Time Signature A time signature is a device which shows how to count the time patterns in any bar. It is represented by either two numbers, a 'c', or 'c' with a vertical line through it. This is usually shown at the beginning of staves. These symbols give the number of beats to a bar.
Concerning the two numbers, the lower number represents the unit of time: it is written according to its value in terms of a semibreve. The number of top of a time-signature shows how many units there are to the bar.
The time signature is written on the stave just before the first note of the tune. A time signature with four quarter notes to the bar is written 4/4 (common time, also represented by a 'C'). The time signature for songs with two quarter notes to the bar is written 2/4, etc.
Time Pattern a rhythmical pattern in long notes and short notes. The time pattern of any song can be written above it's words in the musical notation for long notes and short notes.
Time Values Crotchet : Americans use 'quarter note '. Minum : Americans use 'half note '.
Crotchets and minums have their stems going upwards on the right of the note when the pitch is below the middle line of the stave, and downwards on the left for notes that are above the middle line. Semibreve : Americans use 'whole note'.
The semibreve lasts as long as two minums or four crotchets. Quaver : Americans use eighth note
a note that is half as long as a quarter note. There are eight eighth notes to a whole note. A single eighth note is written with the tail to the right of the stem, whether the stem goes up or down. Two eighth notes together have their tails joined.
Common Time Four beats per measure or bar
Mosso Italian for animated, or moving-- sometimes rapid.
Waltz A waltz is a song written in 3/4 time with a strong accent on the first beat. It is most often played at a slow tempo, usually between 30 to 45 bpm, but dependent upon the region of performance and the origin of the music.
Triplet Three notes to be fitted into the time of two. Other numbers of notes may be grouped in the same way, but of course would then not be named a 'triplet'. For example, two notes played over three beats is called a couplet or duplet.
Tenuto 'Held', sustained for its full time value.
Stringendo This is an Italian word that means 'tightening.' It is sometimes used to communicate a growing sense of urgency.
Strathspey A strathspey is a type of dance tune in 4/4 time. It is similar to a hornpipe but slower and more stately, and contains many dot-cut 'snaps.'
Staff, Staves The five lines and four spaces on which music is written. Music on staves joined by a verticle line (See brace ) is to be played or sung at the same time.
Scherzo A lively movement, commonly in 3/4 time, introduced as a replacement for a minuet in pieces with multiple movements.
Rubato This means 'robbed' and usually refers to time. In other words, the timing is kind interpreted, and not exactly on meter.
Rhythm all tunes have rhythm. Sometimes the rhythm is free flowing, but more often it is measured with a regularly occuring Pulse. The pulse is not like the ticking of a clock: there is a physical tension and relaxation in it. Unfortunately, we often lose this effortless continuity when learning to 'keep time' in music. In the early stages of keeping time, a measured rhythm can be Counted where each syllable is given a rhythmical pattern of long notes and short notes.
Rest / Rests Rests last for the same number of beats as the notes which they replace. A rest in a bar or measure is a period of time where no note is played.
Refrain part of a song that reoccurs. Sometimes called a chorus
A battuta As beaten; strictly in time (on the beat).
Minuet 1. A slow, stately pattern dance in 3/4 time for groups of couples, originating in 17th-century France. 2. The music for or in the rhythm of the minuet.
Locrian Mode A mode whose scale pattern is that of playing B to B on the white keys of a piano. While this mode theoretically existed in medieval times, it was never used.
Jig The jig is a type of folk dance, as well as the accompanying dance music, which is popular in Ireland. The jig may derive its name from the French word gigue, meaning small fiddle, or giga, the Italian name of a short piece of music much in style in olden times.
Encore (French 'again') Called back to perform another time
Double Bar Line A double bar line are two vertical lines that marks the end of a piece of music, or the end of a repeat. It can also mark the end of a section of music, a change of key or a change of time signature.
Dotted notes Whatever the time signature may be, a dot after any note always makes it half as long again.
Compound Time signatures with a dotted note beat. In simple time the beat is divided into two. In compound time the beat is divided into three.
Brace Music on Staves joined by a Brace is to be played or sung at the same time by one instrument or by a group of instruments or voices
Beat The rhythm to which you tap your foot in time with music. Also the rhythm of each bar which may be counted. Some beats are stronger than others.
Bar Lines / Measure Lines Bar lines divide music in bars. Each bar has the number of beats indicated by the Time Signature. The first beat after the Bar-Line is usually the strongest beat in the Bar. (see double bar line)
Bar / Measure 'distance in time', between one bar line and the next (Americans call a bar a Measure).
The lines are the vertical strokes showing where the first pulse occurs in the new bar.
A tempo When music returns to it's normal speed the words 'A tempo' are written above the stave. 'tempo' in music means 'speed' rather than 'time'.
Ad Libitum / Ad Lib. a tune meant to be sung or played very freely, without any regular pulse. They are written without any time signature or bar lines. The word 'freely' can be written Ad Libitum (or Ad lib.) meaning 'at will'.
The style and speed of the music is left for the player or singer to decide.
