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Music Terminology -
Definition
Terminology is defined as a system of words used in a
particular discipline, in this example it refers to music! There are
thousands of different terms used in music, in fact being competent in
music terminology is like learning a new language! Read though the terms
listed below, great music theory practice! Need some more practice? Try
our music theory worksheets complete with quiz. All the worksheets are
free and printable, print as many copies as you need. We have even
included a some blank staff paper in a pdf file so you can practice
music notation.
Music Terminology - Worksheets
Looking for some music terminology
worksheets? Perhaps you need some blank staff paper to practice
writing your own composition or need a lesson in music notation? Simply
click on one of the links below for a selection of free, printable music
terminology worksheets. If you are looking for some blank sheet music paper,
we have even included a link for a free printable pdf file which you can
print as many copies as you need!
Music Theory Worksheet One
Music Theory Worksheet Two
Blank Sheet
Music PDF
Music Terminology
- List of
Terms
The following are just a selection of the thousands of terms used in
music terminology. Depending on whether you are a vocal performer or
learning to play a musical instrument, the variety of terms you come
across will seem never ending! Some are obvious and can be guessed such
as the term 'Nocturne' which is a piece of music written for a piano
solo and means 'night' and is played quietly and melodiously. Other
terms such as 'subito' meaning suddenly are not quite so obvious!
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Terminology ♪ ♫ |
♪ ♫ Meaning
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Terminology ♪ ♫ |
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Alto |
the lowest
female voice |
Baritone |
the male voice
having a range between that of the tenor and that of the
bass. |
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Discord |
an ugly,
inharmonious combination of tones |
Mellifluous
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pleasing;
pleasant sounding |
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Crescendo ed
affrettando |
gradually louder
and faster |
Gamut |
all the tones of
a scale |
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Con bravura |
with boldness |
Fanfare
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a trumpet call |
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Fortissimo
possibile |
as loudly as
possible |
Duet |
a composition
for two performers |
Lento di molto
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very slowly |
Bolero |
triple measure |
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Moderato |
a moderate tempo |
All'unisono |
in unison |
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Sextet |
a composition
for six voices or instruments |
Orchestration |
the art of
writing for the orchestra |
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Pizzicato |
plucked. A term
found in music for stringed instruments |
Solmization |
sight-singing by
syllable |
Music Terminology
- Facts
Music Terminology Facts....Did you know...
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Terminology Fact 1:
Most of the words used in music terminology are in
Italian as most of the early composers from the
Renaissance period to the Baroque period were Italian! |
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Terminology Fact 2:
The term 'vivo' means lively |
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Terminology Fact 3:
The Italian term 'coda' translates to 'tail' and
literally means the end of a piece of music |
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Terminology Fact 4:
In modern music notation, four clefs are used regularly,
these are the treble clef, the bass clef, the alto clef,
and the tenor clef |
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Terminology Fact 5:
The translation of the Italian word 'opera' translates
to 'work'! |
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Terminology Fact 6:
The term 'head' is given to the first and last chorus of
a tune |
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Terminology Fact 7:
In music terminology, the Italian word 'Presto'
translates to 'ready' but actually means that the piece
is to be played 'very fast'! |
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Terminology Fact 8:
New words are being added to music terminology every
day! As Digital music grows in popularity, new words
become the norm such as 'ADSR' which stands for
Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release which relates to sound in a
music synthesiser |
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Terminology Fact 9:
The term 'fall' is a jazz term which describes a note of
definite pitch that slides downwards to another note of
definite pitch |
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Terminology Fact 10:
The term 'gliss' means a a continuous sliding from one
pitch to another |
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Terminology Fact 11:
In music terminology, the term Crescendo (abbreviation: cresc. or < ) means a gradual increase in power |
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Terminology Fact 12:
A sound bite is a small piece of music taken from
a longer composition |
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Terminology Fact 13:
The Italian language is still used throughout the
world today as the universal language for describing
music tempo and dynamics! |
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Terminology Fact 14:
The term 'acceso' means ignited or on fire! |
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Terminology Fact 15:
If the Latin term 'ad libitum' or 'ad lib' is seen in
music terminology it translates to 'at liberty' and
means that the speed and manner of execution of the
piece are left to the performer |
Music Terminology - Bible
References
Music was
mentioned many times in the bible, the following definition of
music is taken from Easton Bible Dictionary.
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Jubal was the
inventor of musical instruments (Gen. 4:21). The Hebrews
were much given to the cultivation of music. Their whole
history and literature afford abundant evidence of this.
After the Deluge, the first mention of music is in the
account of Laban's interview with Jacob (Gen. 31:27). After
their triumphal passage of the Red Sea, Moses and the
children of Israel sang their song of deliverance (Ex. 15)
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The period of
Samuel, David, and Solomon was the golden age of Hebrew
music, as it was of Hebrew poetry. Music was now for the
first time systematically cultivated. It was an essential
part of training in the schools of the prophets (1 Sam.
10:5; 19:19-24; 2 Kings 3:15; 1 Chr. 25:6). There now arose
also a class of professional singers (2 Sam. 19:35; Eccl.
2:8). The temple, however, was the great school of music. In
the conducting of its services large bands of trained
singers and players on instruments were constantly employed
(2 Sam. 6:5; 1 Chr. 15; 16; 23;5; 25:1-6)
Music Terminology - Music Notation Image
Dream Explanation - Music Terminology
Hearing
harmonious and soothing music in your dream, is a good omen of
prosperity, pleasure and the expression of your emotions in a positive
way. Music serves to heal the soul. Hearing discordant music in your
dream means unhappiness and troubles in the home.
Music Terminology - Tattoos
Music Terminology
images are a great idea for tattoos. Looking for inspiration for a unique tattoo
design? Why not choose a musical note or incorporate a selection of musical
symbols
in your own design? A great way to show your interest in the
fascinating world of music. Whether your preferred genre is Rock or
Classical, Disco or Country, The Music Terminology symbol is a great choice for a
tattoo! Browse through our selection of images and check out the
meaning of each one.
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Music Terminology ♪
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