Music Terminology

Front

Tells how many beats per measure and what type of note equals one beat

Back

time signature

Front

What term describes a main theme that returns throughout a work, alternated with other themes to form a composition?

Back

rondo

Front

usually used for higher pitched voices or instruments

Back

treble clef

Front

main theme or part of a musical composition, the "tune"

Back

melody

Front

degree of loudness and softness

Back

dynamics

Front

simple melody performed by different groups of singers starting at different times

Back

round (canon)

Front

a basic musical idea repeated over and over

Back

theme

Front

instruments such as the drums or xylophone

Back

percussion family

Front

includes the flute, clarinet, saxophone

Back

woodwind family

Front

accompanying parts or musical lines that are not the melody; blend with/support the melody

Back

harmony