Music Theory Quiz - Grade 1 - Musical Terms (Part 1) (Questions)
Learn Grade 1 musical terms. Master staccato versus legato, dynamics like forte and piano, and tempo words so performances sound clear, expressive, and confident.
Explore the Topic →
(quiz starts below)
Fascinating Fact:
Staccato means short, detached notes, legato means smooth, joined notes. Think raindrops versus a ribbon.
In Specialist Music Theory at Grade 1, this Musical Terms Part 1 page introduces core words for playing and reading: articulation (staccato/legato), basic dynamics (piano/forte), and common tempo markings.
Key Terms
Dynamics: How loud or soft the music is, such as piano (soft) and forte (loud).
Tempo: The speed of the music, indicated by words like andante (walking) or allegro (fast).
Articulation: How notes are played or sung, for example staccato (short) or legato (smooth).
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
What do crescendo and diminuendo mean in Grade 1?
Crescendo means gradually getting louder; diminuendo (or decrescendo) means gradually getting softer. Hairpin symbols < and > often show these changes.
What is the difference between forte and piano in music?
Forte (f) means loud; piano (p) means soft. These dynamic markings tell performers how powerful the sound should be.
What does tempo mean in music grade 1?
Tempo is the speed of the piece. Words like andante mean a moderate, walking pace, while allegro means lively and fast.