a
- AccelerandoIncrease in tempo for a musical passage - Increase in tempoThe speed at which a piece of music is performed, often indicated in beats per minute. for a musical passage
- AdaptationThe process of rearranging a piece of music to make it more suitable for a specific ensemble, style, or performance context. - The process of rearranging a piece of music to make it more suitable for a specific ensemble, style, or performance context.
- AppoggiaturaNon-harmonic tone preceded by skip from a chord tone, followed by resolution to a neighboring chord tone - Non-harmonic tone preceded by skip from a chordTwo or more notes played simultaneously; a group of three or more notes played or sung at the same time to create harmony. tone, followed by resolutionRelease of musical tension to a neighboring chord tone
- ApproachesSimilar to lead-ins, these melodic fragments pass through non-harmonic tones to arrive at a chord tone - Similar to lead-insA sequence of tones approaching a target or chord tone chromatically, diatonically, intervalically, or some combination of those, these melodic fragments pass through non-harmonic tones to arrive at a chord tone
- Arrangementrefers to the structure and order of musical elements in a composition, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and instrumentation. - refers to the structure and order of musical elements in a composition, such as melodyA sequence of single pitches perceived as a unit, usually the main theme or tune in a piece of music., harmony1. The result of notes sounding together to create a sense of musical logic or agreement 2. Supporting musical material 3. A sense of musical environment, rhythmThe pattern of beats and accentuations in music, which gives a piece its sense of movement and flow., and instrumentationThe array of different instruments or sounds incorporated in a musical score.
- ArrangingThe process of adapting a piece of music for a different ensemble, style, or performance context. - The process of adapting a piece of music for a different ensemble, style, or performance context.
- AugmentationThe process of making a piece of music sound more complex or interesting, often by adding more parts or elaborating on the harmonies. - The process of making a piece of music sound more complex or interesting, often by adding more partsIndividual pieces of music, each designed to be performed by a single musician or section of an ensemble. or elaborating on the harmonies.
- AuxChannel strips in a DAW offering additonal in-out routing with support for additional plugins - Channel strips in a DAWDigital Audio Workstation. Some are: Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One, Reason, Reaper, Digital Performer, Bitwig Studio, Samplitude Pro X, GarageBand (Mac), Cakewalk by BandLab, Presonus Studio One, Tracktion Waveform offering additonal in-out routing with support for additional plugins
b
- BarA line that separates measures in sheet music. - A line that separates measures in sheet music.
- Bar NumbersSmall numbers, usually at the beginning of a line, indicating exact location within a musical part or score - Small numbers, usually at the beginning of a line, indicating exact location within a musical part or scoreA written representation of a piece of music, including the notation for all parts of an ensemble.
- BeamA horizontal line connecting multiple eighth or sixteenth notes to show that they are played as a group. - A horizontal line connecting multiple eighth or sixteenth notes to show that they are played as a group.
- BendsManipulation of pitch for expressive effect - Manipulation of pitchThe perceived highness or lowness of a sound, determined by the frequency of the sound wave. for expressive effect
- BPM (Beats Per Minute)a measurement of tempo, which represents the number of beats occurring in one minute. - a measurement of tempo, which represents the number of beats occurring in one minute.
- BridgeA song section type common in American Songbook tunes, usually containing a markedly different chord progression; commonly the "B" section of an AABA or ABA form. - A song section type common in American Songbook tunes, usually containing a markedly different chord progression; commonly the "B" section of an AABA or ABA formThe structure or organization of a piece of music, including its sections, repetitions, and overall shape..
- BusInternal signal routing in a DAW creating a path to an auxiliary channel strip - Internal signal routing in a DAW creating a path to an auxiliary channel strip
c
- CadenceA harmonic progression from tension through resolution - A harmonic progressionA series of chords that move in a certain pattern or sequence to provide the underlying structure for a piece of music, also referred to as chord progression from tensionTemporary music dissonance or increased density through resolution
- ChangesJazz shorthand for Chord Changes; the chord progression - Jazz shorthand for Chord Changes; the chord progressionA sequence of harmonic events consisting of changing chords
- Chord - Two or more notes played simultaneously; a group of three or more notes played or sung at the same time to create harmony.
