How to Read Sheet Music

Reading sheet music is the art of taking meaningless symbols and translating them onto the instrument, letting the notes quiver in the air, and letting a feeling take shape. 

Play a delicate melody; piano

Make a bold statement; forte

Don’t let the tempo take carry you away, keep a steady quarter note beat in your head

4/4; common time 

Quarter note; 1 beat

Let the chords paint a picture, let the music invite you into a scene

Notes as a smooth as butter; legato 

A sentence cut off; staccato 

Eighth note flags are being raised, sixteenth notes quickening the pace

Crescendo: Building up to the 

Grand Pause: Save your applause 

A rhythm as complex as a math equation, a melody to compliment it 

Ritardando: Slowing down for the 

Finale