Playing Techniques
The manner in which notes are executed, such as staccato or legato.
Articulation
A tempo marking indicating a fast or lively pace.
Allegro
A set of sharp or flat symbols at the beginning of music, indicating the key of the piece.
Key Signature
An instruction to repeat from the beginning and end at the word "Fine."
DC al fine
The volume of sound, varying from very soft to very loud.
Dynamics
A type of broken chord where the notes are played in succession rather than simultaneously.
Arpeggio
A dynamic marking meaning "soft."
piano
Short lines added above or below the staff for notes that extend beyond the range of the staff.
Ledger Lines
A gradual slowing down of the tempo.
Ritardando
A style of playing notes in a smooth, connected manner.
Legato
A style of playing notes in a detached and separated manner.
Staccato
A gradual increase in loudness or intensity of sound.
crescendo
A vertical line on the staff that divides music into measures.
Bar Line
The pattern of sounds and silences in music.
Rhythm
An instruction to return to the sign and play until reaching the word "Fine."
DS al Fine
A curved line connecting two or more notes of different pitches, indicating they should be played smoothly.
Slur
An Italian term meaning "medium," used in dynamics such as mezzo-piano or mezzo-forte
Mezzo
A symbol indicating that a note should be lowered by a half step.
Flat
A sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity. (the "main" part)
Melody
A symbol indicating that the note should be held longer than its usual duration.
Fermata
A direction for a section of musicians to divide into two or more separate parts.
Divisi
The speed at which a piece of music is played.
Tempo
A symbol indicating that a note should be raised half a step.
Sharp
The process of changing from one key to another within a piece.
Modulation
An emphasis or stress placed on a particular note or chord.
Accent