Music Terminology

Front

Rhythm

Back

Short and long patterns in music within the beat, including quarter notes, half notes, and whole notes.

Front

Melody

Back

The main tune of a song; single pitches move high or low.

Front

Form

Back

The sections or structure of a song.

Front

Dynamics

Back

The intensity or volume of the music.

Front

Accompaniment

Back

The background that supports the melody.

Front

Timbre

Back

The quality of sound or the instruments used.

Front

Chord

Back

Three or more pitches played (or strummed) at the same time. Creates harmony.

Front

Tempo

Back

How fast or slow the speed or pace of the beat is in music.

Front

Genre

Back

Type or kind of music, organized by category.

Front

Tuning

Back

When we change the pitch to get it closer to the reference pitch, depending on whether the note was flat or sharp.