The Complete Idiot''s Guide to Music Theory

(National Geographic (Little) Kids) #1

The Complete Idiot’s Music Glossary


transposition Translating pitch.


treble clef A clef, used by higher-pitched voices and instruments, that places
middle C on the first ledger line below the staff.


triad Three notes, each a third apart from the previous. Most chords are built
on triads.


triplet A group of three notes performed in the space of two.


tritone An interval consisting of three whole steps; sometimes called “the
Devil’s interval.”


unison (1) Two notes of the same pitch. (2) Voices or instruments all singing
or playing the same pitch.


upbeat The eighth-note “and” after the downbeat.


vivace Tempo marking for a lively tempo.


voice Melodic or harmonic lines.


voice leading The motion of a single voice.


voicing The way the notes of a chord are arranged.


whole step An interval equal to two half steps.


woodwind The family of instruments that produce sound by vibrating a
wooden reed. The woodwind family includes the clarinet, saxophone, oboe, and
bassoon. Also included are the flute and the piccolo, which do not use reeds.


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