Music Flash cards

Semibreve

A musical note value that lasts for 4 beats.

Minim

A musical note value that lasts for 2 beats.

Crotchet

A musical note value that lasts for 1 beat.

Quaver

A musical note value that lasts for $\frac{1}{2}$ beat.

Semiquaver

A musical note value that lasts for $\frac{1}{4}$ beat.

Rest

A musical notation symbol indicating a measured duration of silence.

Treble clef lines (bottom to top)

E, G, B, D, F.

Treble clef spaces (bottom to top)

F, A, C, E.

Bass clef lines (bottom to top)

G, B, D, F, A.

Bass clef spaces (bottom to top)

A, C, E, G.

Time signature

Notation at the start of a stave indicating the number and type of beats in each bar.

Pitch

Musical element describing how high or low a sound is.

Dynamics

Musical element describing the volume of a sound, ranging from quiet to loud.

Tempo

Musical element referring to the speed or pace of a piece of music.

Timbre

The distinctive tone quality or character of a sound or instrument.

Monophonic

A musical texture consisting of a single unaccompanied melodic line.

Homophonic

A musical texture featuring one dominant melody supported by chordal accompaniment.

Polyphonic

A musical texture featuring two or more independent melodic lines played simultaneously.

Largo

Italian tempo marking indicating very slow.

Andante

Italian tempo marking indicating a moderate walking pace.

Allegro

Italian tempo marking indicating fast and lively.

Crescendo

Dynamic instruction indicating that the music should gradually get louder.

Diminuendo

Dynamic instruction indicating that the music should gradually get softer.

Staccato

Articulation marking directing notes to be played short and detached.

Legato

Articulation marking directing notes to be played smoothly and connected.

String family

Orchestral group producing sound via vibrating strings through bowing or plucking (e.g., violin, cello, double bass).

Woodwind family

Orchestral group producing sound by vibrating air through a reed or across an opening (e.g., flute, clarinet, oboe).

Brass family

Orchestral group producing sound by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece (e.g., trumpet, trombone, tuba).

Percussion family

Orchestral group producing sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped (e.g., timpani, snare drum, cymbals).

Ostinato

A continually repeated musical phrase, rhythm, or melodic pattern.