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.
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.
Crossing Thumb Under
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.
Extended Hand Positions
Hand positions that require stretching beyond a five finger scale; usually to play intervals that are 6ths or greater.
Grace Notes
Ornamentations that are notated in a smaller size than normal notes and played slightly before them.
Intermediate Single Note Accompaniment
A type of accompaniment pattern where only one note is played at a time but with large intervals, many hand positions, and complex rhythms.
Mezzo Forte
A simple melody line shared by both the right hand and the left hand.
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.
Staccato
A type of articulation indicating the player to play short and light; notes not held for their full value.
Tenuto
A type of articulation indicating to the player that a given note should be held for its full value or slightly more.
Two Note Slurs
Two notes connected together smoothly where the second note is played softer and lighter.
- Focus on the Left Hand Accompaniment Patterns
- Hands Separate Practice
- Highlight the Contrast in Articulation