This document provides an overview of important music terminology for students to learn. It begins with an introduction about music having its own language defined by unique terms and symbols. The bulk of the document then lists and defines key vocabulary terms used in music including elements related to musical notation, form, dynamics, balance, intonation, and common musical structures/styles. Examples are provided for many of the terms to illustrate their meaning within musical works. Standards related to reading and applying musical notation are also listed.

1. Music Terminology
Sept.26-30

2. The Language of Music
Music is it’s own language with unique terms and
symbols. In order to be fluent in the musical
language, we must start with the basics of music
vocabulary…
This will allow us to read, write and perform music
alone and in groups.
Here is some important vocabulary to know…

3. Vocabulary
• Common Time
• Flat
• Sharp
• Natural
• Breath Sign
• Tie
• Slur
• Repeat Sign
• Legato
• Staccato
• Form
• Dynamics (pp, mp, ff, mf)
• Balance
• Intonation
• Phrase
• Unison/Harmony
• Solo/Duet
• Round
• Call and Response

4. Common Time
• A musical meter with four quarter notes to
the measure. Also known as 4/4 time. It is
symbolized by this:

5. Flat
• The word “Flat” means lower in pitch.
When the symbol below is applied to a
note, it means to lower that note a half
step.

6. Sharp
• Higher in pitch. When the sharp sign
(below) is applied to note, it raises that
note a half step.

7. Natural
• This sign is used to cancel a flat or a
sharp. For example if you are reading an F
sharp, the natural sign will LOWER the
pitch to an F as seen below:

8. Breath Sign
• When reading choral music the breath
sign gives the singer permission to take a
breath in-between phrases. It is indicated
by a comma above the musical staff.

9. Tie
• a curved line connecting the heads of two
notes of the same pitch, indicating that
they are to be played as a single note with
a duration equal to the sum of the
individual notes' values.

10. Slur
• A slur indicates that the notes it embraces
are to be played without separation. This
implies legato articulation.

11. Repeat Sign
• sign that indicates a section should be
repeated

12. Legato
• legato (literally meaning "tied together")
indicates that musical notes are played or
sung smoothly and connected. In
transitioning from note to note, there
should be no intervening silence.

13. Staccato
• Staccato is a form of musical articulation,
signifying an unconnected note, which is
separated or detached

14. Form
The term musical form refers to the overall
structure or plan of a piece of music, and it
describes the layout of a composition as divided
into sections.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is A-B-A Form
A: Twinkle twinkle little star how I wonder what you are
B. Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.
A: Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.

15. Dynamics
volume of a sound or note
Pp- Pianissimo: VERY SOFT
p- Piano: Soft
Mp- Mezzo Piano: Medium Soft
Mf- Mezzo Forte: Medium Loud
F- Forte: Loud
Ff- Fortissimo: VERY LOUD

16. Balance
Balance in music means that the ensemble is playing or singing
together in such a way that each part maintains its relative importance
within the context of that piece or song. Typically it is most important for
the melody to stand out above any supporting parts. For example, if
the Altos suddenly have the melody, all other parts would need to sing
softer to allow for the piece to have the appropriate balance.

17. Intonation
This term is used to describe if the choir or
an individual is singing in tune. For example,
the Soprano’s may be singing sharp which
can affect the overall intonation of the choir.

18. Curriculum Standards:
Music Standards:
Standard 1.0 Perceiving and Responding
4: Read standard notation and apply it to performance of music
Standard 3.0 Creative Expression and Production
A: Use traditional and non-traditional notation as a means of retaining musical
ideas.

19. Phrase
A phrase is a musical sentence. For
example:
“Oh music, sweet music thy praises we will
sing.”

20. Unison/Harmony
Unison: The ensemble singing together
Harmony: The ensemble singing more than
part singing at a time.

21. Solo/Duet
• Solo: A section of song performed by ONE
person singing by themselves
• Duet: A section of a song performed by
only TWO people singing together.

22. Call and Response
• One person makes a statement, the other
responds:

23. Round
A round is a musical composition in which
two or more voices sing exactly the same
melody (and may continue repeating it
indefinitely), but with each voice beginning
at different times