Music Glossary

Science of vibrations, sounds and their propagation; in music, it also describes the behavior of rooms and instruments.

Magnitude of a variation; for sound, it relates to perceived loudness and the energy of the wave.

Initial transient of a sound, shaping its perceptive identity.

Periodic variation in amplitude produced by two close frequencies interfering; used to tune instruments.

Signal whose components are often irregular; it may be musical material, parasitic hiss or percussive texture.

Noise whose energy is distributed evenly across the audible spectrum.

Noise whose energy decreases by 3 dB per octave, producing equal energy per octave and a balanced spectrum for listening tests.

Decibel Full Scale: scale in which 0 dBFS corresponds to the maximum digital level, with all values negative or equal to zero.

Decibel scale referenced to the threshold of human hearing (20 microPa), used to express sound pressure level.

Logarithmic unit expressing the ratio between two quantities, widely used for sound levels and audio gains.

Difference between the loudest and quietest levels of a signal or piece, expressed in decibels.

Temporal evolution of a sound's amplitude, often described by attack, decay, sustain and release.

Lowest partial of a periodic sound, determining its perceived pitch.

Region of increased energy in the spectrum of a sound, characteristic of vowels and of the timbre of voices and instruments.

Number of cycles per second of a periodic phenomenon; for sound, perceived as pitch.

Lower region of the audible pitch range, or a sound characterized by low partials.

Component of a periodic sound whose frequency is an integer multiple of the fundamental.

Perceived attribute of a sound that allows it to be classified on a scale from low to high.

Sound waves with frequencies below the threshold of human hearing (below about 20 Hz).

Deviation of partials from exact integer multiples of the fundamental, characteristic of stiff strings and some percussion instruments.

Acoustic power transmitted per unit area, expressed in watts per square meter; closely related to perceived loudness.

Auditory phenomenon in which a louder sound makes a quieter sound at a similar frequency inaudible.

Mechanical longitudinal wave propagating through an elastic medium, characterized by its frequency, amplitude and waveform.

Sinusoidal component of a complex sound, identified by its frequency.

Position of a periodic signal within its cycle; two signals in phase reinforce each other, while out-of-phase signals can partially cancel.

Reinforcement of a vibration at certain frequencies, characteristic of acoustic bodies and of sympathetic vibration.

Persistence of sound in a space after the source stops, due to multiple reflections off walls, ceiling and floor.

Perceived intensity of a sound, dependent on its level, frequency content and duration.

Distribution of a signal's energy across frequencies, often visualized as a graph.

Duration for which a note continues to sound after being produced, depending on the instrument and the playing style.

Attribute of sound that allows two sounds of the same pitch and loudness to be distinguished (e.g. a violin from a flute).

Short, high-energy portion at the very beginning of a sound (attack), important for its perceptive identity.

Sound waves with frequencies above the threshold of human hearing (above about 20 kHz).

Symbol grouping several staves that belong to the same instrument family or performer in a score.

Symbol (sharp, flat, natural, double sharp, double flat) that alters the pitch of a note on the staff.

Set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a staff indicating the tonality of a piece.

Vertical line on a staff that separates measures (bars).

Symbol (natural) that cancels a previous sharp or flat and returns a note to its natural pitch.

Symbol that lowers a note by a semitone.

Note value lasting two quarter notes, written with an open notehead and a stem.

Clef indicating the position of F below middle C, used for lower voices and instruments such as bassoon, cello and trombone.

Clef indicating the position of G above middle C on the second line of the staff, used for most higher voices and instruments.

Clef indicating the position of middle C on the staff; variants include the alto and tenor clefs.

Note value lasting half a quarter note, marked with a flag or a beam.

Rest with the duration of two quarter rests, written as a filled rectangle sitting on the middle line.

Rest with the duration of an eighth note.

Symbol that raises a note by a semitone.

Solfège system in which each note always corresponds to the same syllable, regardless of the key.

Solfège system in which "Do" always designates the tonic of the current key.

Symbol that lowers a note by two semitones.

Note value lasting a quarter of a quarter note, marked with two flags or two beams.

Symbol that raises a note by two semitones.

Relative duration of a note, indicated by its shape (whole, half, quarter, eighth, etc.).

Symbol indicating a silence of defined duration in the score.

Vertical line attached to a notehead, indicating duration and, by its direction, the position on the staff.

Curved line connecting two notes of the same pitch to indicate that they should be played as a single sustained note.

Short line added above or below the staff to represent notes outside its range.

