Glossary
Key terms
Browse important music technology terms and concepts by level and topic.
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Showing 347 terms
2, 3 or 4 beats in the bar
Two, three, or four beats in the bar describes simple beat groupings used in common metres.
Introduced at Nat 3
20th and 21st century classical music
20th and 21st century classical music covers modern and contemporary classical approaches, including experimental uses of sound and technology.
Introduced at Higher
60s pop
60s pop is popular music associated with the 1960s, often built around memorable songs, vocal hooks, and band or studio arrangements.
Introduced at Nat 5
A tempo
A tempo means returning to the original speed.
Introduced at Nat 4
Accelerando
Accelerando means gradually getting faster.
Also called: Accel
Introduced at Nat 4
Accent
An accent is extra emphasis placed on a note or beat.
Introduced at Nat 3
Accompanied
Accompanied means a melody or main part is supported by other musical parts.
Introduced at Nat 3
Acoustic/electronic
Acoustic sounds come from physical instruments or voices; electronic sounds are produced or processed electronically.
Introduced at Nat 3
Acoustic guitar
An acoustic guitar produces sound from vibrating strings and a resonant body without needing electronic amplification.
Introduced at Nat 3
Acoustic horn or cylinder
Acoustic horn and cylinder systems are early sound-recording and playback technologies.
Introduced at Higher
ADAT
ADAT is a digital audio protocol often used to carry multiple audio channels between compatible devices.
Also called: Alesis Digital Audio Tape
Introduced at Advanced Higher
ADSR envelope
An ADSR envelope shapes how a sound starts, changes, sustains, and ends.
Also called: Attack decay sustain release envelope
Introduced at Higher
AES
AES is a professional digital audio connection format used to transfer audio between compatible devices.
Also called: AES/EBU
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Alto
Alto is a lower female voice range used in vocal arrangement and listening contexts.
Introduced at Nat 4
Ambience
Ambience is the sense of space or environment around a recorded or mixed sound.
Introduced at Higher
Amplitude
Amplitude is the size of a sound wave and relates to how loud it appears.
Introduced at Nat 4
Anacrusis
An anacrusis is an upbeat or pickup note before the first full bar.
Introduced at Nat 4
Apps
Apps are software tools used on computers, tablets, or phones to create, record, edit, or play sound.
Introduced at Nat 4
Arco
Arco means string instruments are played with the bow.
Introduced at Nat 5
Arpeggio
An arpeggio is the notes of a chord played separately rather than all at once.
Also called: Broken chord
Introduced at Nat 4
Arrange window
The arrange window is the main timeline area in a DAW where tracks and regions are organised.
Introduced at Nat 4
Arrangement
Arrangement is the way musical sections, parts, and sounds are ordered across a production.
Introduced at Nat 4
Ascending
Ascending means moving from lower notes to higher notes.
Introduced at Nat 3
Atonal
Atonal music avoids a clear key centre.
Introduced at Nat 5
Audio
Audio is recorded sound stored as a waveform rather than as performance instructions.
Introduced at Nat 3
Audio interface
An audio interface connects microphones, instruments, headphones, and speakers to a computer for recording and playback.
Introduced at Nat 3
Audio master
An audio master is the finished audio file produced at the end of a mix or mastering process.
Introduced at Nat 3
Audio/stereo master
An audio or stereo master is the final exported version of a production.
Introduced at Nat 3
Automation
Automation allows settings such as level, pan, or effect amount to change over time automatically.
Introduced at Higher
Autotune
Autotune is pitch-correction processing used to adjust or stylise vocal or instrumental tuning.
Also called: Pitch correction
Introduced at Higher
Auxiliary input/output
An auxiliary input or output is an extra route for sending or receiving audio in a mixer or recording system.
Also called: Aux in, Aux out, Auxiliary in, Auxiliary out
Introduced at Nat 5
Auxiliary send/return
An auxiliary send/return routes part of a signal to another path and brings the processed signal back into the mix.
Also called: Aux send, Aux return, FX send, FX return
Introduced at Nat 5
Backing vocals
Backing vocals support the lead vocal with harmony, response, texture, or emphasis.
Introduced at Nat 4
Backup copy
A backup copy is an extra saved version of a project or audio file kept to prevent loss of work.
Introduced at Nat 3
Balance
Balance is the relationship between the levels of different sounds in a mix.
Introduced at Nat 3
Baritone
Baritone is a male voice type between tenor and bass.
Introduced at Nat 5
Bass guitar
Bass guitar is a low-pitched string instrument often used to support harmony and rhythm.
Introduced at Nat 4
Bass voice
Bass is a lower male voice range used in vocal arrangement and listening contexts.
Introduced at Nat 4
Beat
A beat is the regular pulse that helps organise music in time.
Introduced at Nat 3
Beat matching
Beat matching aligns the tempo and beat position of two pieces of music or loops.
Introduced at Nat 5
Binary form
Binary form has two main sections, often described as AB.
