Name: Class: Senior Phase Glossary Advanced Higher · Bass Clef C–E, Transposing bass ......

Stewarton Academy Music Department

Name: ____________________ Class: __________

Senior Phase Glossary Advanced Higher

Stewarton Academy Music Department Senior Phase Glossary

Advanced Higher

Concepts Chart


Advanced Higher


Advanced Higher

Literacy Chart

Melody & Harmony Rhythm & Tempo Timbre & Dynamics

Nat

ion

al 3

treble clef lines & spaces steps repetition

crotchet minim dotted minim semibreve barlines double barlines

f /forte p/piano </cresc/crescendo >/dim/diminuendo

Nat

ion

al 4

treble clef: C – A’ sequences

semiquaver grouped semiquavers paired quavers repeat signs

mf/mezzo forte mp/mezzo piano

Nat

ion

al 5

tones/semitones accidentals – flats, sharps and naturals scales and key signatures – C, G, F, Am chords – C, G, F, Am leaps

dotted rhythms dotted crotchet dotted quaver scotch snap 1st and 2nd time bars

ff/fortissimo pp/pianissimo sfz/szforzando

Hig

her

Bass clef stave: E – C Note naming and transposing into bass clef Chords I, IV, V and VI in major and minor keys Diminished Dominant Naming and writing diatonic intervals formed from the tonic

6/8 time triplets quavers crotchets dotted crotchets, dotted minims quaver rest crotchet rest dotted crotchet rest minim rest semibreve rest Da capo DC

Slurs Accents Staccato marks Phrase marks

Ad

van

ced

Hig

her

Identifying/inserting chords to cadence points and under melodies Diminished 7th, Dominant 7th, Added 6th 1st and 2nd inversions of major and minor triads Chord II and 1st inversion (major key only) Bass Clef C–E, Transposing bass clef into treble clef Rewriting (in either treble or bass clef) a note at the same pitch using up to two ledger lines below or above the stave Enharmonic equivalent — rewriting a note at the same pitch Scales and key signatures — D major, B flat major, E minor and D minor 8va (octave higher); 8vb (octave lower)

Ties Syncopated rhythms Time signature: 5/4 Dal segno DS Fine Time changes


Advanced Higher

Concepts by topic


Advanced Higher

Definitions CONCEPT DEFINITION LEVEL

A cappella Unaccompanied choral singing National 5

A tempo The music returns to the main tempo(speed) after there has been a change

National 4

AB Two-part form-music in two sections: A then B. These sections may be repeated

National 5

ABA Three-part form-music in three sections: section A, then B, then back to A

National 4

Accelerando The tempo (speed) of the music gradually becomes faster National 4 Accented Accented notes are notes which sound louder than others National 3

Acciaccatura An ornament which sounds like a crushed note played very quickly on the beat or just before it

Higher

Accidental A sign added to the note to change the pitch National 5

Accompanied Other instrument(s) or voice(s) support the main melody National 3

Accordion An instrument with a keyboard played with the right hand and buttons (which play chords) pressed by the left hand

National 3

Acoustic Guitar A stringed instrument that is played by plucking or strumming the strings with fingers, or using a plectrum

National 3

Adagio A slow tempo(speed) National 3

Added 6th Root, 3rd and 5th of a chord with the 6th added. This chord is used frequently in jazz and popular music

Higher

African music Much African music features voices and/or African drums National 4

Air English for Aria. Song or simple melody, sometimes the title of a movement of a suite.

Advanced Higher

Alberti Bass Broken chords played by the left hand outlining harmonies whilst the right hand plays the melody

National 5

Allegro A fast tempo (speed) National 3

Alto The lowest female voice National 4

Anacrusis The notes which appear before the first strong beat of a musical phrase, particularly at the start of a piece.

National 4

Andante A tempo at a walking speed National 4

Answer A short musical phrase that follows on from a ‘question’ phrase

National 3

Anthem Short sacred choral piece sung in English. Sometimes sung by a choir unaccompanied (A cappella) and sometimes accompanied by organ and featuring solo parts. The anthem is the Protestant equivalent of the Motet.

Advanced Higher

Antiphonal Dialogue between voices or instruments – one group of voices or instruments answers the other.

Advanced Higher

Appoggiatura An ornament which sounds like a leaning note. It takes half the value of the main note which follows it, or two-thirds if the main note is dotted.

Advanced Higher

Arco Instruction given to string players to use the bow National 5

Aria A solo song sung in an operatic style, in an opera, oratorio or cantata, with orchestral accompaniment

National 5

Arpeggio Notes of a chord played one after the other National 4


Advanced Higher

Ascending Ascending notes rise in pitch National 3 Atonal Atonal music has no feeling of key, major or minor. It is very

dissonant and lacks a ‘nice’ melody and accompaniment National 5

Augmentation An increase in the length of notes. The music will sound slower when imitated or repeated

Higher

Augmented chord

This chord is formed by a major triad in which the 5th degree is raised by a semitone.

