Intervals

Two notes played together, usually in one hand but sometimes in both, whose distance is the interval of a 5th of any quality.

Scales

A simple scale that contains the first five notes of the C Minor scale.

Expression

Indications instructing the player to play gradually louder (crescendo) or softer (diminuendo).

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.

Scales

Simple five-note scales whose notes fit within a comfortable hand shape; applied when more than one such scale appears in a piece.

Rhythm

Notes whose lengths are equal to one half the value of a whole note.

Rhythm

Silence that equals the length of one half note.

Hand and Finger Techniques

A technique that involves one hand crossing over or under the other.

Expression

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

Expression

A simple melody line shared by both the right hand and the left hand.

Expression

An indication instructing the player to play softly.

Rhythm

Notes whose lengths are equal to one-fourth the value of a whole note.

Rhythm

Silence that equals the length of one quarter note.

Expression

Indications instructing the player to play with sudden emphasis.

Expression

A type of articulation indicating the player to play short and light; notes not held for their full value.

Expression

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.

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.

Rhythm

Notes whose lengths are four beats.

Rhythm

Silence that equals the length of one whole note or an entire measure in 4/4 or 3/4.

Texture

A simple melody line shared by both the right hand and the left hand.