Also called: AB form
Introduced at Nat 4
Blowing
Blowing is a way of producing sound by pushing air through or across an instrument.
Introduced at Nat 3
Blues
Blues is a style built around expressive vocals, characteristic chord patterns, blue notes, and call-and-response ideas.
Introduced at Nat 3
Boost EQ/cut EQ
Boost EQ raises selected frequencies, while cut EQ reduces selected frequencies.
Also called: Boost EQ, Cut EQ
Introduced at Nat 5
Bowing
Bowing is producing sound on a string instrument with a bow.
Introduced at Nat 3
BPM
BPM means beats per minute and measures the speed of music.
Also called: Beats per minute
Introduced at Nat 3
Brass instruments
Brass instruments produce sound from vibrating lips into a brass tube.
Introduced at Nat 4
Bridge/link passage
A bridge or link passage connects sections or provides contrast within a piece.
Introduced at Nat 5
Capture
Capture means recording sound or performance data into a music technology system.
Introduced at Nat 3
Cardioid polar pattern
A cardioid polar pattern mainly picks up sound from the front of the microphone.
Introduced at Nat 4
Cassette recorder, player and tape
Cassette tape systems are analogue magnetic recording and playback technologies.
Also called: Cassette recorder, Cassette player, Cassette tape
Introduced at Higher
CD players
CD players reproduce audio stored digitally on compact discs.
Also called: Compact disc player
Introduced at Higher
Celtic rock
Celtic rock combines rock instrumentation or production with musical features associated with Celtic traditions.
Introduced at Nat 5
Change of key
A change of key moves music from one key centre to another.
Also called: Modulation
Introduced at Nat 4
Channel
A channel is a separate path for one audio or MIDI signal in a mixer or DAW.
Introduced at Nat 3
Chord
A chord is two or more notes sounding together.
Introduced at Nat 3
Chord change
A chord change is movement from one chord to another.
Introduced at Nat 3
Chorus effect
Chorus thickens a sound by mixing it with slightly delayed and pitch-varied copies.
Also called: Chorus depth
Introduced at Nat 5
Chromatic
Chromatic movement uses notes outside the main key or scale, often moving by semitone.
Introduced at Nat 5
Click track
A click track is a metronome sound used to keep performers in time while recording.
Introduced at Nat 4
Clipping
Clipping happens when a signal is too loud and the peaks are cut off, causing distortion.
Introduced at Nat 4
Close mic'd
Close mic'd describes a source recorded with the microphone placed near the sound source.
Also called: Close miking, Close-mic'd
Introduced at Nat 5
Cluster
A cluster is a group of close notes played together, often creating a dense or dissonant sound.
Introduced at Nat 5
Coda
A coda is an ending section that brings a piece to a close.
Introduced at Nat 5
Compression
Compression reduces the dynamic range of a signal by controlling louder parts.
Introduced at Nat 4
Condenser microphone
A condenser microphone is usually more sensitive and detailed, making it useful for vocals and acoustic sources.
Introduced at Nat 4
Copy, cut and paste
Copy, cut and paste are basic editing commands for duplicating, removing, and placing material.
Introduced at Nat 4
Countermelody
A countermelody is a secondary melody played alongside the main melody.
Introduced at Nat 5
Country
Country is a popular music style often associated with storytelling lyrics, guitars, clear vocals, and roots-influenced arrangements.
Introduced at Nat 5
Crescendo
Crescendo means gradually getting louder.
Also called: Cres
Introduced at Nat 3
Cross rhythms
Cross rhythms happen when contrasting rhythmic patterns are heard together.
Introduced at Nat 5
Crossfade
A crossfade overlaps two audio clips so one fades out while the other fades in.
Introduced at Higher
Cut-off frequency
Cut-off frequency is the point where a filter begins to reduce part of the signal.
Also called: Filter cutoff
Introduced at Higher
Cyclical/loop
Cyclical or looped material repeats in a regular cycle.
Also called: Cyclical
Introduced at Nat 5
Dance music
Dance music is designed strongly around rhythm, pulse, repetition, and movement.
Introduced at Nat 4
Dante
Dante is a digital audio networking system used to send multiple audio channels over network connections.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
DAW
A digital audio workstation is the main software used to record, edit, sequence, mix, and export music.
Introduced at Nat 3
dB
dB, or decibels, is a unit used to describe audio level or changes in level.
Also called: Decibel, Decibels
Introduced at Nat 5
De-esser
A de-esser reduces harsh sibilant sounds in speech or vocals.
Introduced at Higher
Delay
Delay repeats a sound after a short or long period of time.
Introduced at Nat 3
Descending
Descending means moving from higher notes to lower notes.
Introduced at Nat 3
Digital interfacing protocols
Digital interfacing protocols define how digital audio data is passed between devices.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Digital processor
A digital processor changes an audio signal using digital processing.
Introduced at Nat 5
Diminuendo
Diminuendo means gradually getting quieter.
