Music Terminology

Music Terminology

English vocabulary

The notation:

• an octave: A B C D E F G A -> white notes

• black notes:

  a flat ♭

  a sharp ♯

  a natural ♮

The stave = staff

• treble clef

• bass clef

• notes

• a time signature

• a key signature

A time signature

• for example: 2/4

• it means: 2 beats in the bar (from one bar line to another one)

A key signature:

• .... minor

• ... major

Intervals - spaces between notes, e.g.:

• tone = major second

• semitone = minor second

• minor/major third

• perfect fourth, fifth, etc.

Note values:

• whole note = semibreve

• half note = minim

• quarter note = crotchet

• eighth note = quaver

• sixteenth note = semiquaver

Elements:

• tempo/speed

• volume/dynamics

• melody/tune

• harmony (dissonance)

• timbre

• rhythm

• texture

Which elements of this notation can you name? Write them down.