Chapter 17:Special Notation 221
Notating lyrics; split words in syllables, and extended syllables.
Just remember to position your lyrics underneath the music staff. If you have
multiple verses, write each verse on a separate line; then break each word into
its component syllables and carefully match up each syllable with the proper
musical note.
The Least You Need to Know
◆Curved marks are used to tie identical notes together, slur neighboring
notes together, and indicate complete musical phrases.
◆A dot above a note means to play it short (staccato); a line above a note
means to play it long (tenuto).
◆You play grace notes lightly and quickly before the main note.
◆Turns and trills ornament a main note by the use of rapidly played neigh-
boring notes.
◆A glissando indicates a smooth glide from one pitch to another.
◆Swing music is played with a rolling triplet feel; not straight eighth notes.
◆Lyrics must be broken down into syllables to fit precisely with notes in the
music.Exercises
Exercise 17-1
Write out how you would play each of these marked-up notes.
Exercise 17-2
Add grace notes to every quarter note in this melody.