Also called: Dim
Introduced at Nat 3
Direct line input
A direct line input records a suitable electronic source without using a microphone.
Also called: DI, Line input
Introduced at Higher
Disco
Disco is a dance-focused style associated with steady grooves, bass lines, drums, strings, brass, guitar, and studio production.
Introduced at Nat 3
Distortion
Distortion changes the waveform by adding harmonic content, often producing a rougher or more aggressive sound.
Introduced at Nat 3
Distortion/overload
Distortion or overload happens when a signal is driven too hard for a system or deliberately processed for a rougher sound.
Also called: Overload
Introduced at Nat 3
Dithering
Dithering adds very low-level noise when reducing bit depth to reduce unwanted digital distortion.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
DJ decks
DJ decks are playback devices used by DJs to control and mix recorded music.
Introduced at Higher
DJ mixer
A DJ mixer blends and controls signals from DJ decks or other playback sources.
Introduced at Higher
Drop in/out
Drop in/out means recording into and out of a selected section while keeping the surrounding material.
Also called: Punch in/out
Introduced at Nat 5
Drum fill
A drum fill is a short rhythmic pattern that leads into or connects sections.
Introduced at Nat 3
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums and cymbals played by one performer or programmed as one instrument.
Introduced at Nat 3
Dry mix/wet mix
Dry mix/wet mix controls the balance between unprocessed and processed sound.
Also called: Dry/wet
Introduced at Nat 4
Dry/wet
Dry/wet describes the balance between the original sound and the effected sound.
Introduced at Nat 3
Dynamic microphone
A dynamic microphone is usually robust and well suited to louder sources or live-style recording situations.
Introduced at Nat 4
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest parts of a sound.
Introduced at Nat 5
Echo
Echo is a repeated delayed version of a sound.
Introduced at Higher
Editing
Editing is the process of changing recorded or sequenced material to improve timing, structure, or clarity.
Introduced at Nat 3
Effects (FX)
Effects, often shortened to FX, are processes that change or enhance a sound.
Also called: FX
Introduced at Nat 4
Effects pedals
Effects pedals are hardware units, often foot-operated, that process instrument or microphone signals.
Introduced at Nat 4
Electric guitar
An electric guitar uses pickups to convert string vibration into an electrical signal.
Introduced at Nat 3
Electroacoustic
Electroacoustic music combines recorded, electronic, or processed sound as a central part of the music.
Introduced at Higher
Electronic drum kit
An electronic drum kit uses pads and sensors to trigger electronic or sampled drum sounds.
Introduced at Higher
Electronic organ
An electronic organ produces organ sounds using electronic tone generation rather than pipes.
Introduced at Higher
Electronica
Electronica is a broad style area centred on electronic sound, sequencing, sampling, and studio production.
Introduced at Nat 4
Envelope filter
An envelope filter changes the tone of a sound in response to the strength of the input signal.
Also called: Wah-wah, Auto-wah
Introduced at Nat 5
EQ
EQ is equalisation: the process of boosting or cutting frequency areas in a sound.
Also called: Equalisation
Introduced at Nat 3
Equalisation
Equalisation changes the balance of frequencies in a sound.
Introduced at Nat 3
Expansion
Expansion increases dynamic contrast by making quieter parts quieter in relation to louder parts.
Introduced at Nat 4
Fade in
A fade in gradually increases the level of a sound from silence.
Introduced at Nat 3
Fade out
A fade out gradually reduces the level of a sound towards silence.
Introduced at Nat 3
Fader
A fader controls the level of a channel, group, or master output.
Introduced at Nat 4
Feedback
Feedback happens when output sound is picked up again by an input and repeats in a loop.
Introduced at Nat 4
Figure-of-eight polar pattern
A figure-of-eight microphone pattern picks up sound from the front and back while rejecting the sides.
Also called: Figure of eight, Bidirectional
Introduced at Nat 5
File compression
File compression reduces file size, sometimes with a loss of audio quality.
Introduced at Higher
File management
File management is the organisation, naming, saving, and backing up of project files and audio assets.
Introduced at Nat 4
Filter
A filter reduces or shapes selected frequency areas of a sound.
Introduced at Higher
Final mix
The final mix is the completed balance and processing of all parts before export or mastering.
Introduced at Nat 4
Flanger
A flanger creates a sweeping comb-filter effect by mixing a signal with a very slightly delayed version.
Introduced at Higher
Format
Format describes the type or structure of an audio or project file.
Introduced at Nat 3
Format mix/mixing/balance
Format, mix, mixing, and balance are linked terms used when preparing and controlling a sound production.
Introduced at Nat 3
Frequency
Frequency refers to how fast a sound wave vibrates and is heard as pitch.
Introduced at Nat 3
Frequency response
Frequency response describes how evenly a device captures or reproduces different frequencies.
Introduced at Nat 4
Gain
Gain controls signal level at the input or processing stage of the signal path.
