Major/Minor: These are the two “modes” which define particular groupings of tones, keys, and scales (see below).

Key: A particular relationship between tones that is focused on and named after a central tone the harmony of a piece or section functions around the key.

Articulation: The style in which tones or sections of pieces are played Typically, articulation can be long or short, smooth or choppy, heavy or light and is indicated by symbols or with words (usually in Italian).

Dynamics: The volume at which one is to play the loudness or softness of a particular section or tone as indicated by “dynamic markings” (symbols on the sheet music).

Tempo: The speed (fast or slow) at which one is to play usually indicated at the beginning of the music and whenever it should change.

Rhythm: The arrangement of tone lengths or tone duration over time the flow of music through time.

For example, a new harmony can change the same melody from a happy mood to a sad one.

Harmony: A group of tones that is played underneath or around the melody to make it more interesting and give it a particular mood Changing the harmony, even if the melody is the same, can create a completely different mood for the piece.

Melody: A tune or theme that you would sing along with a group of single tones played one after the other that the listener hears as a complete unit or idea.

As you become a more advanced pianist, you will build on and expand your knowledge of these terms. Understanding these terms is an essential starting point for piano study. Music from every era and style is constructed using the elements these terms represent.

These terms are the fundamental building blocks of all music.

In the end piano notes