Music Terminology

Sept.26-30

The Language of Music

Music is it’s own language with unique terms and symbols. In order to be fluent in the musical language, we must start with the basics of music vocabulary…

This will allow us to read, write and perform music alone and in groups.

Here is some important vocabulary to know…

Vocabulary

• Common Time• Flat• Sharp• Natural • Breath Sign• Tie• Slur• Repeat Sign• Legato• Staccato

• Form• Dynamics (pp, mp, ff, mf)• Balance• Intonation• Phrase• Unison/Harmony• Solo/Duet• Round• Call and Response

Common Time

• A musical meter with four quarter notes to the measure. Also known as 4/4 time. It is symbolized by this:

Flat

• The word “Flat” means lower in pitch. When the symbol below is applied to a note, it means to lower that note a half step.

Sharp

• Higher in pitch. When the sharp sign (below) is applied to note, it raises that note a half step.

Natural

• This sign is used to cancel a flat or a sharp. For example if you are reading an F sharp, the natural sign will LOWER the pitch to an F as seen below:

Breath Sign

• When reading choral music the breath sign gives the singer permission to take a breath in-between phrases. It is indicated by a comma above the musical staff.

Tie

• a curved line connecting the heads of two notes of the same pitch, indicating that they are to be played as a single note with a duration equal to the sum of the individual notes' values.

Slur

• A slur indicates that the notes it embraces are to be played without separation. This implies legato articulation.

Repeat Sign

• sign that indicates a section should be repeated

Legato

• legato (literally meaning "tied together") indicates that musical notes are played or sung smoothly and connected. In transitioning from note to note, there should be no intervening silence.

Staccato

• Staccato is a form of musical articulation, signifying an unconnected note, which is separated or detached

FormThe term musical form refers to the overall structure or plan of a piece of music, and it describes the layout of a composition as divided into sections.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is A-B-A Form

A: Twinkle twinkle little star how I wonder what you are

B. Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.

A: Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.

Dynamics

volume of a sound or note

Pp- Pianissimo: VERY SOFT

p- Piano: Soft

Mp- Mezzo Piano: Medium Soft

Mf- Mezzo Forte: Medium Loud

F- Forte: Loud

Ff- Fortissimo: VERY LOUD

Balance

Balance in music means that the ensemble is playing or singing together in such a way that each part maintains its relative importance within the context of that piece or song. Typically it is most important for the melody to stand out above any supporting parts. For example, if the Altos suddenly have the melody, all other parts would need to sing softer to allow for the piece to have the appropriate balance.

Intonation

This term is used to describe if the choir or an individual is singing in tune. For example, the Soprano’s may be singing sharp which can affect the overall intonation of the choir.

Curriculum Standards:

Music Standards:Standard 1.0 Perceiving and Responding

4: Read standard notation and apply it to performance of music

Standard 3.0 Creative Expression and Production

A: Use traditional and non-traditional notation as a means of retaining musical ideas.

Phrase

A phrase is a musical sentence. For example:

“Oh music, sweet music thy praises we will sing.”

Unison/Harmony

Unison: The ensemble singing together

Harmony: The ensemble singing more than part singing at a time.

Solo/Duet

• Solo: A section of song performed by ONE person singing by themselves

• Duet: A section of a song performed by only TWO people singing together.

Call and Response

• One person makes a statement, the other responds:

Round

A round is a musical composition in which two or more voices sing exactly the same melody (and may continue repeating it indefinitely), but with each voice beginning at different times