Collective Efficacy
When everyone in a group believes, “We can do this together!”
Memory Tip:
Think “team confidence” — like a choir knowing they can nail a song if they work together.
Contemporary Music
Music made in modern times or that’s new right now.
Memory Tip:
Think “contemporary = current” — like what’s on today’s playlist.
Arrangements
A changed version of a song, based on the original.
Memory Tip:
Think “rearrange” — like moving furniture around but still in the same room (song stays, details change).
Deadbeat
A conductor’s motion that signals, “Get ready — here it comes!”
Memory Tip:
Think “dead stop before the beat” — a quick pause or gesture that makes musicians focus on what’s next.
Rallentando
gradually slowing down the tempo
Atonality
Music with no main key or “home” note.
Memory Tip:
Think “a-” = without + “tonality” — like a song that’s wandering without a home base note.
Copyright Law
A law that protects a creator’s work so only they can use or share it.
Memory Tip:
Think “copy = right” — only the creator has the right to copy and use it.
Fair Use
A rule that lets you use a little of someone’s work without permission, but only in certain cases.
Memory Tip:
Think “fair” — it’s only fair to use a small part for teaching, news, or commentary.
Live Feedback
feedback that takes place in real time
Marked Expressions
Details in music that the composer clearly writes down.
Memory Tip:
Think “marked = clearly shown” — like instructions the composer marks on the sheet music.
Phrasing
How musicians group notes to show feeling or meaning, like musical sentences.
Memory Tip:
Think “phrasing = musical sentences” — just like speaking with pauses and emotion.
Double Prep
Two quick beats a conductor gives before the music starts.
Memory Tip:
Think “double = two” — like getting a double heads-up before jumping in.
Presto
Term definition.
very fast tempo
Dolce
sweetly
Preparatory Beat
A conductor’s beat that signals musicians to get ready before playing.
Memory Tip:
Think “prep = prepare” — it’s the prepare beat before the music begins.
Syncopation
Putting stress on the weak or unexpected beats in music.
Memory Tip:
Think “syncopation = surprise beats” — like a rhythm that plays tricks by stressing in-between beats.
Multiphonics
Playing or singing two or more notes at the same time.
Memory Tip:
Think “multi = many + phonics = sounds” — making many sounds together in one go.
Dissonance
Notes that sound harsh or tense when played together.
Memory Tip:
Think “dis = not + sonance = sound” — sounds that don’t blend nicely and feel uneasy.
Oratorio and Cantata Excerpts
Parts taken from big musical stories or songs with instruments.
Memory Tip:
Think “oratorio & cantata = musical stories or concerts” — like chapters from a musical book.
Swung Rhythm:
A rhythm where the first note is longer and the second is shorter, giving a bouncy feel.
Memory Tip:
Think “swing = bounce” — like walking with a little skip in your step.
Espressivo
expressively
Glissandi
Sliding smoothly from one note to another.
Memory Tip:
Think “glide” — like sliding down a rainbow of notes.
Madrigal
A fun, old-fashioned group song from the Renaissance time.
Memory Tip:
Think “mad-‘rigal’ = ‘rigal’ like regal but fun” — fancy but joyful singing from long ago.
Secular Music
non-religious music created for entertainment or cultural purposes