Note value lasting one quarter of a whole note, written with a filled notehead and a stem.

System of note names using the letters A to G, common in English-speaking countries and in popular music.

Note whose duration is extended by half of its original value through the addition of a dot.

Technique of layering a sound with a copy pitched one octave above or below to reinforce or thicken the timbre.

Individual sheet giving the notes of a single instrument or voice, extracted from the full score.

Written document presenting all the parts of a musical work on staves aligned vertically or as separate parts.

Rest whose duration equals a whole note; in many notations, also used to indicate a full measure of silence in any meter.

Set of five parallel lines and four spaces on which notes are written to indicate their pitch.

Performance instructions indicating a return to a sign (D.S.) or to the beginning (D.C.) of the piece.

Note value lasting four quarter notes, written as an open notehead without a stem.

Rest spanning an entire measure, generally notated as a whole rest regardless of the time signature.

System of teaching music through sight singing and dictation, using note names (Do, Re, Mi...) and rhythmic exercises.

Rest with the duration of a quarter note.

Notation system specific to an instrument, indicating finger or fret positions rather than pitches (used for guitar, bass, etc.).

Oval or rectangular part of a written note indicating its pitch and, in some cases, its duration.

Difference between the written pitch of a transposing instrument and its sounding pitch.

Group of three notes played in the time of two of the same value, indicated by a small "3".

Progressive acceleration of the tempo.

Emphasis placed on a beat or note, generally stronger than surrounding events.

Slow tempo, between andante and largo; also a movement or passage at this tempo.

Fast and lively tempo.

Moderate tempo, between adagio and moderato, often associated with a walking pace.

Indication to return to the original tempo after a deviation (such as ritardando or accelerando).

Emphasis on beats 2 and 4 in a 4/4 meter, characteristic of rock, pop and many popular styles.

Subdivision of the beat into two equal parts, as opposed to ternary.

Unit measuring the tempo of a piece as the number of beats per minute.

Short passage where the main rhythmic pattern stops or changes, often used to build tension before a drop.

Rhythmic event occurring between the main beats or on a weak part of the beat.

Quantity of rhythmic information per unit of time, often perceived as the density of hits.

Main beat of a measure, perceived as the strongest; beat 1 in most meters.

Pause symbol placed above a note or rest, indicating that its duration should be extended at the performer's or conductor's discretion.

Rhythmic feel of a piece, produced by the interplay of micro-timing, dynamics and accents, encouraging the listener to move.

Rhythmic feel in which the perceived pulse is twice as slow as the actual beat, with accents on beats 1 and 3.

Rhythmic device in which two meters are felt simultaneously, producing a 3-against-2 effect.

Symbol at the start of a piece indicating the number of beats per measure and the value of the beat.

Very slow tempo, broader than adagio, often solemn.

Segment of musical time delimited by bar lines, containing a defined number of beats as specified by the time signature.

Meter in which each beat is divided into three equal parts, giving a felt ternary subdivision.

Meter in which each beat is divided into two equal parts, giving a felt binary subdivision.

System of regular pulses organized in measures, governing the rhythmic feel of a piece.

Device (mechanical, electronic or software) producing regular pulses at a defined tempo to help with practice and performance.

Moderate tempo, between andante and allegro.

Tempo marking indicating a pulse of 120 quarter notes per minute.

Short rhythmic pattern repeated insistently throughout a passage or an entire piece.

Short repeating rhythmic formula, characteristic of a style or a piece.

Use of two or more meters simultaneously, each voice or instrument following its own metric grouping.

Combination of two or more contrasting rhythms played simultaneously, characteristic of many African and Afro-diasporic traditions.

Regular beat underlying a piece of music, perceived as a continuous alternation of tension and release.

Process of aligning recorded notes to a rhythmic grid, tightening timing at the cost of natural feel if used heavily.

Gradual slowing of the tempo, broader and less precise than ritardando.

Gradual slowing of the tempo, generally with a precise notation of the duration of the slowing.

Flexible, expressive treatment of tempo, with small accelerations and slowdowns at the performer's discretion.

Organization of sounds and silences in time, perceived through patterns of duration, accent and grouping.

Slightly swung or shuffled rhythmic feel, with the second eighth note of each beat coming late; also a function that randomizes playback order.

Meter whose beat grouping does not divide evenly into two or four (e.g. 5/4, 7/8).

Rhythmic feel in which pairs of eighth notes are played unequally (the first longer, the second shorter), characteristic of jazz.

Rhythmic device in which an accent is displaced from a strong beat to a weak beat or offbeat.

