Shawn Boucke
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Definitions

The terms, and markings on this page are only a small amount of things you may encounter in music.  Compiled here are some basics that are printed in stringed instrument repertoire.
Tempos
Largo - Very Slow
Adagio - Slow
Andante - Moderately slow “Walking speed”
Moderato - Moderate
Allegretto - Moderately fast
Allegro - Fast/Lively
Vivace - Very fast


Expression/Style
Brilliante - bright
Cantabile - Singing
Dolce - Sweetly
Espressivo - expressive
Grazioso - WIth Grace
Leggiero - Light/Airy
Largamente - Broaden 
Meno - Less
Mosso - Motion
Piu - More
Poco - Little
Rit. or Rall. - to slow down
Tranquillo - Peaceful
Bowings
a - Legato - smooth, and connected
b - Martele - hammered

c -Staccato - On the string.  Short and detached notes. or... 
Spiccato - Off the string.  Controlled bouncing short strokes.
d - Down Bow - (d)
e - Up Bow - (e)
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Dynamics
Crescendo
Gradually get louder 
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Decrescendo/Diminuendo
Gradually get quieter

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Pianissimo - Very quiet
Piano - Quiet
Mezzo Piano - Medium quiet
Mezzo Forte - Medium loud
Forte - Loud
Fortissimo - Very loud

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Pianissimo, Piano, MezzoPiano, MezzoForte, Forte, Fortissimo

Other Key Terms
a - Clef - Treble, Alto, and Bass are the most common.

b - Key Signature
 - The Sharps, or Flats at the beginning of a line of music.

c - Time Signature - The two numbers at the beginning of a piece of music that denote how many beats there will be per measure (Top number), and what note will equal one beat (Bottom number).  In the example there will be six beats per measure, and an eighth note equals one beat.


d - Slur - Two or more different notes in the same bow

e - Tie - Two or more of the same notes in the same bow

f - Breath Mark/Bow lift - Many students first learn that this mark means 'bow lift' or 'circle bow'.  This is not always the case.  This marking is a 'breath mark' and when it is in a piece of music, but nothing indicating that a down-bow follows the performer takes a pause as if he/she is taking a breath.

g - Left hand Pizzicato - using the left hand, usually the pinky, to pluck the string.


Arco - To use the bow


Pizzicato - To pluck the string

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Please feel free to download a PDF printer-friendly version of this in the downloads page
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www.ShawnBoucke.com
  • About Me
  • Weddings/Events
    • Information
    • Event Testimonials
    • Music Options
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Lessons
    • About
    • Online Lessons
    • Schedule
    • Policies
    • Student Testimonials
    • Online Payment
    • New Student Form
    • MyMusicStaff
  • Guides
    • Buyers guide
    • String Guide
    • References >
      • Care/Maintenance
      • Definitions
      • Fingering Charts
      • Music Dice
      • Note & Rest Values
      • Parts
      • Posture/Bow Hold
    • Music Theory >
      • Circle of Fifths
      • Harmonics
      • Major vs. Minor
    • Misinformation >
      • Bow Lift Marks
      • Scratching Rosin
      • Intonation
  • Media
    • Audio/Video
    • Studio/Event Music
    • Gallery
  • Downloads
    • Sheet Music
    • Scales/Etudes
    • Charts/Dice
    • Staff Paper
  • Contact