String Instrument Terms and Definitions

What does the symbol "Arco." mean?

• To play with the bow hair

• To play with the bow stick

• To play with the bow screw

• To pluck

What is the best description of a staccato ( . ) marking?

• Creates space before and after the note

• Makes the note shorter

• Makes the bow bounce when played quickly (sometimes)

• All of the above

What is the best description of spiccato ?

• An uncontrolled bow stroke that begins in the air and results in a bouncing bow/sound.

• A controlled bow stroke that starts on the string.

• A long and connected bow stroke.

What does the > symbol mean in music when place above or below a note?

• Accent the note

• Descrescendo on the note

What does the term legato mean in music?

• A smooth and connected style of playing

• A short and detached style of playing

• A loud and aggressive style of playing

• A soft and gentle style of playing

What does the symbol fermata (𝄐) mean when placed above a note?

• Play the note louder

• Play the note softer

• Hold the note longer than its usual duration

• Play the note shorter than its usual duration

What is the best description of pizzicato in string music?

• A technique where the strings are plucked with fingers

• A technique where the strings are struck with the bow

• A technique where the strings are played with the back of the bow

• A technique where the strings are played with the bow hair

What does the term glissando mean in music?

• A rapid slide through a series of consecutive tones in a scale-like passage

• A short and detached style of playing

• A loud and aggressive style of playing

• A soft and gentle style of playing

What is the best description of col legno in string music?

• A technique where the strings are played with the wood of the bow

• A technique where the strings are plucked with fingers

• A technique where the strings are struck with the bow

• A technique where the strings are played with the bow hair

What does the symbol sforzando (sfz) mean when placed above a note?

• Play the note louder

• Play the note softer

• Hold the note longer than its usual duration

• Play the note with sudden, strong emphasis