Melody: The tune; a series of notes that makes a musical idea
Harmony: Notes sounded together that support the melody
Rhythm: Pattern of long and short sounds in time
Beat: The steady pulse in music
Tempo: The speed of the music
Pitch: How high or low a sound is
Dynamics: How loud or soft the music is
Timbre: The special tone color of a voice or instrument
Texture: How many layers of sound are heard at once
Form: The structure or plan of a piece
Phrase: A musical sentence
Motif: A short musical idea that repeats and develops
Theme: The main melody of a piece
Variation: A changed version of a theme
Verse: A part of a song with the same melody but new words
Chorus: The repeated part of a song with the same words
Bridge: A contrasting section in a song, usually after the second chorus
Refrain: A repeated line or section
Introduction: The opening section of a piece
Coda: A closing section
Interlude: A short piece played between sections
Ostinato: A short pattern repeated again and again
Drone: A long, steady note held under a melody
Round: A song in which groups enter one after another with the same melody
Canon: Strict imitation of a melody entering at different times
Call and response: One voice asks and another answers
Unison: Everyone playing or singing the same notes
Solo: One performer alone
Duet: Two performers
Trio: Three performers
Quartet: Four performers
Quintet: Five performers
Ensemble: A group of musicians
A cappella: Singing without instruments
Orchestra: A large group of string, wind and percussion players
Conductor: The person who leads an orchestra or choir
Choir: A group of singers
Soprano: Highest female voice
Alto: Lower female voice
Tenor: Higher male voice
Bass: Lowest male voice
Baritone: Male voice between tenor and bass
Mezzo-soprano: Female voice between soprano and alto
Binary form: A B form, two contrasting sections
Ternary form: A B A form
Rondo: A form where the main theme returns between contrasting sections, like A B A C A
Theme and variations: A form that changes a theme again and again
Movement: A major section of a longer work like a symphony
Overture: Orchestral piece that opens an opera, ballet or play
Lullaby: A soothing song for sleep
March: Music with a strong, steady beat for walking
Waltz: A dance in 3/4 time
Minuet: A graceful dance in 3/4 time
Sonata: A work for one or two instruments
Etude: A study piece to practice a skill
Prelude: An introductory piece
Nocturne: A dreamy piece suggesting night
Lieder: German art songs
Aria: A solo song in an opera
Libretto: The text of an opera
Interval: The distance between two pitches
Octave: Eight notes apart, the same name higher or lower
Tonic: The home note of a key
Resolution: Moving from tense notes to rest notes
Transpose: Move music into a different key
Improvise: Make up music while performing
Embouchure: How a player shapes lips and face on a wind instrument
Vibrato: A slight, quick wavering of pitch to make a note richer

Free flashcards from Peabody at peabody.kids/flashcards/music-theory-vocabulary