Introduced at Nat 3
Gain/trim
Gain or trim controls the level of a signal entering a channel or device.
Also called: Trim
Introduced at Nat 3
Gate/CV
Gate/CV is an analogue control method used to trigger notes and control pitch or parameters in synthesisers.
Also called: Control voltage, CV
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Gated reverb
Gated reverb is a reverb sound cut off suddenly by a gate.
Introduced at Nat 5
General MIDI
General MIDI is a standard set of instrument sounds and MIDI behaviour used for compatibility.
Also called: GM
Introduced at Nat 4
Glissando
A glissando is a slide between notes.
Introduced at Nat 5
Glitch
A glitch is a short fault, interruption, or deliberately broken-sounding audio event.
Introduced at Nat 5
Gramophone records
Gramophone records are disc-based analogue sound recordings played mechanically with a stylus.
Introduced at Higher
Graphical EQ
A graphical EQ uses fixed frequency bands with sliders to boost or cut parts of the spectrum.
Introduced at Higher
Group / bus
A group or bus collects multiple tracks together so they can be controlled or processed as one unit.
Introduced at Higher
Guide vocal
A guide vocal is a temporary vocal recording used to help performers or arrange the production.
Introduced at Nat 4
Guitar pick-up
A guitar pick-up converts string vibration into an electrical signal.
Also called: Pickup
Introduced at Higher
Harmonic plug-ins
Harmonic plug-ins add or shape harmonic content to change the character of a sound.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Harmonics
Harmonics are higher frequency components that contribute to the tone colour of a sound.
Introduced at Higher
Harmoniser
A harmoniser creates extra pitched parts based on an original signal.
Introduced at Higher
Harmony
Harmony is the combination of notes sounding together to support or colour the music.
Introduced at Nat 3
High-pass filter
A high-pass filter allows higher frequencies through while reducing lower frequencies.
Also called: HPF, Low-cut filter
Introduced at Higher
Hip hop
Hip hop is a style and culture often associated with rap, beats, sampling, turntablism, and rhythmic vocal delivery.
Introduced at Nat 5
Homophonic
Homophonic texture has a main melody supported by chordal accompaniment.
Introduced at Nat 5
Hum
Hum is unwanted low-frequency noise, often linked to electrical interference or grounding problems.
Introduced at Nat 5
Hypercardioid polar pattern
A hypercardioid pattern is highly directional, rejecting much side sound while picking up some sound from the rear.
Also called: Hypercardioid
Introduced at Nat 5
Imitation
Imitation happens when one part repeats or echoes an idea first heard in another part.
Introduced at Nat 4
Impedance
Impedance describes opposition to an electrical audio signal and affects how devices connect.
Introduced at Higher
Import/export
Importing brings files into a project; exporting creates files from the project.
Introduced at Nat 5
Improvisation
Improvisation is creating or varying music spontaneously while performing.
Introduced at Nat 3
Indie
Indie is a broad popular music style associated with independent or alternative guitar-based and self-produced traditions.
Introduced at Higher
Input/output
Input/output describes where signals enter and leave a device or system.
Also called: I/O
Introduced at Nat 4
Insert effect
An insert effect processes the full signal directly on an individual track or channel.
Introduced at Higher
Insert point
An insert point allows a processor to be placed directly into a channel signal path.
Introduced at Higher
Instrumental break
An instrumental break is a section where instruments take focus instead of vocals.
Introduced at Nat 5
Interval
An interval is the distance between two pitches.
Introduced at Higher
Intro/outro
An intro starts a production or section, while an outro brings it to an end.
Also called: Intro, Outro
Introduced at Nat 4
Inversion
Inversion changes the order or position of notes in a chord or musical idea.
Introduced at Higher
Inverted pedal
An inverted pedal is a sustained or repeated high note above changing harmony.
Introduced at Nat 5
Irregular time signatures
Irregular time signatures group beats in less common patterns such as 5/4 or 7/8.
Introduced at Higher
Jazz
Jazz is a broad style associated with improvisation, swing feel, extended harmony, and expressive performance.
Introduced at Nat 3
Jazz funk
Jazz funk combines jazz harmony or improvisation with funk grooves and electric instrumentation.
Introduced at Higher
Juke box
A juke box is a coin-operated music playback machine.
Also called: Jukebox
Introduced at Higher
Latency
Latency is the delay between an action and when the sound is heard or recorded.
Introduced at Nat 5
Lead vocal
The lead vocal is the main vocal part in a song or production.
Introduced at Nat 4
Leap
A leap is melodic movement between notes that are not next to each other.
Introduced at Nat 3
LFO
An LFO is a low-frequency oscillator used to modulate another sound parameter.
Also called: Low-frequency oscillator
Introduced at Nat 5
Limiter
A limiter is a dynamics processor used to stop peaks exceeding a set level.
Introduced at Nat 5
Limiting
Limiting is strong compression used to stop peaks going above a set level.
Introduced at Nat 5
Line level
Line level is a standard signal level used by many electronic audio devices.
