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Music
Course: Music > Unit 1
Lesson 2: Reading music- Lesson 1: Staff, names of notes, treble clef
- Lesson 2: Ledger lines and the octave
- Lesson 3: Bass clef, grand staff and the octave
- Lesson 4: Reading music in treble clef and the C Major scale
- Lesson 5: C Major scale in bass clef and reading in bass clef
- Lesson 6: Alto and tenor clefs.
- Lesson 7: Accidentals
- Lesson 8: Natural sign, more on accidentals and key signature
- Lesson 9: More on sharps and flats
- Lesson 10: Chromatic scales and the half step
- Glossary of musical terms
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Glossary of musical terms
Accent
An emphasis or “punch” at the beginning of a musical sound.
An emphasis or “punch” at the beginning of a musical sound.
Adagio (Italian)
Meaning a slow tempo or slow speed. Sometimes it is the name of a work like Mozart's Adagio for Violin and Orchestra.
Meaning a slow tempo or slow speed. Sometimes it is the name of a work like Mozart's Adagio for Violin and Orchestra.
Andante (Italian)
Meaning a walking tempo or walking pace; a moderate speed.
Meaning a walking tempo or walking pace; a moderate speed.
Bar/Measure
A specific number of musical sounds that are organized within a measure, and that are contained within two solid lines called bar lines. Please see Music Basics: Notes and Rhythm, Lesson 1: Note Values, Duration, and Time Signatures
A specific number of musical sounds that are organized within a measure, and that are contained within two solid lines called bar lines. Please see Music Basics: Notes and Rhythm, Lesson 1: Note Values, Duration, and Time Signatures
Beat/Pulse
Regular pattern within a bar or measure. Please see Music Basics: Notes and Rhythm, Lesson 1: Note Values, Duration, and Time Signatures
Regular pattern within a bar or measure. Please see Music Basics: Notes and Rhythm, Lesson 1: Note Values, Duration, and Time Signatures
Cadenza (Italian)
An extended solo (played alone) for the soloist in a concerto. A cadenza can also be a solo in an orchestral work for one or a group of instruments. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, Analysis by Gerard Schwarz (Part 1), First Movement
An extended solo (played alone) for the soloist in a concerto. A cadenza can also be a solo in an orchestral work for one or a group of instruments. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, Analysis by Gerard Schwarz (Part 1), First Movement
Chorale
Originally refers to a German Protestant hymn tune. In composition, it typically means a choral composition for voices or instruments, such as a Bach chorale. The word “Chorale” is also sometimes used as the name of a choir or chorus.
Originally refers to a German Protestant hymn tune. In composition, it typically means a choral composition for voices or instruments, such as a Bach chorale. The word “Chorale” is also sometimes used as the name of a choir or chorus.
Chord
When two or more notes or pitches are sounded simultaneously a chord is created.
When two or more notes or pitches are sounded simultaneously a chord is created.
Concerto
A work for one performer or a group of performers with orchestral accompaniment.
A work for one performer or a group of performers with orchestral accompaniment.
Crescendo (Italian)
Meaning growing, as in a swelling of sound, or becoming louder.
Meaning growing, as in a swelling of sound, or becoming louder.
Decrescendo/Diminuendo (Italian)
Getting softer; the opposite of crescendo.
Getting softer; the opposite of crescendo.
Dolce (Italian)
Meaning to be performed sweetly or delicately.
Meaning to be performed sweetly or delicately.
Downbeat
The first beat in a measure as conducted by the leader of an ensemble is called the downbeat. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, A Conducting Lesson by Gerard Schwarz (1st Movement)
The first beat in a measure as conducted by the leader of an ensemble is called the downbeat. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, A Conducting Lesson by Gerard Schwarz (1st Movement)
Ensemble
1) A group of musicians playing together like an orchestra or a string quartet;
2) The actual act of playing as a unit, or performing together.