Speed at which a piece is played, measured in beats per minute (BPM).

Beat within a measure that is perceived as less accented than the strong beats.

Beat within a measure that is perceived as accented, typically the first beat of a meter.

Subdivision of the beat into three equal parts, as opposed to binary.

Rhythmic grouping in which a number of notes different from the standard subdivision occupies the time of another value (triplet, quintuplet, etc.).

Note or group of notes preceding the first downbeat of a phrase, often counted as the last beat of a previous measure.

Upper region of the audible pitch range, or a sound characterized by high partials.

Pitch range covered by a voice, an instrument or a piece.

Note or group of notes preceding the first downbeat of a phrase.

Musical organization that does not rely on a tonal center and avoids traditional functional harmony.

Use of notes outside the prevailing diatonic scale, often by half-step motion.

Shape of a melody as it rises and falls, abstracted from its precise intervals and rhythm.

Position of a note within a scale, numbered from the tonic (1) to the leading tone (7).

Smallest interval in Western equal temperament, corresponding to one twelfth of an octave.

Reference pitch, traditionally A = 440 Hz, used to tune instruments and ensembles.

Use of notes belonging to the prevailing diatonic scale, as opposed to chromaticism.

Mode beginning on the second degree of the major scale, with a minor third and a major sixth.

Scale made up entirely of semitones, comprising twelve notes per octave.

Scale made up of five tones and two semitones in a fixed pattern, characteristic of major and natural minor modes.

Identity of pitch between notes written differently (C# and Db, for example), often used for voice leading.

Natural minor mode beginning on the sixth degree of the major scale.

Ordered sequence of notes spanning an octave (or more), defining a tonal or modal vocabulary.

Minor pentatonic scale with an added diminished fifth ("blue note"), characteristic of blues, rock and jazz.

Diatonic scale with a specific pattern of tones and semitones (TTSTTTS), considered bright and resolutive.

Minor scale with a raised seventh, producing a leading tone and a characteristic augmented second.

Minor scale with a raised sixth and seventh ascending, returning to natural minor descending in classical practice.

Minor scale with neither raised sixth nor raised seventh, also known as Aeolian.

Scale of five notes per octave, widely used across many musical traditions.

Ability to identify or produce a given note without an external reference, often called "perfect pitch".

Distance in pitch between two notes, measured in semitones or by name (second, third, fourth, etc.).

Mode identical to the major scale, beginning on the first degree of the major scale.

Accuracy with which a performer plays or sings notes relative to a reference pitch.

Reference pitch used to tune instruments and ensembles, traditionally A = 440 Hz.

Mode beginning on the seventh degree of the major scale, with a diminished fifth and a minor second.

Mode beginning on the fourth degree of the major scale, with a raised fourth.

Linear succession of notes perceived as a coherent musical phrase, with its own contour, rhythm and character.

Use of intervals smaller than the semitone, requiring tuning systems beyond standard 12-tone equal temperament.

Mode beginning on the fifth degree of the major scale, with a lowered seventh.

Scale with a specific intervallic pattern, used as the basis of a piece or section.

Change of key within a piece; in synthesis, the use of one signal to vary a parameter of another.

Short recognizable melodic or rhythmic fragment, often used as the building block of a piece.

Interval between two notes whose frequencies are in a 2:1 ratio, divided into twelve equal semitones in Western music.

See "Absolute pitch": ability to identify or produce a given note without an external reference.

Ability to identify or produce notes and intervals by reference to a known starting note.

Unit of musical discourse, generally comparable to a sentence, ending with a cadence.

Mode beginning on the third degree of the major scale, with a minor second and a minor third.

Interval spanning five diatonic steps (seven semitones in equal temperament), fundamental to tonal harmony.

Region of an instrument's or voice's range with homogeneous tonal characteristics (chest, head, falsetto).

Seventh scale degree, located a semitone below the tonic and pulling toward it.

Repetition of a melodic pattern at different pitch levels, ascending or descending.

Tuning system dividing the octave into twelve equal semitones, the standard in most Western music since the 19th century.

Range of pitches most used in a vocal part or instrumental writing, distinct from the absolute range.

Interval spanning three diatonic steps (three or four semitones, major or minor).

Musical interval of two semitones; also a synonym for pitch or for a specific tonal center.

System organizing music around a tonic, with hierarchical relationships between chords; also a synonym for key.

First degree of a scale, serving as the point of rest and resolution.

Process of moving a piece or a passage to a different pitch level, preserving its intervallic relationships.