Introduced at Nat 4
Locators
Locators mark positions or ranges in a DAW timeline.
Introduced at Nat 5
Loop
A loop is a section of audio or MIDI designed to repeat smoothly.
Introduced at Nat 3
Low-pass filter
A low-pass filter allows lower frequencies through while reducing higher frequencies.
Also called: LPF, High-cut filter
Introduced at Higher
Major/minor tonality
Major and minor tonalities describe different key qualities, often heard as brighter or darker.
Also called: Major, Minor, Tonality
Introduced at Nat 4
Markers
Markers label important points or sections in a project timeline.
Introduced at Nat 5
Mastering
Mastering prepares the final mix or pre-master for delivery as a finished audio master.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-soprano is a female voice type between soprano and alto.
Introduced at Nat 5
Microphone
A microphone converts sound waves in the air into an electrical signal.
Introduced at Nat 3
Microphone level
Microphone level is the low signal level produced by a microphone before preamp gain is added.
Introduced at Nat 4
Mid/side processing
Mid/side processing treats the centre and side information of a stereo signal separately.
Also called: M/S processing
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Middle 8
A middle 8 is a contrasting song section, often around eight bars long.
Introduced at Nat 4
MIDI
MIDI is performance and control data that tells devices what to play, rather than storing recorded sound.
Introduced at Nat 3
Minidisc
Minidisc is a small digital recording and playback format.
Introduced at Higher
Mixdown
Mixdown is the process of combining all project tracks into a finished stereo or mono output file.
Introduced at Nat 4
Modulation
Modulation is a change from one key to another.
Introduced at Nat 5
Modulation controller
A modulation controller sends performance data that changes a sound parameter over time.
Introduced at Higher
Mono
Mono audio uses a single channel and places the sound in one central position.
Introduced at Nat 3
Mono(phonic)
Mono or monophonic audio uses one channel.
Also called: Monophonic
Introduced at Nat 3
MP3 players
MP3 players are portable devices designed to store and play compressed digital audio files.
Introduced at Higher
Multi-band compression
Multi-band compression applies compression separately to different frequency ranges.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Multi-effects processor
A multi-effects processor provides several effects in one device or plug-in.
Introduced at Nat 5
Multi-track recording
Multi-track recording records separate parts onto separate tracks for independent editing and mixing.
Also called: Multitrack recording
Introduced at Higher
Multitrack recording
Multitrack recording captures separate parts onto separate tracks so they can be edited and mixed independently.
Introduced at Nat 3
Musical
Musical is a theatre-based style where songs, dialogue, movement, and staging combine to tell a story.
Introduced at Nat 5
Mute
Mute turns off a track, channel, or region so it is not heard.
Introduced at Nat 4
Muted
Muted describes a sound made quieter, softer, or less resonant by damping it.
Introduced at Nat 4
New wave
New wave is a late-20th-century style linked to punk, pop, synth sounds, and studio production.
Introduced at Higher
Noise gate
A noise gate reduces or closes a signal when it falls below a chosen level.
Introduced at Nat 5
Normalisation
Normalisation raises or lowers a file’s level so its highest peak reaches a chosen target.
Introduced at Nat 3
Normalising
Normalising changes the overall level of an audio file in relation to its highest peak.
Also called: Normalisation
Introduced at Nat 3
Octave
An octave is the distance between two notes with the same letter name, one higher or lower.
Introduced at Nat 4
Off the beat
Off the beat means notes or accents happen between the main beats.
Introduced at Nat 3
Omnidirectional polar pattern
An omnidirectional polar pattern picks up sound from all directions.
Also called: Omnidirectional
Introduced at Nat 4
On the beat/off the beat
On-the-beat sounds align with main beats, while off-the-beat sounds happen between them.
Also called: On the beat, Off the beat
Introduced at Nat 3
Organ
An organ is a keyboard instrument that can produce sustained tones.
Introduced at Nat 3
Ostinato
An ostinato is a repeated musical pattern.
Introduced at Nat 3
Overdub
An overdub is a new part recorded while listening to existing material.
Introduced at Nat 4
Overdubbing
Overdubbing means recording a new part while listening to material that has already been recorded.
Introduced at Nat 4
Panning
Panning places a sound further left, centre, or right in the stereo field.
Introduced at Nat 3
Parameters
Parameters are adjustable settings that control how a device, plug-in, or instrument behaves.
Introduced at Higher
Parametric EQ
A parametric EQ lets the user choose frequency, gain, and bandwidth for precise tonal changes.
Introduced at Higher
Patch
A patch is a stored sound or set of settings for an instrument, effect, or processor.
Introduced at Higher
Pause
A pause is a held silence or temporary stop in the music.
Introduced at Nat 3
Peak
A peak is a momentary high point in an audio signal.
Introduced at Nat 4
Pedal
A pedal is a sustained or repeated note, usually in the bass, while harmony changes around it.