1) A group of musicians playing together like an orchestra or a string quartet;
2) The actual act of playing as a unit, or performing together.
Fanfare
A musical work used as an announcement, often played by the brass section of the orchestra or a single instrumentalist like a trumpet.
A musical work used as an announcement, often played by the brass section of the orchestra or a single instrumentalist like a trumpet.
Fermata
A symbol that tells the performer to hold the note as long as s/he would like, but certainly longer than the written note value. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, A Conducting Lesson by Gerard Schwarz (1st Movement)
A symbol that tells the performer to hold the note as long as s/he would like, but certainly longer than the written note value. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, A Conducting Lesson by Gerard Schwarz (1st Movement)
Flat
When a flat symbol ♭ is added to a note it lowers the note by a half-step. For example, if we have the note D and we add a flat to it the note now becomes D-flat or D♭.
When a flat symbol ♭ is added to a note it lowers the note by a half-step. For example, if we have the note D and we add a flat to it the note now becomes D-flat or D♭.
Form
The shape or organization of a musical composition.
The shape or organization of a musical composition.
Forte (Italian)
Loud or strong.
Loud or strong.
Fortissimo (Italian)
Louder than forte.
Louder than forte.
Half-step
A musical interval (as E-F or B-C) equivalent to 1⁄12 of an octave.
A musical interval (as E-F or B-C) equivalent to 1⁄12 of an octave.
Harmony
The simultaneous combination of pitches, especially when blended into chords that are pleasing to the ear.
The simultaneous combination of pitches, especially when blended into chords that are pleasing to the ear.
Instrumentation
This can also be called orchestration when assigned to an orchestra. It is the way a composer or arranger takes musical sounds and assigns them to specific instruments.
This can also be called orchestration when assigned to an orchestra. It is the way a composer or arranger takes musical sounds and assigns them to specific instruments.
Key
A group of pitches based on a particular tonic, and comprising a scale, regarded as forming the tonal basis of a piece or section of music.
A group of pitches based on a particular tonic, and comprising a scale, regarded as forming the tonal basis of a piece or section of music.
Larghetto (Italian)
Usually slightly faster than largo.
Usually slightly faster than largo.
Largo (Italian)
Meaning wide, broad. In music a tempo marking meaning to be performed quite slowly.
Meaning wide, broad. In music a tempo marking meaning to be performed quite slowly.
Major
This refers to a specific chord or key.
A. When it refers to a chord, then the chord has three musical pitches with the space between the first and second pitches being four half steps, and the distance between the second and third pitches being three half steps. A half step is the smallest interval (space or distance) in traditional western classical music. It is the distance from any key on the piano to the closest adjoining key (white or black).
This refers to a specific chord or key.
A. When it refers to a chord, then the chord has three musical pitches with the space between the first and second pitches being four half steps, and the distance between the second and third pitches being three half steps. A half step is the smallest interval (space or distance) in traditional western classical music. It is the distance from any key on the piano to the closest adjoining key (white or black).
B. When major refers to a key, it is the central tonality upon which a work or movement is constructed, and will usually use the same tonic chord as the central or “destination” chord of the composition. For example, the Schumann Symphony No. 3 is in the key of E-flat major, and the first and last movements begin and end in the key of E-flat. Of course many keys and chords are used throughout this five movement work, but the most prominent one is E-flat.
Measure
A measurement of time in music that contains a specific number of pulses defined by a time signature, and that is contained within bar lines.
A measurement of time in music that contains a specific number of pulses defined by a time signature, and that is contained within bar lines.
Melody
An identifiable succession of musical sounds.
An identifiable succession of musical sounds.
Minor
This refers to a specific chord or key.
A. When it refers to a chord the chord will have three different pitches. From the first to the second pitch or note there are three half steps, and the distance between the second and third pitch there are four half steps.
This refers to a specific chord or key.
A. When it refers to a chord the chord will have three different pitches. From the first to the second pitch or note there are three half steps, and the distance between the second and third pitch there are four half steps.