Advanced Higher

Backing vocal Singers who support the lead singer(s), usually by singing in harmony in the background

National 4

Bagpipes A musical instrument having a flexible bag inflated either by a tube with valves or by bellows, a double-reed melody pipe, and from one to four drone pipes

National 3

Ballett A type of madrigal in strophic form which was originally danced to. It features a fa-la-la refrain at the end of each verse. See Madrigal and Strophic.

Advanced Higher

Baritone A male voice whose range lies between that of bass and tenor National 5 Baroque The name given to a style of music composed during the

period 1600-1750 approximately National 4

Bass The name given to a style of music composed during the period 1600-1750 approximately

National 4

Bass Drum This instrument belongs to the percussion family National 4

Bass Guitar The bass guitar is pitched lower than a guitar. It is an electric string instrument and has only four strings, two fewer than an electric guitar

National 4

Basso continuo Sometimes referred to as continuo. In the Baroque period, the continuo part consisted of a bass line (basso continuo) played by cello, bass, viola da gamba or bassoon. In addition the harpsichord, organ or lute player was expected to fill in harmonies built on that bass line.

Higher

Bassoon This instrument belongs to the woodwind family National 5

Beat The basic pulse you hear in music National 3 Binary A form in which the music is made up of two different sections

labelled A and B National 5

Blowing The sound produced by blowing into or across the mouthpiece of the instrument, eg brass, woodwind and recorders

National 3

Blues Blues started as Black American folk music, developing from spirituals and work songs

National 3

Bodhran An Irish wooden drum, held in one hand and played with a wooden beater

National 5

Bongo Drums Fairly high-pitched drums, joined in pairs and usually played with fingers and palms

National 5

Bothy ballad A folk song, usually with many verses, from north-east Scotland

National 5

Bowing The sound produced by drawing the bow across the strings of a stringed instrument, eg violin or cello

National 3

Brass A family of instruments made from metal with a mouthpiece, eg trumpet and euphonium

National 3

Brass band A band of brass instruments and percussion National 4


Advanced Higher

Bridge A link between two themes. In sonata form the bridge or transition links the first subject-group to the second subject-group and also modulates to the key of the second subject. See Sonata form.

Advanced Higher

Broken chord In a broken chord, the notes of a chord are played separately National 4

Cadence The end of a musical phrase National 5 Cadenza A passage of music which allows soloists to display their

technical ability in singing or playing an instrument National 4

Canon Strict imitation. Once one part starts to play or sing a melody, another part enters shortly afterwards with exactly the same melody

National 4

Castanets A percussion instrument popular in Spanish music National 5

Cello This instrument belongs to the string family and is slightly smaller and slightly higher in pitch than a double bass

National 4

Celtic Rock A style of music that mixes Celtic folk music and rock together

National 5

Chamber music Music written for a small instrumental ensemble with one player to a part.

Higher

Change of Key A move from one key to another National 4

Choir A group of singers who perform together National 3

Chorale A German hymn tune. Written in four parts for soprano, contralto (alto), tenor and bass, some of these chorales were used by Bach in his oratorios and cantatas. Usually homophonic in texture. See Homophony.

Advanced Higher

Chord Two or more notes sounding together National 3

Chord progression

A series of related chords built on the first, fourth and fifth notes of a major or minor scale

National 4

Chord progression

Different progressions using the chords built on the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th notes of a major or minor scale

National 5

Chorus A group of singers, the music written for them or the refrain between verses of a song

National 5

Chromatic Notes which move by the interval of a semitone National 5

Clarinet This instrument belongs to the woodwind family. It uses a single reed, which is attached to a plastic mouthpiece

National 4

Clarsach A small Scottish harp, used in folk music. Clarsach is Gaelic for harp

National 5

Classical A term used to describe/refer to music composed during the period 1750-1810 approximately; the era of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven

National 5

Cluster A term used to describe a group of notes, which clash, played together

National 5

Coda A passage at the end of a piece of music which rounds it off effectively

National 5

Col legno Instruction given to string players to turn the bow over and bounce the wood on the strings

National 5

Coloratura Term for high, florid vocal singing involving scales, runs and ornaments. Sometimes these passages were written down, but often were extemporised by the performer

Higher


Advanced Higher

Compound time The beat is divided into groups of three National 5 Compound time groupings

The beat is a dotted note which divides into three, eg 6/8 = two dotted crotchet beats in a bar and each beat can be divided into three quavers

National 5

Concertino In a Concerto grosso this is the name given to the small, solo group of instrumentalists as opposed to the main group, the Ripieno

Higher

Concerto grosso A type of concerto in which a group of soloists (concertino) is combined and contrasted with a larger group (ripieno)

Higher

Con sordino-muted

The beat is a dotted note which divides into three, eg 6/8 = two dotted crotchet beats in a bar and each beat can be divided into three quavers

National 5

Concerto A work for solo instrument and orchestra, eg a flute concerto is written for flute and orchestra

National 4

Consort A small group of instruments of the same family playing together, e.g. a consort of viols. The term usually applies to music from the Renaissance period.

