Parts of the Staff
The 5 lines and 4 spaces on which music is written.
The Staff.
This note sits on a line between the treble and bass clefs.
Middle C.
This is what determines how loud or quiet the music is played.
Dynamics.
This note is worth 4 beats.
Whole note.
This means to play slowly and broadly.
Largo.
The symbol that indicates higher pitches.
Treble clef.
These 5 notes sit on the lines of the treble clef.
E G B D F
This is what determines how fast or slow the music is played.
Tempo.
This note is worth 2 beats.
Half note.
This means to play the music very quietly.
Pianissimo.
The space between two bar lines.
Measure.
These notes sit in the spaces of the treble clef.
F A C E.
These lines hold notes above and below the staff.
Ledger lines.
This note is worth 1 beat.
Quarter note.
This means to play the music at a walking pace.
Andante.
Vertical lines placed on the staff to divide the music.
Bar lines.
These 5 notes sit on the lines of the bass clef.
G B D F A
These connect two or more notes.
Beams.
This note is worth a half of a beat.
Eighth note.
This means to play the music loud.
Forte.
The two lines that mark the end of the song.
Final bar lines.
These 4 notes sit in the spaces of the bass clef.
A C E G
This curved line connects two or more notes of the same pitch.
Tie.
This note is worth 3 beats.
Dotted half note.
This means to play the music as fast as possible.
Prestissimo.