Slur (musical notation)
A slur is a curved line placed over or under a group of notes in musical notation, indicating that they should be played smoothly and connected, typically as a single phrase or legato passage.
Notation & Symbols
Explore Notation & Symbols with clear music dictionary guides to clefs, notes, rests, accidentals, repeats, and score markings.
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Dynamics (musical notation)
Dynamics are symbols and terms in musical notation that indicate the relative loudness of notes or passages. They guide performers on how softly or loudly to play, shaping the expressive contour of a piece.
Note Head (musical notation)
A note head is the oval-shaped symbol placed on a staff that indicates a musical pitch and, together with stems and flags, defines a note’s duration. It is the fundamental visual element of written music.
Breath Mark (Music Notation)
A breath mark is a small notation symbol that indicates where a performer should take a brief breath or pause, helping to shape phrasing without affecting the measured rhythm.
Sharp (music notation)
The sharp symbol (♯) is an accidental that raises the pitch of a note by one semitone. It appears to the left of a notehead or at the beginning of a key signature, indicating that the affected pitch is to be played a half step higher than written.
Flat (musical symbol)
The flat (♭) is a musical accidental that lowers a pitch by one semitone. It appears to the left of a note or in key signatures and is essential for indicating pitch alterations in Western notation.
Legato Mark (Music Notation)
The legato mark, commonly rendered as a curved line (slur) connecting two or more notes, indicates that they should be played smoothly without perceptible separation. It is a fundamental articulation symbol used across a wide range of musical styles.
Crescendo (musical dynamic)
A crescendo is a notation indicating that the music should gradually become louder, typically shown as a long, opening hairpin. It guides performers to increase dynamic intensity over a specified span of notes or measures.
Mezzo Piano (mp) Symbol: Definition, Notation, and Performance
Mezzo piano, abbreviated mp, is a dynamic marking indicating a moderately soft volume. It appears as the letters “mp” placed above or below the staff and guides performers to play between piano and mezzo forte levels.
Double flat (musical accidental)
A double flat (𝄫) is an accidental that lowers a note’s pitch by two semitones, used in highly chromatic music and complex key signatures.