Music Symbols and Notation Music class Mr. Ibarra

Overview This lesson will show you the basics of the different symbols and notations that are used in music, whether they be in instrumental or choral literature. It is important to know the meanings and applications of these symbols in order to better understand music as an art form.

Some Basics (a) Staff- the lines on which musical notation is written (b) Bar Line- a line that separates the staff into measures (c) Ledger Lines- lines that extend the staff up and down (d) Double Bar Line- two lines that either can separate two sections of music, or end the piece

Some Basics You will see these symbols in just about all pieces of music. The Clef symbol will help indicate the voicing. Often times, the Treble Clef will be used for higher voices, and the Bass Clef for lower voices, but there are exceptions. The Key Signature helps to identify which notes on the staff are raised and lowered, and the effect remains throughout unless an accidental cancels the effect. The Time Signature sets what the rhythm of the music is. The top number identifies how many beats are in a measure, and the bottom number identifies what note value the beat is.

The Clef Symbols The Treble Clef is also known as the “G Clef” because the curl in the symbol wraps around the line on the staff that is named G. The Bass Clef is known as the “F Clef” because the two dots are centered on the line F.

Note Names As you know, the musical alphabet uses the letters A-G. The lines and spaces of the Treble Clef and the Bass Clef are spelled differently. For the Bass Clef from the bottom up –The lines are spelled GBDFA; Good Boys Do Fine Always –The spaces are spelled ACEG; All Cows Eat Grass For the Treble Clef from the bottom up –The lines are spelled EGBDF; Every Good Boy Does Fine –The spaces spell the word FACE

Dynamic Markings Dynamic markings are used to describe the volume, or rather the intensity of the volume of music.

Dynamic Markings (a) Crescendo- a gradual increase in volume (b) Diminuendo- a gradual decrease in volume (c) Sforzando- a sudden increase in volume

Repeating Symbols Finally, there are some symbols that tell us to repeat sections of music. (a) Repeat signs- play again what is in between the two markings

Quiz The quiz on this material will be next Time. You will not be allowed to use your notes on this quiz. Be prepared! If you are confused on any of this material, it is your responsibility to come and bring me your questions. I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Jk… We are going to play a game!