8th Note Broken Chord Accompaniment
A type of accompaniment pattern that uses a persistent 8th note rhythm with broken chords, in varying note configurations.
A Tempo
An Italian term meaning "in time"; an indication instructing the player to return to the original tempo after a deviation.
Accidentals
Sharps, flats and naturals that do not appear in a key signature.
Blocked Chords
Chord tones played together that are not part of an accompaniment pattern.
Clef Changes
More than one clef used in a staff in a single piece or movement.
Crescendo and Diminuendo
Indications instructing the player to play gradually louder (crescendo) or softer (diminuendo).
Forte
An indication instructing the player to play loudly.
Fortissimo
An indication instructing the player to play very loudly; louder than forte.
Ledger Lines
Additional lines added above or below the staff in order to place very high or very low notes that wouldn't normally fit on the staff.
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.
Ritardando
An Italian term meaning "delaying"; an indication instructing the player to decrease speed, often gradually.
Sforzando
Indications instructing the player to play with sudden emphasis.
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.
- Demonstrate
- Highlight Dynamic Contrasts
- Highlight the Contrasting Characters of Each Section
- Isolate Voices
- Play Small Segments
- Slow Practice
- Tap One Hand While Playing the Other
- Work on Creating a Good Tone