Music Glossary

A gradual increase in tempo, building excitement and momentum.

A slow tempo marking, typically 66-76 BPM. Often used for expressive, emotional passages.

A fast, lively tempo, typically 120-168 BPM. Energetic and bright.

A moderate walking tempo, typically 76-108 BPM. Comfortable and unhurried.

Playing string instruments with the bow, as opposed to pizzicato. The standard technique for orchestral strings.

The way notes are played or sung—staccato (short), legato (smooth), accent, etc.—affecting musical expression.

A measurement of tempo indicating how many beats occur in one minute. Standard dance music is often 120-130 BPM.

A contrasting section that provides variety and often builds to the final chorus. Creates a departure from verse-chorus patterns.

A sequence of chords that brings a phrase or section to a close. The perfect cadence (V-I) provides the strongest sense of resolution.

Three or more notes played simultaneously, forming the harmonic foundation of music. Common types include major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords.

A sequence of chords played in succession. Common progressions like I-IV-V-I form the backbone of countless songs across genres.

The recurring section of a song with the same melody and lyrics, typically containing the main hook and message.

A concluding passage that brings a piece to an end, often featuring new material or a final statement of themes.

Reducing the dynamic range of audio by attenuating loud signals, creating a more consistent volume level.

The relationship between two or more musical lines that are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and contour.

A gradual increase in volume, building tension and energy. Often notated with a hairpin symbol opening to the right.

A gradual decrease in volume, releasing tension. Also called diminuendo, notated with a hairpin closing to the right.

An audio effect that records and plays back a signal after a set time, creating echoes and rhythmic patterns.

Adjusting the balance of frequency components in an audio signal, enhancing or reducing specific ranges.

A dynamic marking indicating loud playing. Commands attention and creates powerful musical statements.

A dynamic marking indicating very loud playing. Used for climactic moments and dramatic emphasis.

The amount of amplification applied to an audio signal, affecting its overall volume level.

The combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions. Harmony supports and enriches the melody.

A memorable musical phrase or lyric that catches the listener's attention. The most recognizable element of a song.

The distance between two pitches, measured in steps. Common intervals include the octave (8 notes), fifth (5 notes), and third (3 notes).

The opening section of a song that establishes the mood, key, and tempo before the main content begins.

The tonal center of a piece of music, determined by the scale being used. A song in the key of C major uses the C major scale as its foundation.

A very slow tempo marking, typically 40-60 BPM. Creates a broad, stately character.

The final step in audio production, optimizing the overall sound for distribution across different playback systems.

A sequence of single notes that form a recognizable musical phrase. The melody is often the most memorable part of a song.

A dynamic marking indicating moderately loud playing. The middle ground of dynamic expression.

A dynamic marking indicating moderately soft playing. Slightly louder than piano but still restrained.

The process of combining multiple audio tracks into a final stereo or surround sound product, balancing levels, panning, and effects.

A moderate tempo, typically 108-120 BPM. Neither fast nor slow.

The process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music, often used to create interest and emotional shift.

The closing section of a song, providing resolution and bringing the piece to an end.

Recording additional parts over existing tracks, allowing musicians to layer performances.

Distributing audio signals across the stereo field, placing sounds left, right, or center in the mix.

A dynamic marking indicating very soft playing. One of the quietest dynamic levels in music notation.

A dynamic marking indicating soft playing. Creates intimate, gentle musical moments.

A technique of plucking strings with the fingers rather than using a bow, creating a percussive, detached sound.

An extremely fast tempo, typically 168-200 BPM. Requires technical virtuosity.

The range of pitches an instrument or voice can produce, often divided into low, middle, and high registers.

An effect that simulates acoustic spaces by adding reflections, creating depth and ambiance in recordings.

A gradual decrease in tempo, often used at the end of phrases or pieces for dramatic effect.

A musical form with a recurring main theme (A) alternating with contrasting sections (ABACA). Common in classical finales.

Expressive freedom with tempo, slightly speeding up or slowing down for emotional effect while maintaining overall pulse.

An ordered sequence of notes that provides the melodic and harmonic material for a piece. Major and minor scales are the most common in Western music.

A sudden, strong accent on a single note or chord, creating a dramatic surprise effect.

A musical structure with three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation. Foundation of classical symphonies.

The speed at which a piece of music is played, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM).

The unique tonal quality or 'color' of a sound that distinguishes one instrument or voice from another, even at the same pitch.

Rapid repetition of a single note or alternation between two notes, creating a shimmering or dramatic effect.

A section of a song with the same melody but different lyrics each time, advancing the narrative.

A slight, rapid variation in pitch that adds warmth and expressiveness to sustained notes on strings and voice.

A very fast, vivacious tempo, typically 168-176 BPM. Full of life and energy.