- Chord Extensionsare notes adding colors to the sound that are not present in the basic triad or seventh version of the chord, and include 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, each having a distinctive and recognizable sound - are notes adding colors to the sound that are not present in the basic triad or seventh version of the chord, and include 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, each having a distinctive and recognizable sound
- Chord Progression - A sequenceArray of musical notes in a repeating pattern of harmonic events consisting of changing chords
- ChorusA section of music usually referencing the title of the song, also known as a "hook." Also can refer to a type of ensemble consisting of a collection of singers, or in Jazz, one time through the entire progression of a song or tune, which repeats with variations or solos throughout the piece. - A section of music usually referencing the title of the song, also known as a "hook." Also can refer to a type of ensemble consisting of a collection of singers, or in Jazz, one time through the entire progression of a song or tune, which repeatsMarkings defining a section of music to be played again with variations or solos throughout the piece.
- ClefA symbol placed at the beginning of the staff that determines the pitch of the notes on the lines and spaces. - A symbol placed at the beginning of the staff that determines the pitch of the notes on the lines and spaces.
- CodaA type of musical ending arrived at by skipping from earlier section, indicated by coda marks at both the skip and arrival points - A type of musical endingAdditional music designed to create a sense of finality at the end of an arrangement, piece or track arrived at by skipping from earlier section, indicated by coda marks at both the skip and arrival points
- Coda MarkA symbol indicating the end of a piece or section of music, referring the performer to a coda section elsewhere in the piece. - A symbol indicating the end of a piece or section of music, referring the performer to a coda section elsewhere in the piece.
- Compressiona process that reduces the dynamic range of audio signals, making loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder. - a process that reduces the dynamic range of audio signals, making loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder.
- Conductor's Beat - The rhythmic pattern established by the conductor to keep the ensemble together.
- ContinuoA term from the baroque era referring to the instrument or group of instruments playing chordal accompaniment, usually keyboard. - A term from the baroque era referring to the instrument or group of instruments playing chordal accompaniment, usually keyboard.
- CountermelodyAn element of an arrangement adding a sense of commentary and completion in complement to a melody - An element of an arrangement adding a sense of commentary and completion in complement to a melody
- CounterpointThe art of combining two or more melodic lines in such a way that they complement each other harmonically while retaining their independence as melodic lines. - The art of combining two or more melodic lines in such a way that they complement each other harmonically while retaining their independence as melodic lines.
- CueA short, simple melodic fragment played by one instrument to cue another instrument or section to enter. - A short, simple melodic fragment played by one instrument to cue another instrument or section to enter.
d
- DAW - Digital Audio Workstation. Some are: Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Proacronym short for Publishing Rights Organization, such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC X, Cubase, Pro Tools, Studio One, Reason, Reaper, Digital Performer, Bitwig Studio, Samplitude Pro X, GarageBand (Mac), Cakewalk by BandLab, Presonus Studio One, Tracktion Waveform
- DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)Software that is used to record, edit, and produce music. - Software that is used to record, edit, and produce music.
- DemoA recording created to preview the content of a show or song. Demos can also become master recordings. - A recording created to preview the content of a show or song. Demos can also become master1. Intellectual property consisting of a sound recording 2. The process of optimizing a mix through further signal processing to adjust presence, timbre, loudness, and tone recordings.
- DirectionInstructions for an arranger or composer indicating style, instrumentation, mood, and purpose - Instructions for an arranger or composer indicating style, instrumentation, mood, and purpose
- DSInstruction to skip back to a mark earlier in the piece, usually leading to a coda sign - Instruction to skip back to a mark earlier in the piece, usually leading to a coda sign
- DynamicsThe relative loudness or softness of an element of piece of music, indicated by symbols, or controlled by MIDI values - The relative loudness or softness of an element of piece of music, indicated by symbols, or controlled by MIDIA protocol for communicating musical information, such as notes and control signals, between electronic musical instruments and computers. values
e
- EchoA form of countermelody, restating the previous melodic passage in the musical space that follows it - A form of countermelody, restating the previous melodic passage in the musical space that follows it
- Effects"Effects" refer to changes to the sound using digital signal processing ("DSP"). Common effects include reverb, compression, delay, distortion, stereo field, noise reduction, and a host of other possible applications. - "Effects" refer to changes to the sound using digital signal processing ("DSP"). Common effects include reverba type of audio effect that simulates the natural reflection of sound in a room., compression, delay, distortion, stereo field, noise reductionThe process of creating a simplified arrangement of a piece of music for a smaller ensemble., and a host of other possible applications.