Interval of three whole tones (six semitones), traditionally considered dissonant and central in tonal tension.

Identity of pitch between two notes; also the doubling of a melody at the same pitch by several voices or instruments.

Combination of at least three notes sounded simultaneously and perceived as a single harmonic entity.

Adjustment of the pitch of an instrument's strings or oscillators to a reference pitch, often A = 440 Hz.

Triad whose fifth is raised by a semitone, producing an augmented fifth interval from the root.

Chord built on the fifth degree of the key, generally creating tension that calls for resolution to the tonic.

Triad with an additional note stacked a seventh above the root, giving a characteristic color.

Chord built by stacking two minor thirds: a diminished triad, often extended to a diminished seventh.

Triad built from a major third and a perfect fifth above the root.

Triad built from a minor third and a perfect fifth above the root.

Chord in which the third is replaced by a second or fourth, creating a suspension that usually resolves to a major or minor triad.

Non-chord tone approached by leap and resolved by step, usually on a strong beat.

Notes of a chord played in succession rather than simultaneously.

Notation indicating the chords to be realized above a bass line, using numbers and accidentals.

Continuous bass line of the Baroque era, accompanied by chords realized by one or several instruments, often harpsichord and cello.

Bass line formed by the root notes of successive chords, abstracted from their inversions.

Chord progression that concludes a phrase or a section, creating a sense of repose or expectation.

Cadence moving from dominant to tonic, considered the strongest conclusive cadence in tonal music.

Cadence moving from subdominant to tonic, often called the "Amen" cadence.

Cadence in which the expected resolution to the tonic is replaced by an unexpected chord, usually the subdominant.

Simplified notation indicating the chords of a piece, their position in the form and sometimes their duration.

Combination of sounds perceived as stable or pleasant, depending on the cultural and historical context.

Secondary melodic line that accompanies a main melody, often in dialogue or counterpoint with it.

Technique of combining several independent melodic lines that remain coherent together, codified by species counterpoint.

Combination of sounds perceived as tense or unstable, depending on the cultural and historical context.

Recording or performance that duplicates another, often slightly altered (octave doubling, doubling a vocal take).

Ordered succession of chords forming the harmonic backbone of a piece or section.

Role of a chord within a key (tonic, subdominant, dominant, etc.), guiding its resolution.

Note on which a chord is built, defining its name and identity.

Simultaneous combination of notes and the rules governing their succession; in narrower usage, the practice of accompanying a melody with chords.

Art and practice of adding chords or additional vocal lines to a melody.

Restructuring of a chord so that a note other than the root is in the bass; also a melodic technique in which ascending intervals become descending ones.

Pattern of chords repeated at different pitch levels, often following a diatonic or chromatic direction.

Harmony based on modes rather than on functional tonal harmony, often with a static, coloristic character.

Non-chord tone connecting two chord tones by stepwise motion, often on a weak beat.

Sustained note, usually in the bass, over which chords change, creating tension between stability and motion.

Combination of two or more chords played simultaneously, each retaining its own identity.

Texture in which several independent melodic lines sound at the same time.

Movement from a dissonant or unstable chord to a more stable one, generally along the line of least voice leading.

Harmonic technique in which a dominant chord is replaced by another dominant whose root lies a tritone away.

Chord of four notes, often referring to a seventh chord (root, third, fifth, seventh).

Chord of three notes stacked in thirds (root, third, fifth), the basis of tonal harmony.

Distribution of a chord's notes among instruments or voices, and the choice of which notes to include, double or omit.

Song form organized in four sections: two similar A sections, a contrasting B section (bridge), then a return of A.

Musical form built from three sections where the first returns after a contrasting middle section.

Musical form built from two distinct sections, usually repeated (AABB or similar).

Musical part that supports a soloist or main melody, whether improvised or written.

Adaptation of a pre-existing musical work for a new instrumentation or a new style, including harmonies, voicings and sometimes structural changes.

Instrumental musical piece, usually short and rhythmic, designed to be used as backing for a vocal or in a commercial context.

Section of a track where the full arrangement thins out, often reducing drums and harmonic elements.

Contrasting section, often near the end of a song, that connects verses or choruses and prepares the final return.

Improvised or written passage, usually near the end of a movement, where the soloist plays freely without orchestra.

Compositional technique in which a melody is imitated by one or several voices entering successively.

Closing section of a piece, added after the main structure to bring it to a definitive end.

Act and result of writing a musical work; also the work itself.

Section of a song that advances the narrative or argument, generally alternating with a chorus.

