1. Introduction to Music Theory
Marcus Sprecher

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

6. Dynamics
Forte
Definition: loud.

7. Dynamics
Pianissimo
Definition: very soft.

8. Dynamics
Piano
Definition: soft.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

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

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