Advanced Higher

Contemporary Jazz

an umbrella term for all kinds of jazz music being played now – as well as jazz music of the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s &10’s – which can feature some or all of the following; sophisticated, highly chromatic harmonies(verging on impressionist or atonal), rhythmic experimentation (cross rhythms, changing time signatures), development of a groove based on just two or three chords, instruments used in experimental ways (melodic instruments used in percussive roles, harmonics and other virtuoso performing techniques), world music and avant garde influences and inclusion of instruments never used seriously in jazz before (flugelhorn, flute or oboe).

Advanced Higher

Contrapuntal Texture in which each of two or more parts has independent melodic interest; similar in meaning to polyphonic

National 5

Contrary motion

Two parts which move in opposite directions, eg as one part ascends the other part descends

National 5

Counter melody A melody played against the main melody National 5

Countersubject In a Fugue, after the subject or answer is played, the continuation on that same instrument or voice is called the countersubject.

Advanced Higher

Countertenor A male adult voice whose range is higher than a tenor’s. The strong and pure tone is produced by resonances mainly in the head. This type of voice was very popular until the end of the 18th century. See Tenor.

Advanced Higher

Crescendo The music gradually becomes louder National 3 Cross rhythm Contrasting rhythms played at the same time or played with

unusual emphasis on notes National 5

Crotchet q A note that lasts for 1 beat National 3

Cymbals A percussion instrument, round in shape and made of metal National 4

Da capo aria An aria in Ternary form (ABA) used in opera and oratorio in the 17th and 18th centuries. The third section is not written out but the instruction Da capo (from the beginning) is given

Higher


Advanced Higher

instead. The repeat of the A section was performed with the solo ornamented.

Descant (Voice) A counter melody which accompanies and is sung above the main melody

National 5

Descending Descending notes fall in pitch National 3

Diminished 7th A chord consisting of three intervals of a minor 3rd built one on top of the other, the interval between the lower and top note being a diminished 7th. This can be a very useful chord for modulation to distant keys.

Higher

Diminished chord

A chord consisting to two intervals of a minor 3rd built on top of each other.

Advanced Higher

Diminuendo The music gradually becomes quieter National 3

Diminution A decrease in the length of notes. The music will sound faster when imitated or repeated.

Higher

Discord A chord in which certain notes clash. In the 20th century, many composers used discords in their music

National 3

Distortion An electronic effect used in rock music to colour the sound of an electric guitar. It gives a ‘fuzzy’ sound rather than the usual clean sound

National 4

Dominant 7th Chord built on the dominant (5th) note of a key which adds the 7th note above its root. It is sometimes written as V7 or, in the key of C major, G7(GBDF)

Higher

Dotted crotchet A note that lasts for 1 ½ beats National 5 Dotted minim A note that lasts for 3 beats National 3

Dotted quaver A note that lasts for ¼ beats National 5

Dotted rhythm A long note followed by a shorter note followed by a longer one, as in a Scotch snap

National 5

Drone One note held on or repeated in the bass National 4 Drum fill A rhythmic decoration played on a drum kit National 3

Drum kit A set of drums and cymbals often used in rock music and pop music

National 3

Electric guitar A guitar which requires an electric amplifier to produce sound National 3

Electronic Dance Music

music normally heard in dance clubs where the DJ combines tracks electronically into one smooth mix. EDM originally featured drum machines, synthesisers and sequencers but is currently now mostly produced using computers and software that contains sampling, effects and multitrack recording features. Electronic music can encompass music of different genres including house music, dubstep, drum and bass.

Advanced Higher

Episode A section of music linking two appearances of the same material. In Fugue an episode can be used as a modulating link between entries of the subject and is frequently based on fragments from the subject or Countersubject.

Advanced Higher

Exposition The first section of a movement in Sonata form (Exposition - Development - Recapitulation) or the first section of a Fugue where each voice has played or sung at least one entry of subject or answer.

Higher

Faster The tempo (speed) increases National 3

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learnlisteningonline/higherandadvancedhigher/musicaltopics/form/Classical.asp


Advanced Higher

Fiddle Another name for the violin, used in Scottish folk music National 3 Flute This instrument belongs to the woodwind family, although it is

made of metal. It differs from other woodwind instruments as it does not have a reed

National 4

Flutter tonguing Rolling your ‘r’s’ whilst playing a brass or woodwind instrument

National 5

Folk groups A group of two or more musicians who perform music in a traditional style, usually accompanied by guitars

National 3

Forte (f) Forte means loud volume National 3 Fortissimo (ff) This means very loud volume National 5

French horn This instrument belongs to the brass family and is basically four metres of tubing curled around, with a bell shaped opening on one end and a mouthpiece in the other

National 5

Fugue A contrapuntal piece based on a theme (subject) announced in one voice part alone, then imitated by other voices in close succession. See Episode, Tonal answer, Real answer, Subject, Exposition and Stretto.

