Music Symbols Flashcards

Music Symbols and Their Meanings

• Time Signature: Indicates the number of beats per measure and the note value that receives one beat.
• Measure: The section of music defined by the space between two bar lines.
• Eighth Notes: Two notes connected by a beam, totaling one beat.
• Eighth Rest: Represents half a count of silence.
• Bar Line: Vertical line that divides the staff into measures.
• Bass Clef: Also known as the F clef; used for lower sounding pitches.
• Double Bar: Signifies the conclusion of a musical piece.
• Decrescendo: Gradual decrease in volume, often notated as "decresc."
• Dotted Half Note: Worth three counts of sound.
• Eighth Note: One-half count of sound.
• Fermata: Indicates to hold a note or rest longer than its usual duration.
• Forte: Symbolizes loud volume.
• Half Note: Accounts for two counts of sound.
• Half Rest: Represents two counts of silence.
• Flat: Lowers the pitch of a note by one-half step.
• Mezzo Forte: Denotes medium loud volume.
• Natural: Cancels out any preceding flat or sharp.
• Piano: Represents soft volume.
• Quarter Note: Worth one count of sound.
• Quarter Rest: Represents one count of silence.
• Repeat: Directs to go back and play the previous section again.
• Sharp: Raises the pitch of a note by one-half step.
• Staff: Comprises five lines and four spaces used for writing music.
• Treble Clef: Known as the G clef; used for higher sounding pitches.
• Whole Note: Accounts for four counts of sound.
• Whole Rest: Represents four counts of silence.
• Diminuendo: Gradual decrease in volume.
• Multiple Measure Rest: Indicates rest over several measures.
• Accent: Emphasizes the note during play.
• Fortissimo: Indicates very loud dynamics.
• Key Signature: Displays flats or sharps placed between the clef and time signature.
• Legato: Suggests notes should be played smoothly and connected.
• Mezzo Piano: Indicates medium loudness.
• Pianissimo: Represents very soft dynamics.
• Staccato: Notes should be played short and detached.
• Ritardando: Gradual slowing of tempo.
• Tie: Connects two or more notes of the same pitch, combining their durations into one.
• Slur: Connects two or more notes of different pitches, played smoothly after tonguing the first note.