Major Keys
This key contains two sharps.
D Major
This type of articulation is played legato/long.
Slurs
Very soft pp.
Pianissimo
Tells you how many beats are in each measure (bar).
Top Number
The violin reads in this clef.
Treble Clef
This key contains two sharps.
G Major
I'm a short note.
Staccato
Soft or Quiet p.
Piano
Tells you what type of note gets one full beat.
Bottom Number
The cello and bass read in this clef.
Bass Clef
This key contains 3 sharps.
A Major
I'm sometimes referred to as a stop & go bow. For example, up up, down down.
Hooked Bow
Medium Soft mp.
Mezzo Piano
I have 4 beats in a measure and the quarter note gets the beat.
4/4
The viola reads in this clef.
Alto Clef
This key contains one flat.
F Major
This articulation indicates there should be more emphasis on this note.
Accent
Medium Loud mf.
Mezzo Forte
I have 2 beats in a measure and the quarter note gets the beat.
2/4
The piano reads in these clefs.
Treble Clef
Bass Clef
This key contains two flats.
Bb Major
An active stroke where the bow bounces lightly and clearly off the string for each individual note.
Spiccatto
Loud or strong f.
Forte
I have 3 beats in a measure and the quarter get the beat.
3/4
Sometimes this clef is used to avoid writing really high notes on the staff.
Tenor Clef
This key contains no sharps or flats.
C Major
The standard, most basic stroke where notes are separated by changing the bow direction, played entirely on the string.
Detache
Fortissimo ff.
Very Loud
I have six beats in a measure and the eighth gets the beat.
6/8
This is when a string player plays with their fingers.
Pizzicato