Music Vocabulary
Blues and Rock
Country and Pop
Classical
Jazz
100

This word refers to the unique sound of music and the instruments used in a song.

What is timbre?

100

This type of guitar is usually found in a rock band.

What is the electric guitar?

100

This country musician was known for her philanthropic actions. She donated a large portion of her earning to charities all over the world.

Who is Dolly Parton?

100

Classical music uses the full dynamic range. This dynamic is the quietest a musician can play.

What is pianissimo?

100

Jazz music often uses the full dynamic range. This dynamic describes the loudest a musician can play.

What is fortissimo?

200

The volume of the music.

What are dynamics?

200

This form, beginning with the number 12, is associated with Blues music.

What is the 12 bar blues?
200

Singers of this genre often have a vocal twang.

What is country?

200

This word describes a person who writes classical music.

What is a composer?

200

Jazz can be played on any instrument, but some instruments are more commonly associated with Jazz. Name one of those instruments.

What is saxophone, trumpet, piano, or bass?

300
How the music is organized

What is form?

300

This genre comes directly from African American cultures and traditions. 

What is Blues?


300
Some notable musicians of this genre include Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Sabrina Carpenter.

What is pop music?

300

These four instrument families make up the standard orchestra.

What are strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion?

300

This vocalist is a famous Jazz musician, AND ALSO was one of Teacher Mabini's favorite artists.

Who is Ella Fitzgerald?

400
When added to a dynamic, this suffix means "extra", "very", or "to a greater extent"

What is "issimo"?

400

This rhythm, beginning with the letter B, is common in Rock music. It emphasizes beats 2 and 4.

What is the backbeat?

400

Both country and pop music follow this form.

What is verse-chorus structure?
400

This musical form would describe a piece that is loud, then quiet, then loud again.

What is ABA form?

400
Music can have a "straight" feel or a "____" feel. Jazz music often has a "____" feel.

What is swing?

500

This word is common in Jazz music, and refers to when a musician makes up their melodies on the spot.

What is improvisation?

500

This person was featured in the film "Sinners" and is a famous Blues musician from Chicago.

Who is Buddy Guy?

500

This section of a pop or country song repeats itself multiple times and often includes the main melody or the title of the song.

What is the chorus?

500

When classical music has lyrics (such as in opera), it is often not in English. Name one language it could be in.

What is Italian, German, or Latin?

500

The Jazz version of a "chorus" is called this.

What is the head?

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