Advanced Higher

Gaelic psalms Psalms (hymns) which were sung in Gaelic, unaccompanied National 5

Glissando Sliding from one note to another, taking in all the notes in between where possible

National 5

Glockenspiel This instrument belongs to the percussion family. The metal bars are laid out in a similar pattern to the piano and are played with beaters

National 4

Gospel Music written with religious lyrics, often in praise or thanksgiving to God

National 5

Grace note A type of ornament played as a quick, crushed note before the main note of a melody

National 5

Ground bass A theme in the bass which is repeated many times while the upper parts are varied

National 5

Grouped semiquavers

A group of semiquavers which are joined together National 4

Güiro This instrument belongs to the percussion family. It is made of wood that has been hollowed out and has ridges cut into the outer surface. A wooden stick is scraped along the ridges to produce the sound

National 4

Harmonic minor scale

Scale which shares the same key signature as its relative major but raises the 7th note by a semitone.

Higher

Harmonics The high eerie sounds produced on a bowed string instrument by lightly touching the string at certain points. On a guitar these will sound bell-like.

Higher

Harmony The sound of two or more notes made at the same time National 3 Harp This instrument belongs to the string family. It is usually about

1.8 metres high, weighs 36kg and has 47 strings National 4

Harpsichord A keyboard instrument which looks like a small grand piano. The keys are laid out in the same way as a piano but are opposite in colour – the majority of the keys are black, and the raised ones are white

National 4


Advanced Higher

Hemiola A rhythmic device giving the impression of a piece of music changing from duple (2) to triple (3) time, or vice versa. Sometimes placed at the end of a piece to act as a kind of Rallentando.

Advanced Higher

Hi hat cymbals Used as part of a drumkit, they consist of two cymbals (one upside-down) that are hit with a stick or brush, and opened/closed with a foot pedal

National 5

Homophonic Texture where you hear melody with accompaniment or where all the parts play a similar rhythm at the same time

National 5

Imitation Where the melody is immediately copied in another part National 4

Imperfect cadence

A cadence consists of two chords at the end of a phrase. In an imperfect cadence the last chord is chord V (the dominant) creating an unfinished effect.

National 5

Impressionism A term borrowed from painting in which brief musical ideas merge and change to create a rather blurred, hazy and vague outline

Higher

Impressionist A term borrowed from painting in which brief musical ideas merge and change to create a rather blurred and vague outline. Debussy was an important composer of this style. (Extended definition – Texture and timbral exploration were also important features, including use of whole tone and pentatonic scales, parallel chords and unresolved discords.)

Advanced Higher

Improvisation The performer makes up music during the actual performance, they don’t have the melody written down to help, although there may be suggested chords as a guide

National 3

Indian music Music from India which uses instruments such as the sitar and tabla

National 5

Interrupted cadence

A cadence is formed by two chords at the end of a phrase. An interrupted cadence is usually formed by the chords V–VI. (In the key of C major, chords G to A minor.) This is known also as the surprise cadence as the listener may be expecting V–I which has a more final sound.

Higher

Interval The distance in pitch between two notes, eg C - F is a 4th. Higher

Inversion 1. When a musical shape is mirrored. 2. An inverted chord is formed when a note other than the root

is in the bass. 3. In serial composition the tone row may be used in inverted form. This appears as a mirror image (in contrary motion). The Tone row may also be used in retrograde inversion.

Advanced Higher

Inverted pedal A note which is held on or repeated continuously at a high pitch

National 5

Irregular time signatures

Often in modern or rhythmically based ethnic music, groupings of notes change, but the underlying pulse remains constant. Groupings of two and three produce irregular accents and metres.

Higher

Jazz At first this was music created by black Americans in the early 20th century

National 3


Advanced Higher

Jazz funk A combination of jazz improvisation and the amplified instruments and character of Rock.

Higher

Jig A fast dance in compound time. Usually 2 beats in a bar, with each beat dividing into 3 quavers

National 4

Latin American music

Dance music from South America National 3

Leap/leaping Jumping between notes which are not next to each other National 3

Legato The notes are played or sung smoothly National 3

Leitmotiv A theme occurring throughout a work which represents a person, an event or an idea, etc. The first composer to use leitmotiv extensively was Wagner, in his operas.

Advanced Higher

Lied/lieder This term (the German word for song) refers specifically in the Romantic era to works for solo voice and piano. The text is in German, the structure of the verses is strophic and through composed. An important feature is that the voice and piano are equally important.

Higher

Lines and spaces on the treble clef

The system for writing music uses five lines, each with a different letter name – find out more about the lines and spaces

National 3

Madrigal In the Renaissance era, this was a non-religious work, polyphonic in style, using imitation. Features of madrigal include text in English, use of word painting, through-composed music, usually sung A cappella. See Ballett and Word painting. (Extended definition. An ayre (air or song) is a madrigal which can be performed by a solo voice with lute accompaniment; by solo voice accompanied by other instruments; or with all parts sung by voices with or without accompaniment.)

