Beat This definition is not “beat” we normally think of with the rhythmic speed at which a song is played. Another definition of beat is related to acoustics. In music acoustics, a beat is the interference pattern between two sounds (wavelengths or sine waves) of slightly…
Microphones are ubiquitous. Chances are you’re reading this on a device that has at least one, either built-in or attached. How do they work? What types of microphones are used in music performance and recording? What are their key differences?…
Countermelody or descant Sometimes a piece of music that is basically melody-with-accompaniment (homophonic) will include a single part that is truly independent of the melody. For example, a choral piece might be chordal for a few verses and then, to…
Room Mode A room mode is a frequency that resonates due to reflection from the surfaces in a room. Essentially, if the length between surfaces (or the sum of lengths between surfaces) is a multiple of a particular frequency, then…
Sonata From Latin, “to sound”, is a composition for an instrumental soloist, often with a piano accompaniment, typically in three or four movements of contrasting forms and keys. Sonata means a piece played as opposed to a cantata (Latin and Italian cantare, “to…
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…
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