Accompaniment Patterns

A type of accompaniment pattern that primarily uses broken chords in varying note configurations, with simple or slow-moving rhythms.

Chords

Chords with alternate ordering of their tones where the root is placed either in the middle or at the top of the chord.

Texture

A type of texture where the contour of the notes in one hand is the exact opposite to that of the other hand as they play simultaneously.

Hand and Finger Techniques

The physical motion of crossing fingers 2, 3, 4, or 5 over the thumb; used when playing scalar passages or outside of five finger scales.

Hand and Finger Techniques

The physical motion of crossing the thumb under fingers 2, 3, 4, or 5; used when playing scalar passages or outside of five finger scales.

Rhythm

Half notes whose lengths are increased by half; equal to three quarter notes.

Texture

A type of texture where one hand plays a series of notes that are mimicked in the other hand.

Texture

A type of texture where the left hand plays the melody and the right hand plays the accompaniment for an extended period of time.

Expression

A type of articulation indicating the player to play smoothly and seamlessly, with the notes slightly overlapped.

Expression

Embellishments added to melodies that serve to decorate, increase interest, and allow performers to add their own unique expressiveness.

Intervals

A series of any amount or quality of blocked 3rd intervals that are played in one hand, and where both notes move up or down in parallel motion.

Hand and Finger Techniques

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.

Rhythm

Symbols indicating that two notes are to be played as one with the value equal to their sum.

Expression

Two notes connected together smoothly where the second note is played softer and lighter.