Musical Terms Flashcards
Test on Feb. 25 2025!!
Beat
The basic unit of time in music, the beat is the pulse that you feel in the music, often aligned with the tempo.
Tempo
The speed at which a piece of music is played, measured in beats per minute (BPM).
Meter
The grouping of beats into regular patterns, often indicated by time signatures (e.g., 4/4, 3/4).
Pitch
The frequency of a sound, which determines how high or low it sounds.
Interval
The distance between two pitches, which can be described as steps (whole or half) or specific intervals (e.g., major third, perfect fifth).
Scale
A series of pitches in ascending or descending order, such as major, minor, or chromatic scales.
Chord
A group of three or more pitches played simultaneously.
Key
The tonal center of a piece, defined by the scale and tonic note around which the music is organized.
Progression
A sequence of chords that provides the harmonic foundation of a piece.
Piano & Forte
Soft & Loud
Crescendo & Decrescendo
Gradually getting louder/softer
Largo & Adagio
Slow tempo
Andante
Moderately slow
Moderato
A moderate tempo that isn’t too fast or too slow
Allergo
Quick tempo
Tone Color/Timbre
The unique quality or color of a sound that distinguishes different instruments or voices.
Arpeggio
Playing the notes of a chord in succession rather than simultaneously.
Glissando
Sliding between pitches.
Subito
Immediately
Enharmonic
Different notation but the same pitch.
Vibrato
A slight, rapid variation in pitch used to enhance the sound.
Staccato
Notes played in a detached, separated manner.
Legato
Notes played smoothly and connected.
Accent
Emphasis placed on a particular note or chord.