Central section of a sonata-form movement, exploring and transforming the material of the exposition.

Moment in a track (often electronic or hip-hop) where tension resolves into a heavy beat or main hook.

Opening section of a sonata-form movement, presenting the main thematic material in the tonic and a contrasting key.

Concluding movement of a multi-movement work, often brilliant and resolutive in character.

Large-scale form organizing a movement in three parts: exposition, development, recapitulation.

Short, memorable musical or lyrical element designed to catch the listener's attention and stick in memory.

Short instrumental or vocal passage connecting two parts of an album, a show or a longer work.

Opening section of a piece, setting its mood, tempo or thematic material before the main sections.

Recurring musical theme associated with a character, idea or situation, characteristic of operatic and film music.

Short rhythmic or melodic passage, usually improvised or semi-improvised, used to transition between sections.

Self-contained section of a larger work, with its own tempo, character and form.

Art of distributing a musical composition among the instruments of an orchestra or other ensemble.

Concluding section of a piece, gradually winding down the arrangement to the end.

Section between the verse and the chorus, building tension and preparing the chorus entry.

Final section of a sonata-form movement, where the thematic material of the exposition returns in the tonic key.

Section of a song that repeats with the same lyrics and melody, often the most memorable element.

Short, recognizable melodic or rhythmic figure repeated throughout a piece, often central to its identity.

Recurring instrumental passage in a concerto or aria, framing the solo sections.

Form in which a main theme alternates with contrasting episodes (ABACA, ABACABA, etc.).

Instrumental composition organized as a sequence of contrasting movements, often dance-based.

Distinct melodic idea serving as a building block of a piece, often developed or varied.

Form in which the music continuously develops without repeating fixed sections such as verses or choruses.

Main vocal melody of a song, often written by a topline writer or producer over an existing instrumental.

Compositional technique in which a theme is repeated with modifications (melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, timbral).

Vocal performance without instrumental accompaniment.

Agitated, restless playing style, generally fast and nervous.

Indication to play a string instrument with the bow, as opposed to pizzicato.

Way of starting, sustaining and ending a note (legato, staccato, accent, etc.) or a passage.

Indication to play or sing in a singing, expressive manner.

Progressive increase in loudness.

Indication to return to the beginning of the piece, sometimes followed by "al fine" to end at a specific point.

Progressive decrease in loudness.

Bow stroke in which each note is articulated by a separate bow movement.

Indication to play sweetly and softly.

On a bowed string instrument, the playing of two notes simultaneously on adjacent strings.

Dynamic indication meaning loud.

Dynamic indication meaning very loud.

Slide from one pitch to another, either continuous (as on a fretless instrument) or stepwise (as on a piano).

Indication to play or sing notes smoothly, with no perceptible silence between them.

Indication to play or sing each note with a stronger accent than usual.

Dynamic indication meaning moderately loud.

Dynamic indication meaning moderately soft.

Note or group of notes added to a melody to embellish it, either written or improvised (trill, mordent, turn, grace note).

Art of shaping a musical line by grouping notes into expressive units with their own dynamics and breath.

Dynamic indication meaning very soft.

Dynamic indication meaning soft.

Indication to pluck the strings with the fingers, instead of using the bow, on a bowed string instrument.

Smooth glide from one pitch to another, often controlled by a dedicated wheel or gesture on a synthesizer.

Immediate reduction of tempo, often sustained until a new indication.

Sudden, strong accent on a single note or chord.

Indication to play or sing notes short and detached, with a clear silence between them.

Indication to bow the string close to the bridge, producing a thin, glassy timbre.

Indication to bow the string over the fingerboard, producing a soft, flute-like timbre.

Indication to hold a note for its full value, sometimes with a slight emphasis.

Rapid repetition of a single note (on strings or voice), or rapid modulation of a sound parameter (tremolo effect on synthesizers).

Rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, indicated by "tr" with a wavy line.

Regular, small variation of pitch (or amplitude) around a note, used to add warmth and expression to a sustained tone.

High level of technical mastery in performing an instrument or singing, often associated with demanding repertoire.

Lowest female or highest male adult singing voice, depending on the classification used.

Secondary vocal lines supporting a lead singer, often harmonized and sung by one or several performers.

Adult male singing voice between tenor and bass.

Lowest adult male singing voice.

Powerful mixed-voice singing technique, often used in pop, rock and musical theater to project in the higher register.

Vocal technique in which the mouth stays closed, producing a muffled, nasal timbre (M-buzz or humming).

