Scale - A stepwise series of tones.
Scale degrees - The individual steps in a scale are numbered 1 through 7 starting on the tonic.
Score - Another name for Grand Staff. Shows every part, the entire composition.
Sforzando - (abbr: sfz) A strongly accented note or chord.
Sforzato - (abbr: sfp) Strongly accented, then immediately piano.
Sharp - 1) An accidental that raises pitch one half-step: #
2) Singing out of tune, above pitch.
Semitone - A half-step, minor second, from one pitch to the next nearest pitch in either direction.
Slur - A curved line connecting two or more different pitches to indicate the notes sung to a single syllable or word.
Solfeggio - Syllables for sight-singing, a sight-singing method (Do, Re, Mi, et cetera).
Soprano - Higest treble voice.
Staccato - Short and detached, with distinct precision (opposite of legato).
Staff - Made up of five lines and four spaces.
Stringendo - Abbreviated: string. To increase intensity by increasing tempo.
Subito - Suddenly. Usually to indicate a dramatically sudden change in dynamic level of sound; e.g., from pp to subito ff.
Tempo - Refers to the speed of the beat.
Tenor - Highest of the changed male voices.
Tie - Connects two notes of the same pitch and adds their values (length) together.
Time signature - Made up of two numbers: The top number tells you the number of beats per measure, the bottom number tells you the unit.
Tonic - The first scale degree or beginning note of a scale.
Treble clef - Names the second line of a staff G. Also called G-clef.
Unison - The writing, playing, or singing of parts in a musical passage at the same pitch or in octaves.
Unit - The note that recieves one beat.
Upbeat - The second half of a divided beat, the weak part of the divided beat. Always labeled with an &.
Vivo - Tempo designation: lively, brisk (usually with allegro, as ALLEGRO VIVO).
Vivace - Tempo designation: vivacious, faster than allegro.
Whole-step - Two half-steps.