- Ending - Additional music designed to create a sense of finality at the end of an arrangement, piece or track
- EnvelopeA component of a synthesizer that shapes the sound over time, affecting the volume, timbre, or other aspects of the sound. - A component of a synthesizerAn electronic musical instrument that generates sound through synthesis. that shapes the sound over time, affecting the volumeThe perceived loudness of a sound, determined by its amplitude., timbreThe unique tonal quality of a sound, often described in terms of its texture, color, or tone quality., or other aspects of the sound.
- EQ"EQ" is an acronym for "Equalization," which refers to selective editing of the dynamics of frequency ranges, affecting the perceived tone of the sound. - "EQ" is an acronym for "Equalization," which refers to selective editing of the dynamics of frequencya measurement of the number of oscillations per second of a sound wave, which determines its pitch. ranges, affecting the perceived tone of the sound.
- EQ (Equalization)A processor that adjusts the balance between different frequency ranges in an audio signal. - A processor that adjusts the balance between different frequency ranges in an audio signal.
- Escape Tone (Echapée)Harmonic tone followed by a stepwise move to a non-harmonic pitch followed by a skip to a chord tone - Harmonic tone followed by a stepwise move to a non-harmonic pitch followed by a skip to a chord tone
f
- Filling outThe process of adding additional parts to an arrangement to create a fuller sound. - The process of adding additional parts to an arrangement to create a fuller sound.
- Filtera process that removes or reduces certain frequency ranges from an audio signal. - a process that removes or reduces certain frequency ranges from an audio signal.
- First EndingBars of music occurring at the end of a repeated section, played only after the first time through - Bars of music occurring at the end of a repeated section, played only after the first time through
- Form - The structure or organization of a piece of music, including its sections, repetitions, and overall shape.
- Frequency - a measurement of the number of oscillations per second of a sound wave, which determines its pitch.
- FundamentalLowest, most predominant perceived pitch of a musical tone - Lowest, most predominant perceived pitch of a musical tone
g
- GhostRefers to original composition done as work-for-hire, without credit (we do this) - Refers to original composition done as work-for-hire, without credit (we do this)
h
- Harmonic Progression - A series of chords that move in a certain pattern or sequence to provide the underlying structure for a piece of music, also referred to as chord progression
- Harmonic SeriesArray of notes contained within a pitch with a mathematical (rationic) relationship to the "fundamental," which is the container note for all the rationic subcomponents. Also see "Overtone Series" - Array of notes contained within a pitch with a mathematical (rationic) relationship to the "fundamental," which is the container note for all the rationic subcomponents. Also see "Overtone Series"
- Harmonic structureThe arrangement of chords and harmonies in a piece of music. - The arrangement of chords and harmonies in a piece of music.
- HarmonicsOvertones that are present in a sound, which contribute to its timbre. - Overtones that are present in a sound, which contribute to its timbre.
- Harmony - 1. The result of notes sounding together to create a sense of musical logic or agreement 2. Supporting musical material 3. A sense of musical environment
i
- I/OSignal routing within a recording workstation - Signal routing within a recording workstation
- ImprovisationSpontaneous composition of melody from practiced or prepared melodic patterns consisting of ideas including melodic ornamentation of chord tones, patterns, scales or sequences - Spontaneous composition of melody from practiced or prepared melodic patterns consisting of ideas including melodic ornamentationAdditional musical notes inserted to decorate a melody through a variety of methods, including trills, turns, mordants, approach tones, upper and lower neighbors, appoggiaturas, passing tones, lead-ins, bends and suspensions of chord tones, patterns, scales or sequences
- Instrumentation - The array of different instruments or sounds incorporated in a musical score
- InterluideMusical section creating a different mood or respite between sections. - Musical section creating a different mood or respite between sections.
