Reference

Dynamic Marks

The two basic dynamic indications in music are:

More subtle degrees of loudness or softness are indicated by:

Use of up to three consecutive fs or ps is also common:

Piano

or piano, meaning "soft"

Forte

or forte, meaning "loud or strong"

Mezzo-piano

standing for mezzo-forte, meaning "moderately loud"

Mezzo-forte

standing for mezzo-piano, meaning "moderately soft"

Pianissimo

standing for pianissimo and meaning "very soft"

Fortissimo

standing for fortissimo and meaning "very loud"

Intervals

Why do major and minor scales sound the way they do? It’s all in the intervals, and this chart shows you how.

Unison

2nd(s)

3rds

4ths

5ths

6ths

7ths

octaves

Rhythm Identification

Whole

Half

Quarter

Eighth Notes and Rests

Dotted Rhythms

Dotted notes and their equivalent durations. The curved lines, called ties, add the note values together:

Dotted Whole

Half

Quarter Eighth Notes and Rests

Tempo Marks

The tempo of a piece of music is its speed.

The tempo of a piece of music is its speed. There are two ways to specify a tempo. Metronome markings are absolute and specific. Markings usually appear above the staff, at the beginning of the piece, and then at any spot where the tempo changes. Markings that ask the player to deviate slightly from the main tempo, such as ritardando may appear either above or below the staff.

Metronome Markings

Metronome markings are given in beats per minute. They can be estimated using a clock with a second hand, but the easiest way to find them is with a metronome, which is a tool that can give a beat-per-minute tempo as a clicking sound or a pulse of light. Figure shows some examples of metronome markings.

Tempo Terms

Traditionally, tempo instructions are given in Italian.

Some Common Tempo Markings:

These terms, along with a little more Italian, will help you decipher most tempo instructions. More useful Italian:

Gradual Tempo Changes

If the tempo of a piece of music suddenly changes into a completely different tempo, there will be a new tempo given, usually marked in the same way (metronome tempo, Italian term, etc.) as the original tempo. Gradual changes in the basic tempo are also common in music, though, and these have their own set of terms. These terms often appear below the staff, although writing them above the staff is also allowed. These terms can also appear with modifiers like molto or un poco. You may notice that there are quite a few terms for slowing down. Again, the use of these terms will vary from one composer to the next; unless beginning and ending tempo markings are included, the performer must simply use good musical judgement to decide how much to slow down in a particular ritardando or rallentando.

Gradual Tempo Changes

Largo

Adagio

Andante

Moderato

Allegretto

Allegro

Vivace

Presto

Items on the Grand Staff

Articulation

Tied note

Slur

Legato

Staccato

Fermata

Accent

Notes on the Grand Staff

bar

measure

bar line

double bar line

Treble Clef

Bass Clef

bracket

time signature (and what each number means)

repeat sign

key signature

Another great tool for keeping track of your key signatures, the circle of fifths is an excellent guide to have nearby.

ledger line

Middle C

Concepts

Make sure you understand the following concepts: