Music Terminology

Front

A symbol or word used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.

Back

Accelerando

Front

A direction to play lively and fast

Back

Allegro

Front

Scale that includes all twelve notes of an octave

Back

Chromatic Scale

Front

Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume

Back

Dynamics

Front

The structure of a piece of music

Back

Form

Front

Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious

Back

Grave

Front

The distance in pitch between two notes

Back

Interval

Front

A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.

Back

Phrase

Front

Short detached notes, as opposed to legato

Back

Staccato

Front

A flexible approach to metered rhythm in which the tempo can be momentarily sped up or slowed down at will for greater personal expression

Back

Rubato