| Term | Definition |
| A Cappella | (adj) Without musical accompaniment |
| Aria | (n) An elaborate vocal piece sung by a single voice as in an opera |
| Cadence | (n) The balanced rhythmic flow or beat of poetry, oratory, dancing or music |
| Crescendo | (n) A gradual increase, especially in the volume or intensity of sound in a musical passage |
| Dissonance | (n) A harsh and disagreeable combination of sounds; discord. Lack of agreement, consistency or harmony; conflict |
| Libretto | (n) The text of an opera or other dramatic musical work |
| Motif | (n) In a musical composition, a repeated significant phrase that identifies an idea or character; recurring theme |
| Octave | (n) The musical interval of eight full tones |
| Sonata | (n) An instrumental musical composition, as for the piano, usually consisting of three or four movement or parts, varying in key mood or tempo |
| Staccato | (adj) In music, cut short crisply; disconnected. Composed of short sharp sounds or parts |