Music Vocabulary
The term refers to the speed of the beat in music
Tempo
This note is worth 4 beats
Whole note
This composer became deaf in the later part of his life and wrote nine symphonies.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Known for songs such as "Memories," "Girls Like You," and "Moves Like Jagger," this band is well-known for frontman, Adam Levine.
Maroon 5
Finish this lyric:
"Deck the halls with..."
"... boughs of holly fa la la la la la la la la"
This term refers to how loud or soft music is
This note is worth two beats
Half note
The second period in Western Classical Music history, lasting approximately 1400-1600. This age was named after the word "rebirth."
The Renaissance
This female singer and actress is one of the best selling artists of all time. Often referred to as "The Voice," she is known for hits such as "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "I Will Always Love You."
Whitney Houston
Finish this lyric:
"You know Dasher and Dancer and... but do you recall"
"... and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen..."
This term (two words) refers to how many beats are in a measure
Time signature
This note is worth 1 beat
Quarter note
Austrian composer of German Lieder, including "Erlking."
Franz Schubert
Finish this lyric:
"Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain..."
"... all have sorrow."
This 1994 Mariah Carey hit still tops the holiday chart every year. It was featured in the movie, "Love Actually."
"All I Want For Christmas Is You"
This term refers to silence in music
Rest
This note is worth half (.5) a beat
Eighth note
Composer of "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer," this African-American composer and pianist was named "The King of Rag."
Scott Joplin
This female artist first gained public attention in 2015 with her debut single "Ocean Eyes," which was released when she was only 14 years old. She has since gone on to receive multiple Grammy awards, and is one of the best selling artists of 2021.
Billie Eilish
Composed by Mel Torme, this song opens with the line, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."
"The Christmas Song"
This term refers to playing without written music, to make something up as one goes along
Improvisation
This note is worth one quarter (.25) of a beat
Sixteenth note
The name of America's National March, composed by John Philip Sousa.
"The Stars and Stripes Forever."
This female singer from Barbados was recently named a "national hero." She is known for numerous hits such as "Umbrella," and "Diamonds."
Rihanna
Composed by Franz Schubert, this song is sung in Latin and translates to "Hail Mary." As a religious song, it is played year-round, but it is often sung at Christmas.
"Ave Maria"