Chapter 1–7: Introduction to Music Theory and Orchestra Families (Video Lecture)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the introduction to music theory, dynamics, tempo, meter, timbre, and the four orchestra families (brass, strings, woodwinds) with representative examples and concepts from the video notes.

Time signature

A fraction at the beginning of a staff that identifies the meter: the top number shows beats per measure and the bottom number indicates which note gets one beat.

Meter

The pattern of grouping beats into units (typically twos or threes) as indicated by the time signature.

Beat

The basic pulse of music that you tap your foot to or dance to.

Tempo

The speed of the music — how fast or slow it is.

Pitch

The frequency of the vibrations that determine how high or low a note sounds.

Rhythm

The pattern of durations of notes and rests in music.

Dynamics

The volume of the music—how soft or loud it is.

Piano (p)

Soft dynamic marking (Italian: piano).

Forte (f)

Loud dynamic marking (Italian: forte).

Pianissimo (pp)

Very soft dynamic marking (two p’s).

Fortissimo (ff)

Very loud dynamic marking (two f’s).

Crescendo

A gradual increase in volume.

Decrescendo/Diminuendo

A gradual decrease in volume.

Timbre

The tone color or distinctive quality of sound of an instrument or voice (also called timbre).

Timber

Common mis-spelling; the correct term is timbre, the tone color of sound.

Brass

Family of instruments producing sound by buzzing lips; examples include trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba.

Trumpet

The highest-pitched brass instrument with a bright timbre; sounds produced by buzzing the lips.

French horn

A brass instrument with a rich, mellow timbre and a high range; part of the brass family.

Trombone

A brass instrument that uses a slide to change pitch, unlike valves used by others in its family.

Tuba

The lowest-pitched brass instrument with a very long, large-diameter tubing.

String family

Family of instruments with vibrating strings; includes violin, viola, cello, and bass (double bass).

Violin

Highest-pitched member of the string family.

Viola

Middle-range string instrument between violin and cello.

Cello

Lower-than-viola; played seated, with a deep, rich tone.

Bass (double bass)

Lowest-pitched standard string instrument.

Pizzicato

Plucking the strings of a string instrument instead of bowing.

Woodwind family

Instruments that produce sound via vibrating air—many use reeds; includes flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone.

Flute

Woodwind instrument that typically uses no reed; sound produced by blowing across an opening; piccolo is its smaller cousin.

Piccolo

Smaller, higher-pitched flute.

Clarinet

Woodwind instrument that uses a single reed.

Oboe

Woodwind instrument that uses a double reed.

Bassoon

Low-pitched woodwind instrument that uses a double reed.

Single reed

A reed used by instruments like the clarinet and saxophone.

Double reed

Two reeds bound together used by oboe and bassoon.

Saxophone

Woodwind instrument that uses a single reed; common in 20th-century music and not typically an orchestral staple.