Learning Music Theory Terms

Flashcard and MCQs to learn terminology and definitions of musical words

It might be difficult to teach kids the definitions of musical words, but there are some enjoyable exercises that can help them learn the terminology they need to know to become better musicians and music students. Your music students will be able to comprehend and recall the many definitions for musical terms easier if you include some engaging and practical learning activities.

There are two modes: Flashcard and Multiple Choice Questions.

Printed music scores, music reviews, and program notes are likely to use the terminology on this list of musical expressions. Since many European musical norms have Italian roots, the majority of the terms are likewise Italian (see also Italian musical terms adopted in English). These phrases occasionally have unique musical interpretations that are different from their original or current Italian meanings. The majority of the other terms, denoted by "(Fr)" and "(Ger)", are borrowed from French and German, respectively. Others come from Latin and Spanish-based languages.

Some basic musical terms include the followings:

Tempo - the speed at which a piece of music is played

Dynamics - the loudness or softness of a musical performance

Pitch - the highness or lowness of a musical note

Harmony - the combination of notes played together to create a chord or melody

Melody - a sequence of single notes that create a musical phrase or tune

Rhythm - the pattern of sounds and silences in music

Timbre - the unique quality of a sound, determined by the instrument or voice producing it

Crescendo - gradually getting louder

Decrescendo or diminuendo - gradually getting softer

Forte - loud

Piano - soft

Allegro - fast and lively

Adagio - slow and graceful

Vibrato - a slight, rapid fluctuation in pitch used to add expression to a note

Legato - playing notes smoothly and connected

Staccato - playing notes short and detached

Arpeggio - a broken chord played in rapid succession

Glissando - sliding between notes

Cadenza - a virtuosic solo passage usually near the end of a piece

Chorus - a repeated section of a song with the same lyrics and melody.