Unit 1: Fundamentals of Time and Expression

Notehead

The oval part of a note, which can be filled (black) or open (white).

Stem

The vertical line attached to the notehead, following the middle line rule for direction.

Flag

The curved stroke attached to the right side of the stem that halves the value of the note.

Beam

A thick horizontal line connecting two or more stemmed notes, used to group notes visually.

Whole Note

A note with a duration of 1, represented by an open head and no stem.

Half Note

A note with a duration of 1/2, represented by an open head and stem.

Quarter Note

A note with a duration of 1/4, represented by a filled head and stem.

Eighth Note

A note with a duration of 1/8, represented by a filled head and stem with 1 flag.

Sixteenth Note

A note with a duration of 1/16, represented by a filled head and stem with 2 flags.

Dotted Note

A note with a dot increasing its duration by half of its original value.

Tie

A curved line connecting two notes of the same pitch, adding their durations together.

Simple Meter

A meter where the beat is divisible by two, with time signatures like 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4.

Compound Meter

A meter where the beat is divisible by three, usually with time signatures like 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8.

Tempo

The speed at which music is played, often indicated by Italian terms.

Grave

A tempo marking indicating very slow, solemn music.

Largo

A tempo marking indicating broad, very slow music.

Andante

A tempo marking indicating a walking pace.

Allegro

A tempo marking indicating fast, cheerful music.

Crescendo

A notation indicating a gradual increase in volume.

Diminuendo

A notation indicating a gradual decrease in volume.

Legato

A style of playing where notes are smooth and connected.

Staccato

A style of playing where notes are short, detached, and crisp.

Fermata

A symbol indicating that a note should be held longer than its written value.

Accent

A symbol indicating that a note should be emphasized or played louder.

Marcato

A symbol indicating a strong accent; play the note heavily.

Common Time

Another name for 4/4 time signature.

Cut Time

Another name for 2/2 time signature, indicating faster tempo.