B. When minor refers to a key, it is the central tonality upon which a work or movement is constructed, and will usually use the same tonic chord as the central chord. For example, the first movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony is in c minor. The most prominent chord is a c minor chord and the central pitch is a C. Of course many keys and chords are used throughout the movement.
Molto vivace (Italian)
Very lively, or at a very quick speed.
Very lively, or at a very quick speed.
Motif
An identifiable succession of musical sounds, but shorter than a complete melody.
An identifiable succession of musical sounds, but shorter than a complete melody.
Movement
A large unit within a symphony or concerto. It usually is comprised of many themes or musical ideas.
A large unit within a symphony or concerto. It usually is comprised of many themes or musical ideas.
Notes
Symbols to represent sounds or pitches and duration of those sounds. Please see Music Basics: Notes and Rhythm, Lesson 1: Note Values, Duration, and Time Signatures
Symbols to represent sounds or pitches and duration of those sounds. Please see Music Basics: Notes and Rhythm, Lesson 1: Note Values, Duration, and Time Signatures
Octave
The interval between two musical notes, the upper one of which has twice the pitch of the lower one. In a major or minor scale, the distance of this interval lies eight steps* away, hence the term “octave.” (*in the major or minor scales, the eight steps are actually a combination of “whole steps” and “half-steps”)
The interval between two musical notes, the upper one of which has twice the pitch of the lower one. In a major or minor scale, the distance of this interval lies eight steps* away, hence the term “octave.” (*in the major or minor scales, the eight steps are actually a combination of “whole steps” and “half-steps”)
Opus (Latin)
Meaning work. Work numbers are usually assigned by the composer. Often the opus numbers are assigned in order of composition, but at times the numbers are assigned by order of publication.
Meaning work. Work numbers are usually assigned by the composer. Often the opus numbers are assigned in order of composition, but at times the numbers are assigned by order of publication.
Pianissimo (Italian)
Softer than piano.
Softer than piano.
Piano (Italian)
Gently, soft.
Gently, soft.
Pitch
The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds (“frequency” in this context is the number of complete oscillations per second of energy as sound in the form of sound-waves).
The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds (“frequency” in this context is the number of complete oscillations per second of energy as sound in the form of sound-waves).
Piu (Italian)
More. For example, piu piano would mean more softly.
More. For example, piu piano would mean more softly.
Resolution
A group of chords can create harmonic tension. When this tension is released with a calm chord, or a chord without tension, it is “resolved” and is thus called a resolution.
A group of chords can create harmonic tension. When this tension is released with a calm chord, or a chord without tension, it is “resolved” and is thus called a resolution.
Scale
An ordered succession of adjacent pitches, arranged in a sequence of whole steps and half steps, for example the major or minor scales. A specific scale is defined by its characteristic interval pattern and by its most prominent pitch, known as its tonic.
An ordered succession of adjacent pitches, arranged in a sequence of whole steps and half steps, for example the major or minor scales. A specific scale is defined by its characteristic interval pattern and by its most prominent pitch, known as its tonic.
Sempre (Italian)
Always. For example, sempre forte would mean always loud.
Always. For example, sempre forte would mean always loud.
Sempre piu (Italian)
Always more.
Always more.
Sforzando(Italian)
Forceful, usually accented.
Forceful, usually accented.
Sharp
When a sharp symbol ♯ is added to a note it raises the note by a half-step. For example, if we have the note G and we add a sharp to it the note now becomes G-sharp, or G♯.
When a sharp symbol ♯ is added to a note it raises the note by a half-step. For example, if we have the note G and we add a sharp to it the note now becomes G-sharp, or G♯.
Solo
For one player (musician), or to be played alone. In an orchestral work it has come to mean the important line or part for one player, while soli would be the same for a group or section of players.