Vocal technique producing two distinct pitches simultaneously, often associated with Tuvan and Mongolian traditions.

Monophonic liturgical chant of the Roman Catholic Church, named after Pope Gregory I and codified over centuries.

Virtuosic vocal writing featuring rapid runs, ornaments and leaps, often in the high register.

Lowest female singing voice, between mezzo-soprano and tenor.

Clarity and accuracy of articulation and pronunciation in sung or spoken performance.

Vocal register above the modal voice, produced with relaxed vocal folds, sounding breathier and lighter.

Rhythmic and melodic delivery of rap lyrics, characterized by its tempo, accentuation and breath control.

Improvised performance without predetermined material; in hip-hop, improvisation of rhymes over a beat.

Combination of several voices singing different notes at the same time, supporting a main melody.

Spontaneous creation of melodic and rhythmic material with the voice, often over a pre-existing chord progression.

Group of several notes sung on a single syllable, characteristic of Gregorian chant and many vocal traditions.

Female singing voice between soprano and contralto.

Person who writes the lyrics of songs, distinct from the composer of the music.

Subjective perception of where a singer feels resonance (chest, mask, head), shaping tone and projection.

Rhythmic and intonational aspects of speech, applied in music to the natural flow of sung lyrics.

Vocal delivery style characterized by rhythmic speech over a beat, foundational to hip-hop.

Vocal improvisation in jazz using nonsense syllables, in dialogue with the instrumentalists.

Highest female or boy singing voice.

Highest adult male singing voice in the classical range.

Vocal register in which the notes resonate primarily in the chest and head, producing a fuller, deeper timbre.

Vocal register in which the notes resonate primarily in the head and sinus cavities, producing a lighter, higher timbre.

Thin vibrating element (wood, cane, synthetic) that produces sound in wind instruments such as clarinet, saxophone or oboe.

Stick with stretched horsehair used to set strings vibrating on bowed string instruments.

Low-register fretted string instrument played with the fingers or a pick, generally amplified.

Set of percussion instruments played by a single performer, including kick, snare, toms, hi-hat and cymbals.

Instrument family in which sound is produced by air vibrating through a tube, generally using a reed or an air jet (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone).

Electronic instrument that generates drum and percussion sounds arranged in patterns.

Musical ensemble composed mainly of brass instruments (trumpets, horns, tubas) with percussion.

Drum with metal or gut strings stretched across the lower head, giving a characteristic crisp attack.

Music written for a small instrumental ensemble, with one player per part.

Pair of cymbals mounted on a stand and operated by a foot pedal, used for timekeeping and color in drum kits.

Group of singers performing together, whether amateur or professional, secular or liturgical.

MIDI controller keyboard used to play and control virtual or external instruments, generally without built-in sounds.

Instrument family in which strings are set vibrating by a bow (violin, viola, cello, double bass).

Instrument family in which strings are set vibrating by being plucked (guitar, harp, lute, harpsichord).

Instrument family in which sound is produced by the player's lips buzzing into a mouthpiece (trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba).

Group of musicians performing together, whether formally organized or ad hoc.

Standard Western symphonic orchestra, generally comprising around eighty to one hundred musicians.

Large drum hit with the foot, producing the low punch of the drum kit; also a synthesized equivalent.

Guitar whose sound is produced by the resonance of the body without electronic amplification.

Solid or semi-hollow body guitar whose strings' vibrations are converted into an electric signal by magnetic pickups.

Instrument whose sound is produced without electrical or electronic amplification of the vibration itself.

Acoustic instrument whose sound is captured and modified by electroacoustic means (pickups, contact microphones, processing).

Instrument whose written notes sound at a pitch different from the concert pitch; the discrepancy is the instrument's transposition.

Craft of building and repairing string instruments; by extension, applied to other instrument families.

Keyboard instrument playing back pre-recorded tapes of real instruments, widely used in progressive rock and pop.

Large instrumental ensemble combining strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion, used for symphonic music and large-scale repertoire.

Keyboard instrument producing sound from pipes supplied with air (pipe organ) or from electronic or digital oscillators.

Family of instruments whose sound is produced by being struck, shaken or scraped (drums, cymbals, xylophone, marimba...).

Acoustic keyboard instrument whose hammers strike strings when keys are pressed, producing a wide dynamic range.

Group of musicians playing the same instrument family (violin section, cello section, etc.).

Chamber ensemble of two violins, viola and cello, and the repertoire written for it.

Group of instruments in an ensemble responsible for the rhythmic and harmonic foundation (drums, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboard).