Advanced Higher

Major The music sounds in a major key – often described as having a cheery, happy feel to it

National 4

March Music with a strong steady pulse with two or four beats in a bar

National 3

Mass In the Renaissance era the Mass was a sacred choral work using the five main sections of the Roman Catholic church liturgy. Features of the Mass include Latin text and polyphonic texture, and it is usually sung a cappella. Originally used in church worship, but in later years became a large-scale work for chorus, soloists and orchestra.

Higher

Melismatic Several notes sung to one syllable National 5

Melodic minor scale

Scale which shares the same key signature as its Relative major but raises the 6th and 7th notes by a semitone ascending, and similarly lowers them.

Higher

Melodic Turn Four notes which turn round the main note with the note above, the main note, the note below, and the main note again. An inverted turn starts with the note below reversing the process.

Advanced Higher

Mezzo forte (mf)

Mezzo forte stands for fairly loud volume National 4


Advanced Higher

Mezzo piano (mp)

Mezzo piano stands for fairly quiet volume National 4

Mezzo soprano A female singer whose voice range lies between that of a soprano and an alto

National 5

Middle eight In popular music, a section which provides a contrast to the opening section. It is often eight bars long

National 4

Minim h A note that lasts for 2 beats National 3

Minimalist A development of the second half of the 20th century based on simple rhythmic and melodic figures which are constantly repeated with very slight changes each time

National 5

Minor The music sounds in a minor key, often described as having a sadder feel than major

National 4

Mode/modal Term used to describe music based on a mode, a type of early scale used before major and minor keys were developed. Modes are used in jazz and pop music for improvising.

Higher

Moderato A medium tempo (speed) National 5 Modulation A change of key National 5

Mordent An ornament which sounds the main note, the note above and then the main note again. An inverted mordent sounds the main note, the note below and then the main note again.

Higher

Motet In the Renaissance era this was a sacred choral work with Latin text and polyphonic texture. It was usually sung A cappella. See Anthem and Mass.

Advanced Higher

Mouth music Unaccompanied songs with Gaelic or nonsense words, usually sung for ceilidh dances

National 4

Musical A musical play which has speaking singing and dancing and is performed on a stage

National 3

Musique concrete

Recorded natural sounds which are transformed using simple editing techniques such as cutting and re-assembling, playing backwards, slowing down and speeding up.

Higher

Muted Using a device which reduces the volume or alters the sound of an instrument

National 4

Nationalist A term used to describe music which incorporates elements of folk music of the composer’s country. It emerged about the second half of the 19th century and was a type of Romanticism. Composers include Glinka, Smetana and Grieg.

Advanced Higher

Neo-classical – New classicism

From about 1929 onwards this style in music came about when composers reacted against Romanticism and wanted to return to the structures and styles of earlier periods but combined with dissonant, tonal and even atonal harmonies. The composers started to write for smaller orchestras. Stravinsky and Prokofiev were two of the composers of this style.

Advanced Higher

Obbligato A prominent solo instrument part in a piece of vocal music. Higher

Oboe This instrument belongs to the woodwind family. It uses a double reed which is placed between the lips and the air travels between the two reeds into the instrument

National 5

Octave The distance of 8 notes e.g. from C up to C National 4


Advanced Higher

Off the beat Notes played on the weaker beats, e.g. beats 2 and 4 in a 4/4 bar

National 3

On the beat Notes played on the stronger beats, e.g. beats 1 and 3 in a 4/4 bar

National 3

Opera A drama set to music with soloists, chorus, acting and orchestral accompaniment

National 4

Oratorio Usually a story from the Bible set to music for soloists, chorus and orchestra. It may include recitatives, arias, duets and chorus. It is performed without acting or stage design.

Higher

Orchestra There are four main sections to an orchestra: strings, woodwind, brass and percussion

National 3

Organ A keyboard instrument usually found in churches. It usually has more than one keyboard, plus pedals that are played with the feet

National 3

Ornament An ornament decorates a melody by adding extra notes. Ornaments are often short and add melodic and rhythmic interest

National 4

Ostinato A short musical patter repeated many times National 3

Paired quaver Two quavers (1/2 beat notes) joined together National 4

Pan pipes Pipes which are graded in size and are bound together. The sound is made by blowing across the top of the pipes

National 4

Passacaglia Variations over a ground bass. Higher

Pause A note or rest that is held longer than written. The pause sign (looks like an eye and an eyebrow) is written above the note or rest that it is to be held as a pause

National 3

Pavan – Also pavane.

A Renaissance court dance linked with the Galliard. The pavan is slow and stately with two beats in the bar.

Advanced Higher

Pedal Short for pedal point. A note which is sustained, or repeated continuously, in the bass beneath changing harmonies.

National 4

Pentatonic Any five-note scale. In practice, the most common one is that on which much folk music is based, particularly Scottish and Celtic

National 4

Percussion Instruments that are played by hitting, striking, shaking or scraping

National 3

Perfect cadence A cadence consists of two chords at the end of a phrase. A perfect cadence is the dominant to tonic chords (V-I)

National 5

Pianissimo (pp) Pianissimo is an indication that the music should be played very softly

National 5

Piano (dynamics)

Quiet volume, abbreviated to ‘p’ National 3

Piano Trio A piano trio is a small chamber group consisting of a piano and two other instruments, normally a violin and cello.