Introduced at Nat 4
Percussion instruments
Percussion instruments are played by striking, shaking, scraping, or similar actions.
Introduced at Nat 4
Performance software
Performance software is music software used for live or real-time performance.
Introduced at Higher
Phase
Phase describes the timing relationship between similar waveforms and can affect clarity or cancellation.
Introduced at Higher
Phrase marks
Phrase marks show how musical ideas are grouped or shaped.
Introduced at Higher
Piano
A piano is a keyboard instrument where hammers strike strings.
Introduced at Nat 3
Pitch
Pitch is how high or low a sound seems to the listener.
Introduced at Nat 3
Pitch bend
Pitch bend smoothly raises or lowers pitch, often using MIDI control data.
Introduced at Nat 5
Pitch shift
Pitch shift changes the pitch of audio up or down.
Introduced at Higher
Pizzicato
Pizzicato means plucking the strings of a string instrument.
Introduced at Nat 5
Playback
Playback is listening back to recorded, imported, or sequenced material.
Introduced at Nat 3
Player pianos
Player pianos are self-playing pianos controlled by encoded performance information.
Introduced at Higher
Playlist
A playlist is an organised set of takes, tracks, clips, or playback items depending on the software context.
Introduced at Nat 5
Plucking
Plucking means producing sound by pulling and releasing a string.
Introduced at Nat 3
Plug-ins
Plug-ins are software processors or instruments added inside a DAW.
Also called: Plugins
Introduced at Higher
Polyphonic
Polyphonic texture has two or more independent melodic lines sounding together.
Introduced at Nat 5
Popping and blasting
Popping and blasting are unwanted bursts of air hitting a microphone, often on plosive consonants.
Also called: Plosives
Introduced at Nat 4
Portamento
Portamento makes pitch glide smoothly from one note to another.
Introduced at Higher
Pre-fade and post-fade
Pre-fade and post-fade describe whether a send is taken before or after the channel fader.
Introduced at Higher
Pre-master
A pre-master is the final mix prepared for mastering before the finished master is created.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Preamp modelling
Preamp modelling simulates the tone and behaviour of analogue preamplifiers.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Proximity effect
Proximity effect is the increase in bass response when some directional microphones are used very close to a source.
Introduced at Nat 4
Pulse
Pulse is the steady beat felt through the music.
Also called: Beat
Introduced at Nat 3
Punch in/out
Punch in/out records into and out of a selected section without replacing the whole take.
Also called: Drop in/out
Introduced at Nat 5
Punk
Punk is a style associated with direct energy, simple structures, strong guitars, and raw performance.
Introduced at Nat 5
Q
Q, or bandwidth, controls how wide or narrow an EQ or filter adjustment is.
Also called: Bandwidth
Introduced at Higher
Quantisation
Quantisation moves notes or events closer to a timing grid to make a performance tighter.
Introduced at Nat 5
R&B
R&B is a broad popular style associated with rhythm, vocals, groove, harmony, and polished production.
Also called: R 'n' B, R and B
Introduced at Higher
Radio
Radio is a broadcast technology for transmitting audio to listeners.
Introduced at Higher
Ragtime
Ragtime is a syncopated style often associated with piano music.
Introduced at Nat 4
Rallentando
Rallentando means gradually slowing down.
Also called: Rall
Introduced at Nat 4
Rap
Rap is rhythmic spoken vocal delivery, often used in hip hop and related styles.
Introduced at Nat 4
Record
To record is to capture sound or performance data so it can be played back and edited.
Introduced at Nat 3
Reel-to-reel magnetic tape
Reel-to-reel magnetic tape is an analogue recording format using tape wound on open reels.
Introduced at Higher
Reggae
Reggae is a Jamaican popular music style often recognised by off-beat rhythms, bass focus, and spacious production.
Introduced at Higher
Relative major
A relative major key shares the same key signature as a related minor key.
Introduced at Higher
Relative minor
A relative minor key shares the same key signature as a related major key.
Introduced at Higher
Repetition
Repetition is the return of the same musical idea.
Introduced at Nat 3
Reverb
Reverb creates the impression of acoustic space around a sound.
Introduced at Nat 3
Riff
A riff is a short repeated musical idea, often rhythmic and memorable.
Introduced at Nat 3
Ritardando
Ritardando means gradually slowing down.
Also called: Rit
Introduced at Nat 5
Rock
Rock is a broad popular music style often built around drums, bass, guitars, vocals, and strong rhythmic energy.
Introduced at Nat 3
Rock 'n' roll
Rock 'n' roll is an early popular music style linked to rhythm and blues, strong beat, guitars, and energetic vocals.
Also called: Rock and roll
Introduced at Nat 5
Rolls
Rolls are rapid repeated notes, often played on drums or percussion.
Introduced at Nat 5
S/PDIF
S/PDIF is a digital audio connection format used to transfer stereo digital audio between devices.
Also called: SPDIF
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Sample editor
A sample editor is a tool for detailed editing of an audio sample.
