Music Vocabulary

Dynamic

• The speed at which music is played.

• The range of volume that music notes can be played.

• The style or genre of the music.

• The duration of the music notes.

Tempo

• The speed at which a piece of music is played.

• The volume of the music being played.

• The type of instruments used in a piece of music.

• The genre of the music being played.

Beat

• The steady pulse

• A type of musical instrument

• A rhythm pattern

• A loud sound

Accelerando (accel.)

• Gradually speed up

• Slow down gradually

• Maintain the same speed

• Suddenly stop

Decrescendo (decresc.)

• Gradually lower the volume.

• Increase the tempo of the music.

• Play the notes staccato.

• Hold the note for a longer duration.

Mezzo piano (mp)

• Soft

• Medium soft

• Loud

• Very soft

Andante

• A fast tempo

• A slow tempo

• Walking tempo

• A lively tempo

Crescendo (cresc.)

• To grow (gradually loud)

• To decrease in volume

• To play softly

• To pause abruptly

Staccato

• Short and detached notes

• Long and connected notes

• Soft and gentle notes

• Fast and rapid notes

Rhythm

• Pattern of sounds

• A type of melody

• A musical instrument

• A genre of music