Class Piano Exam #1

Middle C

Note C nearest to the center of the piano keyboard, notated as the pitch on the ledger line below the treble clef and above the bass clef.

Middle C Position

Both thumbs are on middle C.

C Position

LH5 on C below middle C; RH1 on middle C

G Position

LH5 on the G below middle C; RH1 on the G above middle C.

Forte (f)

play loudly

mezzo forte (mf)

play moderately loud

mezzo piano (mp)

play moderately soft

piano (p)

play softly

Pianissimo (pp)

play very softly

Fortissimo (ff)

play very loud

Crescendo

gradually increase volume

Decrescendo (or diminuendo)

gradually decrease the volume

Slur

smooth, connected notes

Staccato

short, detached notes

Accent

emphasized, stronger attack on the note

2/4 Time Signature

two beats per measure, quarter note gets one beat

3/4 Time Signature

three beats per measure, quarter note gets one beat

4/4 Time Signature

four beats per measure, quarter note gets one beat