Advanced Band Music Terms

The dot above a note that indicates to play it short.

• Staccato

• Legato

• Tenuto

• Dotted quarter note

The line above a note that indicates to play it for its full value.

• Tenuto

• Staccoto

• Legato

• Slur

The curved line that connects 2 or more different notes, which are all to be played with a single breath.

• Slur

• Tenuto

• Staccato

• Segno

The stylized "f" that indicates a section should be played loud.

• Forte

• Fortissimo

• Fast

• Funky

The stylized "p" that indicates a section should be played softly.

• Piano

• Passive

• Pianissimo

• Powerfully

The 2 stacked numbers at the start of a song that indicates how many beats per measure.

• Time Signature

• Key Signature

• Clef

• Tempo

The sharps and flats placed at the start of each staff that shows which notes are to be played sharp or flat for the whole piece.

• Key Signature

• Time Signature

• Clef

• Tempo

The symbol at the start of the staff for higher sounding instruments (i.e. flutes, clarinets, saxophones and trumpets).

• Treble Clef

• Bass Clef

• Alto Clef

• Tenor Clef

The symbol at the start of the staff for lower sounding instruments (i.e. trombones, tubas, bass guitars and timpani).

• Bass Clef

• Treble Clef

• Alto Clef

• Tenor Clef

The set of 5 horizontal lines music is written on.

• Staff

• Measure

• Bar

• Part