- Interval- describes the distance between notes, either melodically (in sequence) or harmonically (sounding at the same time, with a resultant sonority) - - describes the distance between notes, either melodically (in sequence) or harmonically (sounding at the same time, with a resultant sonority)
- IntervalicHaving to do with the relationship between pitches, usually defined in terms of their position in a diatonic scale; for example, from the "root," which is also known as "1," the next note is the "2," and the distance between them is an interval of a "second." Intervals include unisons (both notes on the same pitch), seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, sevenths, octaves, ninths, tenths, elevenths, twelfths, and thirteenths - Having to do with the relationship between pitches, usually defined in terms of their position in a diatonic scale; for example, from the "root," which is also known as "1," the next note is the "2," and the distance between them is an interval of a "second." Intervals include unisons (both notes on the same pitch), seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, sevenths, octaves, ninths, tenths, elevenths, twelfths, and thirteenths
- IntroMusical material introducing the main melody or vocal entrance - Musical material introducing the main melody or vocal entrance
- InversionA melodic varian consisting of a mirrored version of a melodic array - A melodic varian consisting of a mirrored version of a melodic array
k
- KeyThe group of pitches, or tonality, that a piece of music is centered around. - The group of pitches, or tonality, that a piece of music is centered around.
- Key SignatureA set of symbols written at the beginning of a piece of music indicating the key in which the piece should be played. - A set of symbols written at the beginning of a piece of music indicating the key in which the piece should be played.
l
- Lead-Ins - A sequence of tones approaching a target or chord tone chromatically, diatonically, intervalically, or some combination of those
- LFOA low-frequency oscillator that modulates other components of a synthesizer to create modulation effects, such as vibrato or tremolo. - A low-frequency oscillator that modulates other components of a synthesizer to create modulationThe process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music. effects, such as vibratoOscillation of tone produce by variation in pitch, dynamics, or both or tremolo.
- Lower NeighborNon-harmonic tone a diatonic or chromatic step below a chord tone - Non-harmonic tone a diatonic or chromatic step below a chord tone
m
- Master - 1. Intellectual property consisting of a sound recording 2. The process of optimizing a mix1. Collection of individual tracks or parts 2. The process of adjusting relative sound levels, processing and placement within a sonic realm 3. The result of sonic recording and processing through further signal processing to adjust presence, timbre, loudness, and tone
- MeasureA unit of musical time, defined by a specific number of beats. - A unit of musical time, defined by a specific number of beats.
- Melody - A sequence of single pitches perceived as a unit, usually the main theme or tune in a piece of music.
- MIDI - A protocol for communicating musical information, such as notes and control signals, between electronic musical instruments and computers.
- MIDI MixingRefers to the process of adjusting all aspects of midi data to control humanization, timing, pitch, playback sounds, effects, panning, equalization, and compression to produce a master recording - Refers to the process of adjusting all aspects of midi data to control humanization, timing, pitch, playback sounds, effects, panningthe process of adjusting the stereo positioning of a sound in a mix, determining its location between the left and right speakers., equalization, and compression to produce a master recording
- MirroringSee "Inversion" - See "Inversion"
- Mix - 1. Collection of individual tracks or parts 2. The process of adjusting relative sound levels, processing and placement within a sonic realm 3. The result of sonic recording and processing
- Mixingthe process of balancing and blending individual tracks into a final master recording. - the process of balancing and blending individual tracks into a final master recording.
- MockupPlayback file from notation software that isn't considered a finished mix; a preliminary mix showing the structure and elements of the arrangement for approval. - Playback file from notationA system of symbols used to write down music. software that isn't considered a finished mix; a preliminary mix showing the structure and elements of the arrangement for approval.
- Modulation - The process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music.
- MordantA quick turn to a neighbor tone followed by the original tone - A quick turn to a neighbor tone followed by the original tone
- MultiA single multi-channel, multi-output instance of a virtual instrument in a digital music mixing environment - A single multi-channel, multi-output instance of a virtual instrument in a digital music mixing environment
- Music arrangingis the process of taking a piece of music and adapting it for a specific ensemble, style, or performance context. - is the process of taking a piece of music and adapting it for a specific ensemble, style, or performance context.
- Music compositioninvolves the creation of music through the use of various elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and timbre. - involves the creation of music through the use of various elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and timbre.
n
- Notation - A system of symbols used to write down music.
