Think Music - Notation Terminology - The Language of a Musician

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Get your glasses ready!  It's Theory Time!

Music terminology is only important if you want to play music as it was intended and communicate with other musicians.  :)  Yes. Sarcasm was intended.


If you want to call yourself a Musician you must know
the language of a Musician.

Let's take a look at some terminology and symbols common to Sheet Music.

Bar/Measure
A segment of time. This time is defined by a  number of beats that take place within the measure (bar).

Bar Line
A vertical line that marks the boundaries of a bar/measure.

Time Signature
A Symbol or Stacked Numerals that appears at the beginning
of the sheet music, immediately following the key signature.
The time signature defines how many beats are in each measure and which note value constitutes one beat.

Key Signature
A series of sharp or flat symbols placed on the staff, designating notes that are to be consistently played higher or lower than the natural notes unless otherwise altered with an accidental. Key signatures are generally written immediately after the Clef and before the Time Signature.

Tempo Marking/Beats Per Minute (BPM)
Often seen in Classical pieces, these tempo markings are used to describe the tempo of the piece. Example: Fast, Slow, Ballad, up-tempo... Tempo markings also appear in Italian... Example: Allegro, Largo, Moderato...
BPM is a numerical definition of Tempo.  These markings can be found at the top of the chart.

Repeat Sign
A sign that is similar to a bar line in appearance that indicates the section of music that is before is to be repeated.

Double Bar Line
Used to separate two sections of music.  An example being a Double Bar line used to separate the Verse section from the Chorus section.


Final Bar Line/Bold Double Bar Line/End
Used to indicate the conclusion of a movement or entire composition.