Introduction to Music Theory Marcus Sprecher

Rests Durations Whole Rests – last for four beats Half Rests – last for 2 beats Eight Rests – last for an eight of a beat Quarter Rest – last for one beat Rests are used in theory to create silence in musical scores. These durations are based in 4/4 TS.

Note Durations Quarter Notes = 1 beat Eighth Notes = ½ beat Whole Notes = 4 beats Dotted Quarter Notes = 11/2 Half Notes = 2 beats 2 Eighth Notes = “1 and” Dotted Half Note = 3 beats These durations are based in 4/4 TS.

Dynamics Fortissimo Definition: ff, standing for "fortissimo" and meaning "very loud".

Dynamics Mezzoforte Definition: softer than forte but louder than piano; moderately loud

Dynamics Forte Definition: loud.

Dynamics Pianissimo Definition: very soft.

Dynamics Piano Definition: soft.

Time Signatures The lower numeral indicates the note value which represents one beat (the "beat unit"); The upper numeral indicates how many such beats there are in a bar. For instance, 2/4 means two quarter- note (crotchet) beats per bar; 3/8 means three eighth-note (quaver) beats per bar. The most common simple time signatures are 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4.

Tempo Tempo means the speed of music. Allegro = very fast Adagio = quickly Andante = walking speed Moderato = moderate speed Ritardando = gradually slow down A tempo = return to original speed

Accent Markings Accent Sign = play that note louder than the others. Diminuendo = gradually get softer. Crescendo = gradually get louder. Accent Sign = Diminuendo & Crescendo= Crescendo Diminuendo

Important Musical Markings Flats = lower half step Sharps = raise half step

Clefs Treble Clef = Middle C and higher. Bass Clef = Middle C and lower.