General listening concepts and terminology

What does 'staccato' mean in music?

• To play smoothly and connected
• To play with sudden force
• To play notes short and detached
• To pluck the string

Answer explanation

Staccato means to play the notes short and detached.

Which term refers to a smooth, connected style of playing?

• Staccato
• Legato
• Accent
• Tremolo

Answer explanation

Legato means playing smoothly and connected, also known as slurred.

What is the meaning of 'pizzicato' in string playing?

• To bow the string
• To pluck the string with fingers
• To play tremolo
• To play loudly

Answer explanation

Pizzicato refers to plucking the string with fingers instead of using the bow.

What does 'accent' or 'sforzando' indicate in music?

• Play quietly
• Play with sudden force or emphasis
• Play with a slow tempo
• Play with a tremble

Answer explanation

Accent or sforzando means playing a note with sudden emphasis or force.

Which technique involves rapid repetition of a single note?

• Legato
• Pizzicato
• Tremolo
• Slur

Answer explanation

Tremolo is the rapid repetition of a single note or quick alternation between two notes.

What does 'ff' stand for in music dynamics?

• Fortissimo – very loud
• Forte – loud
• Pianissimo – very soft
• Mezzo forte – moderately loud

Answer explanation

'ff' stands for 'fortissimo', which means very loud in Italian.

What is the meaning of 'pp' in dynamics?

• Piano – soft
• Pianissimo – very soft
• Mezzo piano – moderately soft
• Fortissimo – very loud

Answer explanation

'pp' stands for 'pianissimo', which means very soft in Italian.

Which symbol means to gradually get louder?

• >
• Diminuendo
• <
• pp

Answer explanation

The symbol '<' is used to indicate a crescendo, meaning gradually get louder.

What does 'diminuendo' mean?

• To suddenly play softly
• To gradually get softer
• To gradually get louder
• To play very loud

Answer explanation

Diminuendo means to gradually get softer.

Which of the following dynamics is the softest?

• mf (mezzo forte)
• p (piano)
• f (forte)
• pp (pianissimo)

Answer explanation

'pp' or 'pianissimo' is the softest dynamic in the list.