Piano (dynamic)
Piano (dynamic) is an Italian musical term meaning “soft.” It directs performers to play a passage at a relatively low volume and is one of the most common dynamic markings in Western notation.
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Forte (music)
Forte is an Italian term used in musical notation to indicate that a passage should be played loudly. It is part of the dynamics system that guides the relative volume of notes and phrases. The symbol f represents forte, and it is often contrasted with softer markings such as piano or mezzo‑forte.
Tenuto (musical articulation)
Tenuto is a musical articulation mark indicating that a note should be held for its full written value, often with a slight emphasis. The symbol appears as a horizontal bar and is used across many styles to shape phrasing and expression.
Legato (musical articulation)
Legato is a musical articulation that indicates notes should be performed smoothly and connected, without perceptible gaps. It is commonly notated with a slur and is essential for expressive phrasing across many instruments and genres.
Staccato (musical articulation)
Staccato is a musical articulation that shortens the duration of a note, creating a detached, crisp sound. It is indicated by a dot placed above or below a note and is used across many genres to add rhythmic contrast and expressive nuance.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
MIDI is a technical standard that enables electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to communicate performance data. It transmits information such as note on/off, velocity, and control changes rather than audio signals, allowing flexible composition, editing, and playback.
Sound Design
Sound design is the art and practice of creating, shaping, and arranging audio elements to support narrative, emotional, or functional goals. It spans film, video games, theatre, and music, using synthesis, field recording, and digital processing to craft immersive auditory experiences.
Artists and Repertoire (A&R)
Artists and Repertoire, commonly abbreviated as A&R, is a department within record companies that discovers new talent, oversees artistic development, and matches songs with performers. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the commercial direction of popular music.
Didgeridoo
The didgeridoo is a traditional Australian wind instrument that produces a continuous low‑frequency drone. Played using circular breathing, it has ancient Indigenous roots and a growing presence in contemporary music worldwide.
Grand staff
The grand staff, also called the great staff, pairs a treble clef and a bass clef on a single stave. It is the standard notation system for piano, organ, and many other keyboard instruments, allowing simultaneous representation of both hands’ parts.