Basic Musical Terms
Name: ______________________ Date: ____________
Write the letter of the matching definition next to each term.
1. clef
A. A gradually increasing tempo of music
2. eighth
B. A musical notation written on a staff indicating the pitch of the notes following it
3. rest
C. A district of a city having some distinguishing character
4. whole
D. The speed at which a composition is to be played
5. quarter
E. The lowest part of the musical range
6. accelerando
F. A musical notation indicating the number of beats to a measure and kind of note that takes a beat
7. dynamics
G. The pitch range of the highest female voice
8. tempo
H. All of something including all its component elements or parts
9. beat
I. An efficient incentive (plural)
10. ritardando
J. Something left after other parts have been taken away
11. staff
K. Keyboard instrument with black and white keys
12. timesignature
L. A regular route for a sentry or policeman
13. note
M. Gradually decreasing in tempo
14. treble
N. A musical composition or musical passage to be performed loudly
15. bass
O. Position ___ in a countable series of things
16. piano
P. A notation representing the pitch and duration of a musical sound
17. forte
Q. Personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task