Standalone device dedicated to recording, editing and playing back MIDI sequences, without requiring a computer.

Electronic instrument generating sound from oscillators and shaping it through filters, envelopes and modulation.

Pair of shallow single-headed drums played with sticks, central to Latin music.

Group of three musicians or performers; in chamber music, several specific formations (piano trio, jazz trio).

Genre developed in Nigeria in the late 1960s-1970s, combining Yoruba music, highlife, jazz, funk and militant lyrics.

Contemporary umbrella term for West African popular dance music from the 2000s onward, distinct from the earlier Afrobeat.

Genre and aesthetic emphasizing texture, atmosphere and space, often with few or no rhythmic accents.

Western art music period roughly from 1600 to 1750, characterized by basso continuo, ornamentation and contrasting affects.

Jazz style developed in the 1940s, characterized by fast tempos, complex harmonies and virtuosic improvisation.

American acoustic music style derived from Appalachian traditions, with virtuosic instrumental breaks and tight harmonies.

African-American musical form built on a twelve-bar structure and the blues scale, foundational to jazz, rock and many modern genres.

Brazilian musical style from the late 1950s, combining samba rhythms with jazz harmonies.

Genre of electronic music built from sampled drum breaks, typically with syncopated, broken patterns.

Musical composition combining lyrics and music, generally of moderate length and structured around verses and a chorus.

Western art music tradition, generally used for the period from the mid-18th to the early 20th century, though the term also covers earlier music.

American popular music genre rooted in the folk and blues traditions of the rural South, with characteristic instrumentation and vocal styles.

Jamaican popular music genre from the late 1970s, rooted in reggae and characterized by digital production.

Dance music genre that emerged in the United States in the mid-1970s, characterized by four-on-the-floor beats, orchestral arrangements and a strong groove.

Electronic music genre built on fast breakbeats (around 170 BPM) and deep sub-bass lines.

Genre and production practice derived from reggae, emphasizing remixed instrumental versions with heavy use of effects.

Electronic Dance Music: umbrella term covering several genres of commercial dance music intended primarily for club play and festivals.

Electronic music genre from the early 1980s, built on drum machines, synthesizers and a robotic aesthetic.

Music rooted in the traditional songs and instrumental practices of a community, often transmitted orally.

African-American music genre from the 1960s-1970s emphasizing syncopated grooves, tight rhythm sections and dance.

African-American Christian music genre rooted in spirituals, characterized by powerful vocals, call-and-response and rich harmonies.

British electronic music genre from the early 2000s, characterized by rapid tempos, cold synths and aggressive MC delivery.

Umbrella term covering several aggressive electronic dance music styles, often very fast (150 to 200+ BPM).

Rock music genre from the late 1960s and 1970s, characterized by heavily distorted guitars, powerful rhythms and a high tessitura.

Cultural movement and music genre originating in the Bronx in the 1970s, encompassing rap, DJing, breakdancing and graffiti.

Dance music genre originating in Chicago in the early 1980s, built on four-on-the-floor beats and synthesized basslines.

Umbrella term for music produced and distributed independently of major labels, sometimes also a specific aesthetic.

Musical tradition originating in the United States in the early 20th century, built on improvisation, swing and a rich harmonic vocabulary.

Korean popular music genre with strong visual and choreographic dimensions, characterized by polished production and group formats.

Aesthetic and production style that embraces technical imperfections (noise, saturation, limited bandwidth) as creative choices.

Compositional practice using recorded sounds as raw material, modified by tape and electronic means.

Music written in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, encompassing a wide variety of aesthetics and techniques.

Music composed or selected to accompany a film, often with narrative or emotional functions.

Music in which electronic instruments, processors or computer-based tools play a central role in production.

Music exploring new techniques, sounds or structures, often outside conventional frameworks.

Compositional current characterized by slow processes, repetition and gradual transformation of simple material.

Music transmitted within a community over generations, often linked to specific rituals, regions or instruments.

Rock subgenre from the late 1970s and 1980s, incorporating electronic and pop influences with a distinctive visual aesthetic.

Dramatic musical form combining singing, instrumental music and staging, originating in late 16th-century Italy.

Popular music genre aimed at a wide audience, characterized by accessible melodies, clear structures and mainstream production.

Rock subgenre using rock instrumentation for textures and builds more typical of electronic or ambient music.

Rock subgenre from the mid-1970s, characterized by short, fast songs, raw production and a DIY ethos.

Rhythm and blues style developed from the 1980s onward, blending soul, funk, hip-hop and electronic production.