Introduced at Higher
Sample frequency
Sample frequency is the number of digital audio samples captured per second.
Also called: Sample rate
Introduced at Higher
Sampled
Sampled sound is recorded audio that has been captured and reused or triggered.
Introduced at Nat 3
Sampler
A sampler plays back recorded sounds, often triggered by MIDI notes or pads.
Introduced at Nat 5
Sampling
Sampling is the use of recorded sound as musical material in a new context.
Introduced at Nat 4
Saturation
Saturation adds harmonic colour and mild distortion, often inspired by analogue equipment.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Save
Save means storing project work or audio changes so they can be reopened later.
Introduced at Nat 3
Scale
A scale is an ordered set of notes used as the basis for melody or harmony.
Introduced at Nat 4
Scat singing
Scat singing is vocal improvisation using nonsense syllables instead of words.
Introduced at Nat 4
Scottish
Scottish music includes styles and features associated with Scottish traditional and popular music contexts.
Introduced at Nat 5
Send effect
A send effect is shared by multiple tracks through an auxiliary route, often used for reverb or delay.
Introduced at Higher
Sequence
A sequence repeats a musical idea at a higher or lower pitch.
Introduced at Nat 3
Sequenced data
Sequenced data is musical information arranged in time for playback by a sequencer.
Introduced at Nat 3
Sequencer
A sequencer records and organises MIDI or audio events in time so they can be played back accurately.
Introduced at Nat 3
Session log
A session log records what happened during production sessions.
Introduced at Nat 3
Shelving EQ
Shelving EQ boosts or cuts all frequencies above or below a chosen point.
Introduced at Higher
Sibilance
Sibilance is the strong high-frequency sound made by consonants such as 's' and 'sh'.
Introduced at Nat 4
Side-chain compression
Side-chain compression uses one signal to control compression applied to another signal.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Signal path
The signal path is the route audio takes from the source to the recording or playback system.
Introduced at Nat 4
Signal-to-noise ratio
Signal-to-noise ratio compares the wanted signal level with the unwanted noise level.
Also called: SNR
Introduced at Nat 5
Skiffle
Skiffle is a style using simple, often acoustic instrumentation and strong rhythmic drive.
Introduced at Nat 4
Slower/faster
Slower and faster describe changes or comparisons in tempo.
Introduced at Nat 3
Solo
Solo is a DAW or mixer control that lets one track or channel be heard on its own.
Introduced at Nat 3
Soprano
Soprano is a higher female voice range used in vocal arrangement and listening contexts.
Introduced at Nat 4
Soprano/alto/tenor/bass
Soprano, alto, tenor, and bass are common voice ranges used when identifying or arranging vocal parts.
Also called: SATB
Introduced at Nat 4
Soul
Soul is a style associated with expressive vocals, groove, harmony, and roots in gospel and rhythm and blues.
Introduced at Higher
Sound card
A sound card handles audio input and output for a computer system.
Introduced at Nat 5
Spillage/leakage
Spillage or leakage is unwanted sound from one source being picked up by another microphone.
Also called: Spill, Leakage
Introduced at Nat 5
Staccato marks
Staccato marks indicate short, detached notes.
Introduced at Higher
Stepwise
Stepwise movement moves to neighbouring notes rather than leaping.
Also called: Step
Introduced at Nat 3
Stereo
Stereo audio uses two channels to create a sense of width and space.
Introduced at Nat 3
Stereo imaging tools
Stereo imaging tools adjust the perceived width, placement, or stereo character of a sound or mix.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Stereo LPs
Stereo LPs are long-playing vinyl records that reproduce left and right channel information.
Introduced at Higher
Stereo(phonic)
Stereo or stereophonic audio uses left and right channels.
Also called: Stereophonic
Introduced at Nat 3
Streaming audio
Streaming audio is audio delivered over a network for playback without needing a complete downloaded file first.
Introduced at Higher
Striking
Striking means producing sound by hitting an instrument or object.
Introduced at Nat 3
String instruments
String instruments produce sound from vibrating strings.
Introduced at Nat 4
Strophic
Strophic form repeats the same music for different verses or stanzas.
Introduced at Nat 5
Strumming
Strumming means brushing across several strings to sound them together.
Introduced at Nat 3
Submix
A submix combines several related tracks into a smaller grouped mix.
Introduced at Higher
Swing
Swing is a jazz-related style and rhythmic feel where notes are played with a characteristic long-short pattern.
Introduced at Nat 4
Synchronisation
Synchronisation means keeping events accurately aligned in time.
Introduced at Nat 4
Syncopation
Syncopation emphasises normally weaker beats or off-beat positions.
Introduced at Nat 4
Synth pop
Synth pop is pop music strongly featuring synthesisers, electronic drums, sequencing, and studio production.
Introduced at Nat 4
Synthesiser
A synthesiser creates sound electronically using methods such as oscillators, filters, envelopes, samples, or digital modelling.
