") 2. Dynamics: un poco forte: a little loud (literally "a little strong") un poco piano: a little soft (literally "a little quiet") 3. Articulation: un poco marcato: a little accented (literally "a little marked") 4. Other uses: un poco cresc.: a little crescendo (gradually getting louder) un poco dim.: a little diminuendo (gradually getting softer) |
|
| up beat | The upbeat is the portion of a musical measure or phrase that precedes the first downbeat. It has a weaker accent and leads into the more emphasized downbeat. Conductors often use a preparatory gesture on the upbeat to indicate when performers should begin playing or singing. |
|
| up tempo | Refers to a fast or lively musical tempo. It indicates that the music should be performed at a relatively quick pace, creating a sense of energy and excitement. Up-tempo music is often associated with lively genres like dance, jazz, or rock, where a faster tempo contributes to a more dynamic and spirited feel. Musicians may encounter markings such as "Allegro" (fast) in sheet music, indicating an up-tempo performance. |
|
| ut | an archaic term for the first note of the diatonic scale. It was later replaced by "do" in solfège syllables. While no longer commonly used in modern music education, "ut" has historical significance in the evolution of solfège. |
V (vamp → vox humana)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| vamp | A short, repeated chord progression or melodic figure used to introduce or accompany improvisation or other musical sections. | |
| vamp till ready | A phrase used to indicate that musicians should continue playing the vamp until the vocalist or performer is ready to begin. | |
| variation | A restatement of a theme or melody with changes in rhythm, harmony, texture, or other aspects. | |
| verse | A stanza or section of lyrics in a song, typically telling a part of the story. | |
| vibrato | vibrating - rapidly repeated slight alteration in the pitch of a note, used to give a richer sound and as a means of expression. For any stringed instrument, vibrato is a technique which involves pushing a string up and down fairly rapidly like a series of short bends. | |
| virtuoso | performing with exceptional ability, technique, or artistry | |
| vivace | An Italian musical term that translates to "vivacious," "lively" or "quickly." It directs musicians to play with a lively and energetic pace. It is faster than allegro but not as rapid as presto. The interpretation of vivace may vary slightly depending on the context and the composer's intent. | |
| vocal jazz | A subgenre of jazz music that focuses on vocal improvisation and scat singing. | |
| vocal run | A rapid series of notes sung in one breath, often used to add ornamentation or excitement. | |
| vocalise | A piece of music for voice without words, focusing on melody and vocal technique. The term "vocalise" comes from the French verb "vocaliser," which means "to sing without words." | |
| voce | voice | |
| volti subito | V.S. | An Italian term meaning "turn suddenly." It is an indication in sheet music instructing the musician to turn the page quickly. Commonly used in orchestral or ensemble settings when there is a need for a swift page turn. |
| vox humana | Latin for "human voice," it is an organ stop that attempts to imitate the sound of a human choir. It produces a warm and somewhat tremulous quality, aiming to replicate the sound of singers. |
W (Wailing → Whole Tone Scale)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| wailing | To sing or play in a mournful or expressive manner, often with long, sustained notes. | |
| waltz | A dance in triple meter with a strong accent on the first beat, followed by two lighter accents on the second and third beats. The term is also used to describe musical compositions written in waltz style. Commonly associated with elegant ballroom dancing, the waltz has been used in various genres of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music. |
|
| warble | To sing or play with a vibrato effect, creating a slight waver in the pitch. | |
| whimsical | Music that is light and playful, often with unexpected twists and turns. | |
| whole-note | |
A note with the value of four beats in 4/4 time - also called a semibreve. |
| whole tone | An interval of two semitones, also known as an augmented unison. | |
| whole-note rest | |
Indicates a silence or pause lasting for the duration of a whole note. Also known as a semibreve rest, and is placed halfway between the 3rd and 4th staff lines. |
| Whole Tone Scale | A six-note scale constructed entirely of whole-tone intervals. In this scale, each note is separated from its neighbors by whole steps (whole tones) rather than half steps. Often used in impressionistic and avant-garde music, the whole tone scale creates a unique and dreamlike sound. |
X
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Xenharmonics | A system of tuning that divides the octave into more than 12 equal parts. It involves the use of non-traditional tunings and microtonal scales, allowing for a broader spectrum of musical possibilities. Musicians interested in xenharmonics may explore intervals that are not part of the standard Western musical scale, leading to unique and unconventional harmonic landscapes. This can include microtonal intervals, just intonation, and other tuning systems that differ from the standard 12-tone equal temperament. |
Y (yield → yodel)
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yield | In jazz improvisation, "yield" is a term used to indicate a moment when one musician allows another to take the lead or respond to a musical idea. It involves a cooperative exchange of musical phrases. | |
| Yodel | A technique of singing on a single pitch with rapid and abrupt shifts between the chest and head voice. |
Z
| Term | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Zwischenspiel | A German term that translates to "interlude" in English. In the context of music, it refers to a short piece or movement that is inserted between two larger sections of a musical work. The Zwischenspiel serves as a brief break or transition between the main parts of a composition. |
