8th Notes
Notes whose lengths are equal to one-eighth the value of a whole note or half the value of a quarter note.
Accidentals
Sharps, flats and naturals that do not appear in a key signature.
Anacrusis
Sometimes called upbeats or pickup notes; a note or series of notes that precede and give stress to the first downbeat of a piece.
Clef Changes
More than one clef used in a staff in a single piece or movement.
Dotted Quarter Notes
Quarter notes whose lengths are increased by half; equal to three 8th notes.
Extended Hand Positions
Hand positions that require stretching beyond a five finger scale; usually to play intervals that are 6ths or greater.
Fermatas
Indications placed above or below notes instructing the player to hold those notes longer than their original notated length.
Legato
A type of articulation indicating the player to play smoothly and seamlessly, with the notes slightly overlapped.
Ritardando
An Italian term meaning "delaying"; an indication instructing the player to decrease speed, often gradually.
Shifting Hand Positions
A technique that requires the player to pick up and move their hand to a new position; usually from a five finger scale to another.
Simple Two Voices in One Hand
A type of texture where one or both hands play more than one voice at a time; usually briefly and with simple rhythms.
- Hands Separate Practice
- Isolate Voices
- Play Small Segments
- Slow Practice