Vocabulary Homework #3

Question 1

A Capella

Answer 1

Italian word for “in the manner of the chapel” this is specifically group or solo singing without instrumental accompaniment, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. Styles range from gospel music to contemporary to barbershop quartets and choruses.

Question 2

Intonation

Answer 2

This refers to an ACCURACY OF PITCH in playing or singing, or on a stringed instrument such as a guitar. Also refers to the rise and fall of the speaking voice.

Question 3

Vibrato

Answer 3

A RAPID or SLIGHT VARIATION IN PITCH in singing or playing some musical instruments, producing a stronger or richer tone.

Question 4

Whole Tone Scale

Answer 4

A scale consisting entirely of whole steps.

Question 5

Dynamics

Answer 5

Referring to volume and change in volume that changes the feeling of the piece.

Question 6

Major Scale

Answer 6

The major scale goes W-W-H-W-W-W-H

Question 7

Time Signature (define both numbers)

Answer 7

An indication of rhythm following either the base clef or treble clef. Generally expressed as a fraction with the denominator defining the beat as a division of a whole note and the numerator giving the number of beats in each bar.

Question 8

Key Signature

Answer 8

The key signature is a set of sharp or flat symbols placed together on the staff. With sharps the order is FCGDAEB (Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Bread) and flats the order is BEADGCF (BEAD Greatest Common Factor).

Question 9

Triad

Answer 9

Three note chord, consisting of thirds.

Question 10

Slur

Answer 10

This is a symbol in Western musical notation indicating that the notes it embraces are to be played without separation, implying more of a legato feel (perform {a group of two or more notes} legato). Play smoothly and connected.

Question 11

Tie

Answer 11

This is a curved line connecting the heads of two notes of the same pitch and name, indicating that they are to be played as an unbroken note with a duration equal to the sum of the individual notes’ note values (ex. two quarter notes {in 4/4} would be played as a half note).

Question 12

Legato

Answer 12

This is Italian for “tied together.” This indicates that musical notes are played or sung smoothly and that they should be connected.

Question 13

Tenuto

Answer 13

This indicates that a note should be sustained for the full time value and sometimes a little longer.

Question 14

Timbre

Answer 14

The character or quality of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and its intensity. Ex. They have such a bright tone.

Question 15

Half Step/Whole Step

Answer 15

Half step refers to the interval between two notes that implies it is only one note away aka the next key on the piano. Thus, a whole step implies two half steps (usually skipping over a black key if starting on a white key except between B-C and E-F).

Question 16

Accidental

Answer 16

In music, an accidental is a sign indicating a momentary departure from the key signature by raising or lowering a note.

Question 17

Natural Minor Scale

Answer 17

The natural minor scale has the same tones as the major scale, but uses the sixth tone of the major scale as its tonic. Thus, the semitones (half steps) are between the second and third tones and the fifth and sixth tones. {La to La in any major scale, using the applied key signature}

Question 18

Harmonic Minor Scale

Answer 18

The harmonic minor scale is a minor scale like the natural form except that the 7th tone is raised by a half step.

Question 19

Melodic Minor Scale

Answer 19

To write a melodic minor scale, first write an ascending and descending natural minor scale. On the way up, raise the 6th & 7th scale degrees a ½ step. On the way down, lower the 6th & 7th scale degrees a ½ step to their original pitches. The descending melodic minor scale is the same as the natural minor scale.)

Question 20

Phrasing (musical definition)

Answer 20

A phrase is a series of notes that sound complete even when played apart from the main song.

Question 21

Mezzo

Answer 21

This is an Italian word that means half. It is typically used alongside another direction, such as Mezzo Forte. Also referring to a female singer with a voice pitched between soprano and contralto.

Question 22

Piu Mosso

Answer 22

This term implies a direction to with play more motion.

Question 23

Meno Mosso

Answer 23

This term implies to play less motion.

Question 24

Colla Voce

Answer 24

Follow the solo voice - an indication that the vocal part sings in a free manner and the other instruments should follow. Usually given to the accompanist to play carefully, and to take their tempos and rhythm from the soloist.

Question 25

Segue

Answer 25

In music, segue is a direction given to the performer to proceed from one section or piece of music to another without a break.

Question 26

Tonic

Answer 26

This is the first scale degree of a diatonic scale; the keynote.

Question 27

Molto

Answer 27

The Italian musical term means “very” or “much” and is usually used with other musical commands to intensify their effects such as allegro molto, “very fast.”

Question 28

Enharmonic

Answer 28

An enharmonic equivalent is a note, interval, or key signature that is equivalent to some other note, interval, or key signature but named differently. (e.g., F sharp and G flat or B and C flat). Spelled differently

Question 29

8va, 8vb, 15ma, 15mb

Answer 29

8va means to play up an octave than the note originally played, and 8vb means to play down an octave than the note originally played. 15ma means to play up two octaves than the original note and 15mb means to go down two octaves.