- Notea symbol used to represent a specific pitch and duration - a symbol used to represent a specific pitch and duration
o
- OctaveA range of eight notes, starting with a particular note and ending with the next instance of that same note, either higher or lower in pitch. - A range of eight notes, starting with a particular note and ending with the next instance of that same note, either higher or lower in pitch.
- OrchestrationThe art and science of arranging music for an orchestra, including the assignment of individual parts to different instruments and the creation of a score. - The art and science of arranging music for an orchestra, including the assignment of individual parts to different instruments and the creation of a score.
- Ornamentation - Additional musical notes inserted to decorate a melody through a variety of methods, including trills, turns, mordants, approach tones, upper and lower neighbors, appoggiaturas, passing tones, lead-ins, bends and suspensions
- Overtone SeriesSub-components of a musical tone arrayed in a series of ratios, theoretically to infinity - Sub-components of a musical tone arrayed in a series of ratios, theoretically to infinity
p
- Panning - the process of adjusting the stereo positioning of a sound in a mix, determining its location between the left and right speakers.
- Parts - Individual pieces of music, each designed to be performed by a single musician or section of an ensemble.
- Passing toneNon-harmonic tone between 2 harmonic tones, usually diatonic - Non-harmonic tone between 2 harmonic tones, usually diatonic
- Physical Modeling SynthesisA type of synthesis that models the physical behavior of instruments to generate sound. - A type of synthesis that models the physical behavior of instruments to generate sound.
- PitSpace in front of and below the stage for the orchestra or band; or any offstage space where the orchestra is located for live performance - Space in front of and below the stage for the orchestra or band; or any offstage space where the orchestra is located for live performance
- Pitch - The perceived highness or lowness of a sound, determined by the frequency of the sound wave.
- PluginA software application for processing audio signal or MIDI information, including effects and virtual instruments - A software application for processing audio signal or MIDI information, including effects and virtual instruments
- Plunk TracksReference audio tracks containing the melody only, to be used as a guide for vocalists in learning or recording a track - Reference audio tracks containing the melody only, to be used as a guide for vocalists in learning or recording a track
- PRO - acronym short for Publishing Rights Organization, such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC
r
- Reduction - The process of creating a simplified arrangement of a piece of music for a smaller ensemble.
- Rehearsal MarksLetters or numbers in the score indicating the location within a piece - Letters or numbers in the score indicating the location within a piece
- ReleaseFollowing the building of tension, arrival at a resolution. In England, is synonymous with "bridge" - Following the building of tension, arrival at a resolution. In England, is synonymous with "bridge"
- Repeats - Markings defining a section of music to be played again
- Resolution - Release of musical tension
- RestA symbol indicating a period of silence in a piece of music. - A symbol indicating a period of silence in a piece of music.
- RetrogradeA melodic variant consisting of a melody or melodic fragment written or played in reverse order - A melodic variant consisting of a melody or melodic fragment written or played in reverse order
- Reverb - a type of audio effect that simulates the natural reflection of sound in a room.
- RevisionA rewrite or other modification of a musical score, track, or recorded performance - A rewrite or other modification of a musical score, track, or recorded performance
- Rhythm - The pattern of beats and accentuations in music, which gives a piece its sense of movement and flow.
- RitardandoDecrease in tempo for a musical passage - Decrease in tempo for a musical passage
s
- Samplera device or software that allows you to play back recorded sounds and manipulate them in various ways. - a device or software that allows you to play back recorded sounds and manipulate them in various ways.
- ScaleA sequence of pitches organized in ascending or descending order from which a harmonic series can be derived - A sequence of pitches organized in ascending or descending order from which a harmonic series can be derived
- Score - A written representation of a piece of music, including the notation for all parts of an ensemble.
- Sequence - Array of musical notes in a repeating pattern
- SimplificationThe process of making a piece of music easier to play or sing, often by reducing the number of parts or simplifying the harmonies. - The process of making a piece of music easier to play or sing, often by reducing the number of parts or simplifying the harmonies.
