Music Theory / Article 4

Article 4

Music symbols: articulation, dynamics, tempo, and expression.

Symbols tell you how the notes should sound, not just what keys to press.

Back to Theory Hub Next: Intervals

1. Articulation

Articulation describes how notes connect or separate. Staccato means short and detached. Accent means give the note extra emphasis. Tenuto means hold the note for its full value or give it gentle weight. Legato means smooth and connected.

2. Dynamics

Dynamics describe volume. p means piano, or soft. f means forte, or loud. mp is moderately soft, and mf is moderately loud. A crescendo gradually gets louder, while a diminuendo gradually gets softer.

3. Tempo and character

Tempo markings give speed or character. Allegro is fast and lively, Andante is walking speed, Adagio is slow, and Presto is very fast. Ritardando means gradually slow down, while accelerando means gradually speed up.

Repeat signs tell you to play a section again. First and second endings show different endings on repeated passages. D.C. means go back to the beginning. D.S. means go back to the sign. Coda marks a special ending section.

5. Pedal markings

Piano pedal markings tell you when to press or release the damper pedal. Beginners should use pedal carefully because too much pedal can blur harmony. Pedal should support the sound, not hide uneven playing.

Practice tip: play a phrase once with no symbols, then again exaggerating the written symbols. The difference should be obvious.

Mini quiz

What does staccato mean?

Short and detached.