Advanced Higher

Pibroch Music for solo bagpipe, in theme and variation form, and with grace notes

National 5

Piccolo A half-size flute which plays an octave higher than the standard flute

National 5

Pitch bend Changing the pitch of a note, for example by pushing a guitar string upwards

National 5


Advanced Higher

Pizzicato Abbreviation pizz. An instruction given to string players to pluck the strings instead of using the bow

National 5

Plagal cadence Plagal cadence – A cadence is formed by two chords at the end of a phrase. A plagal cadence is the subdominant to tonic chords ( IV–I ). In the key of C major, chords F to C.

Higher

Plainchant Also known as Plainsong and Gregorian chant. Unaccompanied melody set to words of the Roman Catholic liturgy, such as the Mass. Plainchants are modal and have no regular metre. They follow the rhythm of the Latin words.

Higher

Plucking Sound made when you pluck the strings of a stringed instrument with a finger or fingers

National 3

Polyphonic Texture which consists of two or more melodic lines, possibly of equal importance, which weave independently of each other

National 5

Polytonality The use of two or more keys played or sung at the same time, e.g. the melody may be in the key of C major whilst the accompaniment might be in E major. This device was used by many 20th-century composers, e.g. Bartok, Ives, Holst and Stravinsky.

Advanced Higher

Pop A style of popular music played by a group of musicians National 3

Pulse The basic beat in music. The pulse may be in groups of two, three or four with a stress on the first in each group

National 3

Quaver e A note that lasts half a beat National 3

Question An opening phrase which is often followed by an answer National 3

Ragtime A style of dance music which became popular at the end of the 19th century and which helped to influence jazz

National 4

Rallentando The tempo (speed) of the music gradually slows down Higher Rapping Rhyming lyrics that are spoken and performed in time to a

beat. Rapping is popular in hip-hop music National 4

Real answer In a Fugue, after the subject is played, the same tune appears in another voice or part in the dominant (a 5th higher or a 4th lower). This is called the answer. If the intervals of the answer are exactly the same as the subject, the answer is said to be real. See Tonal answer and Tonal sequence.

Advanced Higher

Recitative A type of vocal writing where the music follows the rhythm of speech. It is used in operas and oratorios to move the story or plot on.

Higher

Recorder There are four main types of recorder: descant, treble, tenor and bass

National 4

Reel A Scottish dance written in simple time with two or four beats in a bar

National 3

Reggae Reggae music was developed in the late 1960s in Jamaica. It has quite a distinctive sound and has the characteristics of strong accents on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar

National 4

Relative major A change from minor to major key with the same key signature found three semitones higher, eg D minor to F major.

Higher


Advanced Higher

Relative minor A change from major to minor key with the same key signature found three semitones lower, eg C major to A minor.

Higher

Renaissance Rebirth of interest in classical times of the distant past. In music, the word refers to the style of music from the period from about 1450 to 1600, i.e. between Medieval and Baroque.

Advanced Higher

Repeat sign A sign which indicates a section of music should be repeated National 4 Repetition An exact repeat of a musical idea National 3

Retrograde To go backwards. A melody or a section of music can be written or performed from the end to the beginning. The texture of the music including the harmonies can be written or performed from the end to the beginning. Retrograde inversion means the music can be written or performed backwards and upside-down at the same time. These are called serial techniques. See Serial.

Advanced Higher

Reverb An electronic effect which can give the impression of different hall acoustics

National 5

Riff A repeat phrase usually found in jazz and popular music National 3

Ripieno In Baroque music, especially Concerto grosso, the term means the main group of instrumentalists as opposed to the small/solo group which was known as the Concertino.

Higher

Ritardando The music slows down National 5

Ritornello Little return. A 17th-century term for a brief introduction or interlude in a vocal composition, or for a brief instrumental passage between scenes in a 17th-century opera. In a Concerto grosso, the ritornello is the main theme played by the Ripieno group (the orchestra) and sometimes by Concertino (the soloists). The ritornello may return frequently throughout the movement, similar to a Rondo.

Higher

Rock A style of popular music with a heavy, driving beat. Usually features electric guitar, bass guitar and drum kit

National 3

Rock ‘n’ roll 1950s American music which grew from the combined styles of jazz, blues, gospel

National 3

Roll A very fast repetition of a note on a percussion instrument, e.g. on a snare drum or timpani

National 5

Romantic In music, the period 1810-1900 approximately, which followed the Classical era

National 4

Rondo A form where the first section (A) keeps returning, in between different sections – B, C etc

National 5

Round Each part sings or plays the same melody, entering one after the other. When they reach the end they start again

National 3

Rubato Translates as ‘robbed time’ which means the music will speed up and slow down in order to allow for expression, therefore there will not be a strict tempo maintained

National 5

Saxophone This instrument belongs to the woodwind family. It uses a single reed which is attached to a plastic mouthpiece