- Sounds LikeGuidance given to an arranger or composer in the choice of style for their work - Guidance given to an arranger or composer in the choice of style for their work
- StemsIndividual tracks extracted or exported from a mix as individual sound files - Individual tracks extracted or exported from a mix as individual sound files
- Surround tonesMelodic ornaments consisting of notes on either side of a harmonic tone - Melodic ornaments consisting of notes on either side of a harmonic tone
- SuspensionNon-harmonic tone, either carried over or introduced, that resolves to a chord tone - Non-harmonic tone, either carried over or introduced, that resolves to a chord tone
- SweeteningAn creating an instrumental arrangement overlaid on an existing track using orchestral instruments, sampled instruments, or synthesized sounds - An creating an instrumental arrangement overlaid on an existing track using orchestral instruments, sampled instruments, or synthesized sounds
- SyncopationA rhythmic device that involves accenting a weak beat, creating a sense of rhythmic tension. - A rhythmic device that involves accenting a weak beat, creating a sense of rhythmic tension.
- Synthesizer - An electronic musical instrument that generates sound through synthesis.
t
- Tempo - The speed at which a piece of music is performed, often indicated in beats per minute.
- Tempo MapComponent in MIDI data defining the tempo and tempo changes in a musical piece or track - Component in MIDI data defining the tempo and tempo changes in a musical piece or track
- Tension - Temporary music dissonance or increased density
- TieA curved line connecting two notes of the same pitch, indicating that they are to be played as a single, sustained note. - A curved line connecting two notes of the same pitch, indicating that they are to be played as a single, sustained note.
- Timbre - The unique tonal quality of a sound, often described in terms of its texture, color, or tone quality.
- Time SignatureA symbol written at the beginning of a piece of music indicating the number of beats in each measure and the type of note that receives one beat. - A symbol written at the beginning of a piece of music indicating the number of beats in each measure and the type of note that receives one beat.
- Track ProductionAssembling, editing and combining audio elements including instruments, vocals and effects into a finished mix - Assembling, editing and combining audio elements including instruments, vocals and effects into a finished mix
- Trackingthe process of recording individual instrument or vocal tracks in a music production. - the process of recording individual instrument or vocal tracks in a music production.
- TranscriptionThe process of notating a piece of music as it is performed, either by ear or from a recording. - The process of notating a piece of music as it is performed, either by ear or from a recording.
- TranspositionThe process of changing the key of a piece of music. - The process of changing the key of a piece of music.
- TranstionsMusical material providing a respite or cadence from one musical section to another, possibly including a modulation - Musical material providing a respite or cadence from one musical section to another, possibly including a modulation
- TrillA melodic ornament consisting of rapid back-and-forth motion to a neighbor tone - A melodic ornament consisting of rapid back-and-forth motion to a neighbor tone
u
- Upper NeighborNon-harmonic tone a diatonic or chromatic step above a chord tone - Non-harmonic tone a diatonic or chromatic step above a chord tone
v
- VampSection of music that repeats verbatim underneath a lead line - Section of music that repeats verbatim underneath a lead line
- VelocityRefers to the amount of energy applied by a performer in generating a tone, and is communicated in MIDI as an attribute of a note. Sampled instruments usually contain sounds produced at varying velocities, which are mapped to MIDI velocity ranges in the sample player. A MIDI note with a higher velocity will sound as if it's performed with more energy than one with less velocity. Velocity is expressed as a number in a range of 1-127 - Refers to the amount of energy applied by a performer in generating a tone, and is communicated in MIDI as an attribute of a note. Sampled instruments usually contain sounds produced at varying velocities, which are mapped to MIDI velocity ranges in the sample player. A MIDI note with a higher velocity will sound as if it's performed with more energy than one with less velocity. Velocity is expressed as a number in a range of 1-127
- VerseA section of a song introducing ideas, images, or story elements being conveyed by the lyric, setting up the chorus - A section of a song introducing ideas, images, or story elements being conveyed by the lyric, setting up the chorus
- vibrato - Oscillation of tone produce by variation in pitch, dynamics, or both
- VoicingThe distribution of musical notes between different parts in an ensemble; the intervallic structure of a harmonic array - The distribution of musical notes between different parts in an ensemble; the intervallic structure of a harmonic array
- Volume - The perceived loudness of a sound, determined by its amplitude.