8th Notes
Notes whose lengths are equal to one-eighth the value of a whole note or half the value of a quarter note.
Crescendo and Diminuendo
Indications instructing the player to play gradually louder (crescendo) or softer (diminuendo).
Legato
A type of articulation indicating the player to play smoothly and seamlessly, with the notes slightly overlapped.
Ornaments
Embellishments added to melodies that serve to decorate, increase interest, and allow performers to add their own unique expressiveness.
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.
Piano
An indication instructing the player to play softly.
Quarter Notes
Notes whose lengths are equal to one-fourth the value of a whole note.
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.
Sustain Pedal
Also called the damper pedal, it is the rightmost pedal on the piano and used to sustain notes by moving the dampers away from the strings.
- Hands Separate Practice
- Play Small Segments
- Slow Practice