National 4

Scale A sequence of notes moving by step in an ascending or descending order

National 4


Advanced Higher

Scat singing Nonsense words, syllables and sounds are improvised (made up) by the singer. Sometimes the singer is imitating the sounds of instruments

National 4

Scotch snap A very short accented note before a longer note National 4

Scots ballad A Scottish song which tells a story. Examples of Scots ballads are ‘Flower of Scotland’ and ‘Loch Lomond’

National 4

Scottish Music of Scotland National 3

Scottish dance band

A band which plays Scottish music for people to dance to National 3

Semibreve w A note that lasts for four beats National 3

Semiquaver y A note that lasts for a quarter (1/4) of a beat National 4 Semitone Half a tone, e.g. G to Ab on a keyboard. From one fret to

another on a guitar National 5

Sequence A melodic phrase which is immediately repeated at a higher or lower pitch

National 3

Serial A 20th-century method of musical composition invented by Schoenberg in which the twelve notes of the Chromatic scale are organised into a series or tone row. This row can be transposed, inverted or played in retrograde, and forms the material basis for an entire work or movement. See Tone row, Retrograde, Inversion and Atonal.

Advanced Higher

Sforzando A note played with a forced sudden accent National 5

Simple time The music has two, three or four beats in each bar, and each beat is a crotchet (1 beat note) and each beat can be divided into 2

National 4

Sitar A plucked, stringed instrument from India. It’s basically an Indian guitar – easy to remember because sitar rhymes with guitar

National 5

Slower The tempo (speed) decreases National 3

Snare drum This instrument belongs to the percussion family and is played with sticks or brushes. This drum can act as two different instruments – a side drum and a snare drum

National 4

Solo One instrument or voice. A prominent instrument or voice can be solo even when part of a larger ensemble

National 3

Sonata A work for solo piano, or a solo instrument accompanied by piano, in three or four movements.

Higher

Sonata form Sometimes known as first movement form. This term is used to describe the structure of the first movement of many sonatas, symphonies and often overtures. It falls into three sections: exposition, development and recapitulation. The exposition introduces two contrasting themes in related keys. These are developed and heard again in the recapitulation, this time in the same key.

Higher

Song cycle A group of songs linked by a common theme or with a text written by the same author, usually accompanied by piano but sometimes by small ensembles or full orchestra.

Advanced Higher

Soprano The highest range of female voice National 4


Advanced Higher

Soul music A style of Afro-American popular music including elements of blues and gospel and conveying strong emotions.

Higher

Sprechgesang A technique used in vocal music where the singer is required to use the voice in an expressive manner half-way between singing and speaking. It appears in a number of pieces by Schoenberg and Berg (early 20th century).

Advanced Higher

Staccato The notes are short and detached National 3

Steel band A West Indian band whose instruments are made out of oil drums called pans. The top of each drum is hammered into panels to make different pitches

National 3

Step/stepwise Moving up or down between notes which are next to each other

National 3

Strathspey A Scottish dance with four beats in a bar and usually featuring the Scotch snap

National 4

Stretto Where voices or instruments enter very quickly one after the other, as in Fugue. Each entry or part enters closely after the previous part, thus adding tension and excitement.

Advanced Higher

Striking The sound is produced by hitting the instrument National 3

Strings The family of instruments which have strings. The sound is produced by dragging a bow across the strings or by plucking them with the fingers

National 3

String quartet An ensemble consisting of two violins, viola and cello. See chamber music.

Higher

Strophic A song which has music repeated for verses/choruses, therefore the same music will be heard repeating throughout the song

National 5

Strumming A finger, fingers or plectrum are drawn across the strings of an instrument, usually guitar

National 3

Subject The main theme in a composition, the main themes in sonata form, or the main theme on which a fugue is based.

Higher

Suspension This effect occurs when a note from one chord is held over to the next chord creating a discord, and is then resolved by moving one step to make a concord.

Advanced Higher

Swing A jazz style which started in the 1930s and was performed by a big band. The numbers and types of instruments in the big bands increased during this period, through the influence of swing

National 4

Syllabic Vocal music where each syllable is given one note only National 5

Symphony A large work for orchestra, usually in four movements National 5

Syncopation Strongly accented notes playing off or against the beat. Syncopation occurs in all kinds of music

National 4

Tabla Indian drums often used to accompany the sitar National 5

Tambourine This instrument belongs to the percussion family. A wooden or plastic frame has pairs of metal jingles attached and is mostly played by the hand striking or shaking the instrument

National 4

Tenor A high-pitched, adult male voice National 4 Ternary A B A – 3 part form: Section A, followed by a B section which is

a different melody, then a return to the A section National 4


Advanced Higher

Theme and variation

The structure of a piece where the melody is heard (the theme), then returns several times with variations

National 4

Three against two

One line of music may be playing quavers in groups of two whilst at the same time another line of music will be playing triplets. Other note values can be similarly used.

Higher

Through-composed

A vocal/choral composition in which there is little or no repetition of the music.

