NotePlayMusicMusical Terms & Dynamics
Learn what common Italian terms and dynamic signs mean, ported from ABRSM Grade 1 style practice questions.
Grade 1 · Musical Terms4 questionsUntimed · No account needed
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Learning objectives
- Know what staccato and decrescendo mean.
- Recognize common tempo terms like Adagio.
- Read dynamic markings such as mp.
Worksheet
What does the term staccato mean?
Answer: ______________________
What does the term decrescendo mean?
Answer: ______________________
What does the term Adagio mean?
Answer: ______________________
What does the sign mp mean?
Answer: ______________________
Answer Key
- Detached — Staccato means detached.
- Gradually getting quieter — Decrescendo means gradually getting quieter.
- Slow — Adagio means slow.
- Moderately quiet — mp means mezzo piano, which is moderately quiet.
1. What does the term staccato mean?
💡 Think about how staccato notes look and sound on paper and in performance — short dots above or below the notehead, played crisp and separated rather than smoothly connected. What word describes notes played that way?