Also called: Synth
Introduced at Nat 3
Take
A take is one recorded attempt at a part or performance.
Introduced at Nat 4
Tape emulator
A tape emulator simulates tonal effects associated with analogue tape recording.
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Tempo
Tempo is the speed of the music, usually measured in beats per minute.
Introduced at Nat 3
Tenor
Tenor is a higher male voice range used in vocal arrangement and listening contexts.
Introduced at Nat 4
Ternary form
Ternary form has three main sections, often described as ABA.
Also called: ABA form
Introduced at Nat 4
Threshold
Threshold is the level at which a processor begins to act.
Introduced at Higher
Through-composed
Through-composed music does not rely on repeated sections in the same way as verse-chorus or strophic forms.
Introduced at Higher
Time changes
Time changes are changes of time signature or metric feel within a piece.
Introduced at Higher
Time compression and expansion
Time compression and expansion changes the length of audio without intending to change pitch.
Also called: Time stretching
Introduced at Higher
Time domain
Time domain refers to effects or processing based on time, such as delay and reverb.
Introduced at Nat 3
Time signature
A time signature shows how beats are grouped in bars.
Also called: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8
Introduced at Nat 4
Tone control
A tone control changes the tonal balance of a sound, often with simple bass and treble controls.
Introduced at Nat 4
Tone/semitone
A semitone is the smallest common step in Western pitch; a tone is two semitones.
Introduced at Nat 5
Toolbox
A toolbox is a set of editing or production tools available in software.
Introduced at Nat 5
Track
A track is a lane or channel in a DAW used to hold audio, MIDI, or instrument material.
Introduced at Nat 3
Track object
A track object is an item or region on a DAW track that contains audio, MIDI, or other event data.
Introduced at Higher
Transport bar/controls
Transport bar or transport controls are the play, stop, record, and navigation controls in a DAW.
Also called: Transport bar
Introduced at Nat 4
Transport controls
Transport controls are the playback and recording controls in a DAW or recorder.
Also called: Transport bar
Introduced at Nat 4
Transpose
Transpose means moving notes or audio up or down in pitch.
Introduced at Nat 5
Tremolo
Tremolo is a repeated change in volume.
Introduced at Higher
Triggering
Triggering starts a sound, sample, or process in response to an event.
Introduced at Higher
Unaccompanied
Unaccompanied means a melody or part is heard without supporting accompaniment.
Introduced at Nat 3
Unison
Unison means two or more performers or parts play or sing the same pitch or melody together.
Introduced at Nat 3
USB port
A USB port is a common computer connection used for audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, storage, and other devices.
Also called: USB
Introduced at Nat 3
Valve emulator
A valve emulator simulates tonal characteristics associated with valve or tube equipment.
Also called: Tube emulator
Introduced at Advanced Higher
Vamp
A vamp is a repeated accompaniment pattern or section.
Introduced at Nat 4
Velocity
Velocity is a MIDI value that usually represents how hard a note is played.
Introduced at Higher
Verse and chorus
Verse and chorus are common song sections, with verses developing lyrics and choruses usually carrying the main hook.
Introduced at Nat 4
Vibrato
Vibrato is a repeated small variation in pitch.
Introduced at Higher
Vinyl LPs and 45 rpm records
Vinyl LPs and 45 rpm records are analogue disc formats used for music playback and distribution.
Also called: Vinyl LP, 45 rpm record
Introduced at Higher
Virtual instrument tracks
Virtual instrument tracks use software instruments to create sound from MIDI or programmed data.
Also called: VI tracks, Software instrument tracks
Introduced at Nat 3
Virtual instruments
Virtual instruments are software instruments that generate sound inside a computer or DAW.
Also called: Software instruments, VIs
Introduced at Higher
Vocal enhancer
A vocal enhancer is processing intended to improve or stylise the sound of a vocal.
Introduced at Nat 5
Vocoder
A vocoder uses one signal, often a voice, to shape another sound such as a synth.
Introduced at Higher
Voice/vocals
Voice or vocals are sung or spoken human sound used as a musical or production source.
Introduced at Nat 3
Volume
Volume is the perceived loudness of a sound or the playback level set by a control.
Introduced at Nat 3
Walking bass
A walking bass is a moving bass line, often using steady notes to outline the harmony.
Introduced at Nat 5
WAV/AIFF file
WAV and AIFF are common uncompressed audio file formats.
Also called: WAV, AIFF
Introduced at Nat 4
Waveform
A waveform is the visual shape of an audio signal over time.
Introduced at Nat 3
Wax cylinder
A wax cylinder is an early recording medium used to capture and play back sound mechanically.
Introduced at Higher
Whole tone scale
A whole tone scale is made entirely of whole-tone steps.
Introduced at Nat 5
Woodwind instruments
Woodwind instruments produce sound using air, often through a reed or across an opening.
Introduced at Nat 4
World music
World music is a broad label used for music drawing from diverse global traditions and cultural contexts.
Introduced at Higher