Stringendo (tempo marking)
Stringendo is a tempo indication instructing musicians to gradually increase the speed of the music. It appears in scores across many styles, often alongside accelerando, and affects phrasing and expressive intensity.
Read More →
Major chord
A major chord is a three‑note triad consisting of a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. It forms the foundation of much Western harmony and is recognized for its bright, stable sound.
Age of Enlightenment (Music)
The Age of Enlightenment in music, roughly spanning 1720–1820, marks the transition from Baroque complexity to Classical clarity, emphasizing balanced forms, homophonic texture, and the rise of the public concert.
Mute (brass)
A mute is a device placed in or on the bell of a brass instrument to alter its timbre, volume, and resonance. Different mute types produce distinct colors, from the buzzing wah-wah of a Harmon mute to the mellow sound of a straight mute.
Species Counterpoint
Species counterpoint is a pedagogical method for teaching the rules of melodic interaction, dividing counterpoint into five progressive “species”. It originated in the Baroque era and remains a cornerstone of theoretical study in Western art music.
Gospel Music
Gospel music is a form of Christian music characterized by dominant vocals, strong use of harmony, and lyrical themes centered on personal or communal belief in Christianity. It originated in African‑American churches in the early 20th century and has since diversified into many sub‑styles.
Authentic Cadence
An authentic cadence is a harmonic progression that creates a sense of finality by moving from the dominant chord to the tonic. It appears in two main forms—perfect and imperfect—depending on voice leading and chord inversion.
Slide (trombone)
The slide is the fundamental mechanism by which a trombone changes pitch, allowing continuous glissandi and precise intonation across its range.
Metronome Marking
A metronome marking indicates the exact speed of a piece of music, usually expressed in beats per minute (BPM). It guides performers in maintaining a consistent tempo throughout a composition.
Da Capo (musical term)
Da capo, abbreviated D.C., is an Italian instruction meaning “from the head.” It tells performers to repeat a section of music from the beginning, often in conjunction with al fine or al coda.