Musical Terminology

Dynamics

100

Accent

To play a note louder than others.

200

Forte

Loud

300

Pianissimo

Very soft

400

Crescendo

Gradually get louder

500

Diminuendo

Gradually playing softer

Expressive Techniques

100

Arco

To play with the bow

200

Pizzicato

Plucked, as in strings

300

Vibrato

A rapid, slight variation in pitch, producing a stronger or richer tone.

400

Melisma

To sing 2 or more notes on 1 syllable.

500

Rubato

A flexible tempo, where the performer may speed up or slow down to enhance expression.

Duration

100

Metre

The grouping of beats into regular, repeating patterns.

200

Accelerando

To gradually increase speed.

300

Moderato

At a moderate pace.

400

Allegro

Fast (Tempo)

500

Tenuto

Holding a note for its' full value or longer

Symbols

100

>

Accent

200

#

Sharp

300

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Repeat

400

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The Stave

500

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Coda

Score Directions

100

Legato

To play smoothly

200

Tempo Primo

Return to original tempo

300

Grave

To play with a sense of seriousness.

400

Morendo

To subtly fade out in volume and tempo.

500

Subito

To play suddenly, with urgency.