Glossary Of Musical Terminology

A portion of an opera or musical designated by the composer, which has a dramatic structure of its own.

Lowest female voice part in a choir group.

A solo piece written for a main character, which focuses on the character’s emotion.

Giving a particular note or phrase more stress than the ones before or after it. Italics do it in print, accents do it in singing. To be effective in solo singing, accents must usually be subtle.

A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.

Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.

Describes the process of a singer first hitting a note, as in “his attack on that high C was too harsh,” or “her attack at the beginning of the song was very gentle.”

To sing or play as per the original tempo of the song.

Lively and quick tempo.

Meaning a walking tempo or walking pace; a moderate speed.

The term for vocal cords getting pulled together when you sing high up in your vocal range.

When the notes of a chord are played quickly, one after another. Usually used as accompaniment for a song, for example, broken chords most commonly on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 8th notes of an octave.

In classical music, a song not from an opera, but sung in classical style. Art songs were created primarily for concerts.

Singing without any form of instrumental accompaniment.

Ability to determine the exact pitch of a note as played on a musical instrument just by listening to it.

A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.

Music that is easy to listen to and understand.

Any of various signs that indicate the alteration of a note by one or two semitones or the cancellation of a previous sign.

Music that is played as background to a solo singer or lead instrumentalist.

A pianist who plays music beneath the singing.

At liberty; the performer decides how to sing or play the respective section or notes.

At liberty; the performer decides how to sing or play the respective section or notes

Common term used to describe the part of the larynx (voice box) which protrudes from the front of the neck. More noticeable in men than women.

often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.

The formation of clear and distinct sounds in speech.

An agent who represents artists by publicizing their talents, finding roles for them, negotiating their contracts and handling other business matters for them.