$9.95 in USA Essential Dictionary of Music Notation A Practical and Concise Source for Students to Professionals Take the mystery out of music notation. Whether you're using a pencil to sketch a melody or a computer to score a symphony, this multi-purpose quick reference is for you. Every aspect of notation is covered in a versatile, easy-to-use format. From beginning. music students to seasoned engraving professionals, everyone notating music will love this dictionary! Easy-to-use dictionary format *Concise text is clearly illustrated *Key words and concepts are highlighted *Over 75 topics spanning 158 pages Pred) "red Pabiering Co [op aes jan Ways, CA S1410 124t AN ALFRED HANDY GUIDE Essential Dictionary of Music Notation source for music notation available ‘for students to professionals. i- Ne —— TOM GEROU « LINDA LUSKEssential Dictionary of Music Notation The most practical and concise source for music notation TOM GEROU LINDA LUSK Easy-to-use format, including cross-referencing 1 Forany musician, whether using pencil or computer Emphasis on correct and current notation practices Numerous examples, kept simple and to-the-point ‘bak mse for the ee verses Copyright © Sotheby's Copyright © MCMXCV1 by Alfred Publishing Co,, Ine Allrights reserved. Printed in USA. ISBN 0-80264-768-62 The Fssential Dictionary of Music Notation Bsgy APPROACHING MUSIC ma NOTATION Music notation is a language and, as such, it must be communicable. The closer the notation adheres to common rules and guidelines, the more successfully the music will be performed, The rules and guidelines presented here will make the notation easier to read and will help to make the musical intent clear, Although these Tules are not inflexible, they should not be ignored For music notation, the first priority is always clarity. Choices need to be made that are solely dependent on the situation; a rule may not provide the most desirable answer to a problem. {it would be an endless task (0 list every musical exception to a rule.) Problems are usually solved. by deciding which rule is more flexible (least important to clarity) Although meticulous adjustment can only clarity and beautify the notation, sometimes such attention to detail is not practical. All decisions must depend on a wide variety of situations. An understanding of the rules allows these choices 10 be made wisely—the notation can only be as. ‘good as the knowledge at hand, ABOUT THIS BOOK The Essential Dictionary of Music Notation is tn an easy-to-use format, which includes cross. referencing. At the top of each page, running. heads show exactly whieh topic is being treated fon that page. Bold treatments of text highlight important points for elarity:and quick reference, Text is accompanied by numerous examples directly related to the topic being discussed. These examples are kept as simple and complete as possible, with an emphasis on presenting correct and current notation practices. Obsolete rules are mentioned only when necessary The focus of this book has been narrowed. avoiding the discussion of orchestration or music theory, in order to present as much information as possible that is directly related to the actual notation of music, The serious musician is encouraged to seek out other sources that more thoroughly address the subjects of orchestration and music theory Whether you are using a pencil or a computer, all principles within this book are applicable. No computer software or specific tool is referenced. in order to make this a useful guide for any An Index of Topicsis provided on the last page — Aecidentals 3 — Ty Vocal music that is to be sung without accompaniment (a cappella) often has a piano part for rehearsal only. {The piano part may be fullsize or cue size {see Cue notes). Ifcue size, the staff should be cue size also, (Cue-size notes ona full-size staffare not as easy to read.) The indication for rehearsal only should be clearly placed above the piano part A due (a2) Place above the staff (sometimes within the grand staff) to indicate a return to the normal tempo. Used after tempo alterations such as ritardando, accelerando, pitt lento or ad libit ee Sharing a Temporary alteration to the pitch of anote, THE 5 SYMBOLS If appe in the key signature, these symbols are called accidentals saring in the music, apart from use 4 sharp Raises a note one haf step Raises a note two halfsteps. 5 Flat Lowers a note one half step. bh — Double-flat Lowers a note two halfsteps. Notice that the flats touch, forming one symbol. & Natural Cancels any of the above, whethi indicated in the key signature or as an accidental