Music Terms Dictionary
Discover the language of music through clear definitions and practical examples.
AccelerandoA gradual increase in tempo.AdagioA slow and calm tempo character.AllegroA lively and generally fast tempo.AndanteA moderate-slow tempo with a walking character.LargoA very slow, broad and spacious tempo.ModeratoA moderate, balanced tempo.PrestoA very fast tempo.RitardandoA gradual slowing of tempo.RubatoExpressive flexibility in musical timing.TempoThe basic speed of a piece or section.CrescendoA gradual increase in dynamic level.DecrescendoA gradual decrease in dynamic level.DiminuendoA gradual decrease in volume.FortePlaying at a strong, loud dynamic level.FortissimoA very strong, very loud dynamic level.Mezzo forteA moderately strong dynamic level.Mezzo pianoA moderately soft dynamic level.PianoA soft dynamic level.PianissimoA very soft dynamic level.SforzandoA sudden strong accent on a note or chord.AccentSpecial emphasis on a note or beat.LegatoPlaying notes smoothly and connected.MarcatoPlaying in a marked, strongly articulated manner.PortatoAn articulation between legato and staccato.StaccatoPlaying notes short and detached.TenutoHolding a note for its full value.SlurA curved line grouping notes into one connected phrase.TieA curved line joining notes of the same pitch.Bar lineA vertical line separating measures.Bass clefA clef used to notate lower pitches.ClefA symbol defining pitch positions on the staff.Double bar lineTwo vertical lines marking a structural boundary.FermataA sign indicating a note or rest may be held longer.FlatAn accidental that lowers a pitch by one semitone.Key signatureThe group of sharps or flats defining a key.NaturalAn accidental that cancels a sharp or flat.Repeat signA sign indicating that a section should be played again.SharpAn accidental that raises a pitch by one semitone.Treble clefA clef used to notate middle and higher pitches.BeatThe basic unit of regular musical pulse.DownbeatThe first beat of a measure.Eighth noteA note value half as long as a quarter note.Half noteA note value lasting two quarter notes.Quarter noteA common note value often used as the beat unit.RestA symbol representing a measured silence.SyncopationEmphasis placed away from expected strong beats.Time signatureA symbol showing how beats are organized in each measure.TripletThree equal notes fitted into a span normally divided differently.Whole noteA note value lasting four quarter notes.ArpeggioPlaying the notes of a chord in succession.CadenceA harmonic progression creating a sense of pause or closure.ChordMultiple pitches sounding together in a harmonic relationship.IntervalThe pitch distance between two notes.MajorA tonal or harmonic quality based on major interval structures.MinorA tonal or harmonic quality based on minor interval structures.OctaveThe interval between one pitch and the next occurrence of the same note name.ScaleAn ordered sequence of pitches.TonicThe central first scale degree of a key.CanonA contrapuntal form based on delayed imitation.MinuetA graceful historical dance and musical form in triple meter.NocturneA lyrical piece associated with a night-like atmosphere.PreludeAn introductory or independent short musical piece.SonataAn instrumental work usually consisting of one or more movements.WaltzA dance and musical form usually in triple meter.