Higher

Tierce de Picardie

When a piece of music which is in a minor key has a major chord as its last chord

Higher

Timpani A drum with skin stretched across a large bowl. It was traditionally made of copper, but is more commonly now made of fibreglass.

National 4

Tonal answer In a Fugue, after the subject is played, the same tune appears in another voice or part in the dominant (a 5th higher or a 4th lower). This is called the answer. If the intervals of the answer are not exactly the same as the subject, the answer is said to be tonal. See Real answer and Tonal sequence.

Advanced Higher

Tone The distance between two notes, equivalent to two semitones (for example, two frets on a guitar)

National 5

Tone poem A one-movement piece for orchestra which tells a story or maybe relates an experience from the composer’s life. Tone poems were found in the Romantic era and were also known as symphonic poems.

Advanced Higher

Tone row An arrangement of the twelve notes of the octave which forms the basis of a composition. Each note is as important as another; there are no important notes such as the tonic and dominant. The row can also be used in inversion or retrograde. See Serial.

Advanced Higher

Tremolando Trembling, quivering. Term for the rapid up-and-down movement of a bow on a stringed instrument creating an agitated, restless effect.

Higher

Triangle This is a piece of metal in the shape of a triangle, open at one corner, and struck with a metal beater. It is an unturned percussion instrument, as it cannot play a range of notes

National 4

Trill Moving quickly and repeatedly between two notes which are a step apart

National 5

Triplets There are four main types of recorder: descant, treble, tenor and bass

Higher

Tritone Interval of an augmented 4th, e.g. C–F sharp or F–B. It is made up of three whole tones.

Advanced Higher

Trombone This is the only brass instrument that has a slide instead of valves. Air vibrates through a player’s lips, into a mouthpiece which is connected to the instrument

National 4

Trumpet The trumpet is the smallest and highest brass instrument in the brass family. Air vibrates through a player’s lips, into a mouthpiece which is connected to the instrument

National 4


Advanced Higher

Tuba The tuba is the largest and lowest brass instrument in the brass family. Air vibrates through a player’s lips, into a mouthpiece which is connected to the instrument

National 5

Unaccompanied There are no instruments playing in the background National 3

Unison Singing or playing the same notes at the same time National 3

Vamp A rhythmic accompaniment with a bass note played on the beat and a chord off the beat. Usually played on piano or guitar

National 4

Verse and chorus

A structure/form popular in many songs. The music of the verse will repeat, often with different words, and between verses the chorus will normally repeat and features different music to the verse

National 4

Viola This instrument belongs to the string family. It is slightly bigger and lower in pitch than the violin, but looks similar. It can be played with a bow

National 5

Violin This instrument belongs to the string family. It is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family. It can be played with a bow

National 4

Voice The human instrument used to speak or sing National 3

Walking bass A bass line (low notes) often featured in a variety of jazz styles. It goes for a walk, up and down a pattern of notes, and is often played on a double bass

National 5

Waltz A dance with three beats in a bar in simple time National 3 Waulking song A rhythmic song sung in Gaelic by the women in the Western

Isles of Scotland while they waulked woolen cloth to soften and shrink it

National 5

Whole tone scale

A scale containing no semitones but built entirely on whole tones

National 5

Wind band A band with woodwind, brass and percussion instruments National 4

Woodwind Instruments which produce sounds by blowing across a hole, against an edge or through a single or double reed, eg flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. They need not be made of wood

National 4

Xylophone This instrument belongs to the percussion family. The wooden bars are laid out in a similar pattern to the piano and are played with beaters

National 4


Advanced Higher

www.EducationScotland.gov.uk/NQMusic

Date studied

NA

TIO

NA

L 3

Scottish music Styles

Groups

Instruments

Instrumental music

Instruments

Instrument families

Groups

Methods of playing

Vocal music Styles

Types of voice

World music Styles

Groups

20th century music Styles

Instruments

Popular music styles

Musical periods & styles

Tempo, dynamics, rhythms, notation

Tempo

Rhythms

Dynamics

Notes


Advanced Higher


Date studied

NA

TIO

NA

L 4


Instruments

Instrumental music

Instruments

Styles

Methods of playing

Groups

Vocal music Styles

Types of voice

World music Styles

Instruments

20th century music Styles

Rhythms




Tempo

Rhythms

Dynamics

Notes

Learner revision

Scottish music quiz

Vocal music quiz

20th century music quiz

Musical period quiz

Instrumental music quiz

World music quiz

Popular music quiz


Advanced Higher


Date studied

NA

TIO

NA

L 5


Instruments

Instrumental music Instruments

Styles

Methods of playing

Vocal music Styles

Types of voice

World music Instruments

Styles

20th century music




Tempo

Rhythms

Dynamics

Notes

Learner revision

Scottish music quiz

Vocal music quiz

20th century music quiz

Musical period quiz

Instrumental music quiz

World music quiz

Popular music quiz

Revision exercises


Advanced Higher


Date studied

HIG

HER

All Higher concepts

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IGH

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All Advanced Higher Concepts

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