8th Notes
Notes whose lengths are equal to one-eighth the value of a whole note or half the value of a quarter note.
8th Rests
Silence that equals the length of one 8th note.
Blocked 3rds
Two notes played together, usually in one hand but sometimes in both, whose distance is the interval of a 3rd of any quality.
Blocked Chords
Chord tones played together that are not part of an accompaniment pattern.
Chord Inversions
Chords with alternate ordering of their tones where the root is placed either in the middle or at the top of the chord.
Contrary Motion
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.
Crescendo and Diminuendo
Indications instructing the player to play gradually louder (crescendo) or softer (diminuendo).
Crossing Over Thumb
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.
Diminished Seventh Chords
Four-note chords comprised of the root, minor 3rd, diminished 5th, and diminished 7th; typically have a dominant function.
Dominant Seventh Chords
Four-note chords comprised of the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and minor 7th.
First Inversion Chords
Chords with an alternate ordering of their tones where the root is placed on the top and the 3rd and 5th below.
Harmonic Minor Scale
A type of minor scale comprised of a raised 7th degree.
Imitation
A type of texture where one hand plays a series of notes that are mimicked in the other hand.
Left Hand Melody
A type of texture where the left hand plays the melody and the right hand plays the accompaniment for an extended period of time.
Parallel 3rds
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.
Parallel 6ths
A series of any amount or quality of blocked 6th intervals that are played in one hand, and where both notes move up or down in parallel motion.
Parallel Motion
A type texture that occurs when the contour, distance, and speed of the notes in one hand matches that of the other hand as they play together.
Repeated 3rds
A series of blocked 3rds that occur several times in a row throughout a piece.
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.
Staccato
A type of articulation indicating the player to play short and light; notes not held for their full value.
Melody Between Hands
A simple melody line shared by both the right hand and the left hand.
- Hands Separate Practice
- Highlight Dynamic Contrasts
- Highlight the Contrast in Articulation
- Play Small Segments
- Slow Practice
- Work on Bringing Out the Bouncy Character With a Light, Nimble Touch