For one player (musician), or to be played alone. In an orchestral work it has come to mean the important line or part for one player, while soli would be the same for a group or section of players.
Step (or “whole step”)
A musical interval between pitches (such as C–D or C–B♭) comprising two half steps.
A musical interval between pitches (such as C–D or C–B♭) comprising two half steps.
Symphonic form
The structure of a work for large ensemble.
The structure of a work for large ensemble.
Tempo (Italian)
The rate of speed of a musical work.
The rate of speed of a musical work.
Theme
The most important melody at any specific time in a musical work. There can be one main theme in a work, or many themes.
The most important melody at any specific time in a musical work. There can be one main theme in a work, or many themes.
Tonality
The organization of all the tones and harmonies of a piece of music in relation to a tonic.
The organization of all the tones and harmonies of a piece of music in relation to a tonic.
Tonic
A pitch that is the first degree of a major or minor scale and the tonal center of a piece composed in a particular key.
A pitch that is the first degree of a major or minor scale and the tonal center of a piece composed in a particular key.
Upbeat
The preparatory sign given prior to the first beat in a bar. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, A Conducting Lesson by Gerard Schwarz (1st Movement)
The preparatory sign given prior to the first beat in a bar. See Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, A Conducting Lesson by Gerard Schwarz (1st Movement)
Want to join the conversation?
- Even though the examples are really good in the videos the speed in which they are presented makes them hard to understand. (fair enough...one can play the video many times, but on the other hand one could understand it in one go if the right tima was used for every example). Also in the metrics would be helpful to highlight the beat either visually or at least with someone counting...(24 votes)
- It makes music more interesting:) If you listen to any classical music, you should be able to hear the variety of note values and pitches.(14 votes)
- They say that solo is when only one instrument plays. What if the director wants only a particular instrument to play? What is that called?(13 votes)
- That's called a soli. Sometimes people still call it a solo, but it's a soli.(24 votes)
- It would be nice if there were instructions on how to name/write notes.(10 votes)
- If you are looking for basic note naming and stuff like that, you might want to look for sponge Jr I think he has made some programs for stuff like that and he has answered several questions on this page if you would like to ask him. Also depending on how quickly things are going, users are trying to add more resources for the music section here.(3 votes)
- wouldn't it be nice if you had a quiz to see how much you know in music like they have in math just on music & also could you make a video on reading notes on the bass clef & the treble clef(13 votes)
- Why is there so MANY WORDS WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC(6 votes)
- There does have to be some difficulty in life. I play piano and it is not hard to memorize all of the terms!(3 votes)
- Is there any easy or quick way to learn all of this musical terms?(5 votes)
- no just go over them you'll get the hang of it quickly(4 votes)
- Do we let children listen to the classical music for pleasure using this program(2 votes)
- A great way to learn these things is to study Italian and Latin. Also, not ALL things come from Italian. Some are frech, German, Dutch, etc.(6 votes)
- What is "the staff"... I do not see that on the glossary?(6 votes)
- The staff is simply the sequence of notes. The staff will vary from clef to clef. The most common clefs are the treble and bass clefs. The lines on the treble clef are EGBDF and the spaces are FACE. The lines on the bass clef are GBDFA and the spaces are ACEG.(2 votes)
- Are there any tricks to figuring out keys without memorization?(4 votes)
- @Erica Moirad,
I don’t think that music can be learned without memorization. Music is learned, practiced, and perfected thanks to muscle memory. My mother tried teaching me the guitar, and my fingertips hurt after 5 minutes. I asked her how to get around that, and she said that there isn’t a way. In order to get good, you will have to endure such difficulties. Another example I can provide for you is that I write lyrics. And one way I memorize my lyrics is by constantly reading them. Eventually you will subconsciously memorize them. Now I know this is different than playing keys, but the concept is similar. If you want to be able to switch different keys, you have to not only know them, but be able to almost instantaneously remember them, which of course, is called memorization. I hope this answered your question.(2 votes)