Arco To use a bow. Aria In music, was originally any expressive melody, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. The term became used almost exclusively to describe a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without orchestral accompaniment, normally part of…
Pre-Chorus A two or four line section, rarely exceeding four bars musically, immediately preceding the chorus. It is intended to propel the listener, both melodically and lyrically, into the chorus. The pre-chorus is optional. However, if the first verse includes a pre-chorus,…
Im Anfang Shr Gemaechlich “To go faster, like you are going slower.” A term used by composers to confuse string sections. Used by the German composer, Gustav Mahler. A Triplet Three notes in the space of two, not three in the…
Elision When the last note of one phrase serves as the first note of the next phrase. Maestro A distinguished musician, especially a conductor of classical music. Jazz Jazz started as improvisation and stylistic variations on other styles, especially ragtime,…
Pad 1. An attenuator circuit used to reduce the signal from certain microphones to prevent clipping in the pre-amp. The circuit might be part of the microphone, a separate component, or built into the pre-amp. An electronic circuit designed to attenuate…
Musical Notation Musical notation is a visual representation of music and how it should be performed. Modern or standard musical notation makes use of many symbols, too many to list here. For more information see this Wikipedia article. Common Time Common time…
Major vs Minor Scales The major and minor scales differ in the 3rd, 6th, and 7th notes of the scale. Major scales are believed to be more bright and happy while minor scales are believed to be more dark and…
12 Tone Music Music which uses a 12 tone chromatic scale and plays each note from the scale an equal number of times. Blue Note A note which is not diatonic to the key such as lowering the third or…
Hurdy Gurdy: An instrument similar to a violin but played by a rosined wheel turned by a crank. Notes are changed by pressing keys that depress the strings. Multiple drone strings make it sound similar to bagpipes. Scale Degree: A…
Vocal Bridge : Also known as Passaggio or sometimes a vocal break, these are pitch ranges where a singer has to shift between registers. Sometimes this will coincide with a noticeable pitch gap, change in tone, temporary jump beyond the…
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