Sheet Music
A symbol placed at the beginning of the staff that shows notes generally played higher in pitch (often right hand on piano, violin, flute, etc.).
Treble Clef
A melodic movement from one note to the next adjacent note, either a half step (semitone) or whole step (tone).
Step
A group of three or more notes played at the same time
Chord
The main tune of a piece of music; a sequence of notes played one after another
Melody
Name all of the strings on the bass, lowest to highest
E, A, D, G
A set of sharps or flats at the beginning of the staff indicating which notes are consistently altered, defining the key of the music
Key Signature
A melodic movement that jumps from one note to another by two letter names (e.g., C to E). This is also called a third.
Skip
The foundational note of a scale or chord; the note that gives it its name
Root Note
Two or more notes sounding at the same time, supporting the melody
Harmony
Name all of the strings on the guitar, lowest to highest
E, A, D, G, B, E
A segment of music containing a specific number of beats, separated by bar lines
Measure/ Bar
A sequence of notes arranged in ascending or descending order, following a specific pattern of steps.
Scale
What note is exactly one SKIP ABOVE C?
E
The speed of the music, usually measured in beats per minute (BPM)
Tempo
What does the top number in a time signature mean?
Beats per Measure
A symbol placed at the beginning of the staff for lower-pitched notes (often left hand on piano, bass guitar, cello, etc.).
Bass Clef
The distance in pitch between two notes (e.g., third, fifth, octave)
Interval
Built from the root, minor third, and perfect fifth, creating a darker or sadder sound.
Minor Chord
Creating music spontaneously while playing, rather than following written notes
Improvisation
Name all of the black keys on the piano in sharps
A#, C#, D#, F#, G#
A symbol at the beginning of a piece that tells how many beats are in each measure and what kind of note receives one beat (e.g., 4/4, 3/4)
Time Signature
A movement in melody from one note to another that is more than one step away
Leap
Built from the root, major third, and perfect fifth, creating a bright or happy sound
Major Chord
The volume of the music, how loud or soft it is (e.g., piano, forte, crescendo).
Dynamics
Five horizontal lines and four spaces on which musical notes and symbols are written
Staff