Jamaican popular music genre from the late 1960s, characterized by offbeat rhythms, prominent bass and social or spiritual themes.

Popular music genre from the 1950s and 1960s rooted in rock and roll, with electric guitars, bass, drums and a strong beat.

Latin dance music genre developed in the Caribbean and New York in the 1960s and 1970s, blending Cuban son, mambo and jazz.

Jamaican popular music genre from the late 1950s, precursor to reggae, characterized by offbeat guitar or piano strokes.

African-American music genre developed in the late 1950s and 1960s, blending gospel, R&B and pop with a strong emotional delivery.

Electronic dance music genre developed in Detroit in the mid-1980s, characterized by repetitive machine-like rhythms and futuristic aesthetics.

Hip-hop subgenre from the Southern United States (Atlanta), characterized by heavy 808s, hi-hat rolls and dark atmospheres.

Electronic music style developed in the 1990s (Bristol, UK), blending hip-hop beats, dub atmospheres and soulful vocals.

Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release: envelope model describing how a sound's amplitude evolves over time, used in synthesizers and samplers.

MIDI message sent when additional pressure is applied to a key already held down, used to modulate sound parameters.

Device or function that automatically plays the notes of a chord one after another, according to a chosen pattern.

Automatic control of a parameter over time within a DAW or hardware device, often drawn as curves.

Digital effect that deliberately reduces bit depth and/or sample rate, producing harsh, lo-fi artifacts.

Short music video produced to accompany and promote a song; in audio, also refers to a signal exceeding the available headroom.

Hardware device sending MIDI messages (often via USB) to control software instruments or external gear.

Real-time or offline process that adjusts the pitch of a vocal or instrumental performance, sometimes transparently, sometimes as a stylistic effect.

Software application for recording, editing, mixing and producing audio and MIDI on a computer.

Plugin or device that hosts several drum samples on pads, allowing them to be triggered and processed individually.

Practice of reusing excerpts from pre-existing recordings to build new musical works, subject to clearance rules.

Short recorded sound used as a building block in a composition or production, either via a sampler or directly within a DAW.

Shape, usually with ADSR stages, that controls the evolution of a synthesis parameter over time.

Synthesis technique that divides a sound into very short grains (typically 10 to 100 ms) and reassembles them with varied parameters.

Software instrument running inside a DAW or standalone, generally loaded as a plugin.

Low Frequency Oscillator: oscillator running below the audible range, used to modulate another signal's parameter.

Device or software that records a passage in real time and plays it back as a loop, allowing layers to be built live.

Assignment of physical controls (knobs, faders, pads) on a controller to specific parameters in software.

Musical Instrument Digital Interface: standard protocol for communicating musical information between instruments, controllers and computers since 1983.

MIDI Continuous Controller: MIDI message type used to transmit continuous values (volume, modulation, pan, etc.).

MIDI real-time message sending tempo information, used to synchronize multiple devices.

MIDI messages indicating the start and end of a note, along with its pitch and velocity.

MIDI Polyphonic Expression: extension of MIDI allowing each note to be controlled independently in multiple dimensions.

Sound-generating element of a synthesizer, producing a periodic waveform (sine, saw, square, triangle...).

Visual representation of MIDI notes on a grid, with time on the horizontal axis and pitch on the vertical axis.

Distinct stream of audio or MIDI within a project, holding one element of the arrangement.

MIDI message allowing continuous pitch change, usually controlled by a wheel or a touch strip.

Software module loaded inside a host application (often a DAW) to add synthesis, effects or processing functions.

Pre-saved configuration of parameters, ready to be loaded into a synthesizer, effect or software.

Instrument or software that records, stores and triggers samples (short sounds) according to MIDI input.

Recorded series of MIDI messages (notes, controllers, etc.) that can be played back and edited.

Synthesis technique building a sound by adding sine wave partials of controlled frequency, amplitude and phase.

Frequency Modulation synthesis: technique using one oscillator (the modulator) to modulate the frequency of another (the carrier), producing complex spectra.

Synthesis technique starting from a harmonically rich waveform and using filters to remove partials, shaping the timbre.

Process of changing the duration of an audio signal without altering its pitch (or vice versa with pitch-shift).

Process of rendering a track (or a group of tracks) into a temporary audio file to free CPU resources while keeping its place in the project.

MIDI value (0-127) representing how hard a note is played, used to modulate dynamics and timbre.

Virtual Studio Technology: plugin standard developed by Steinberg for instruments and effects, widely supported across DAWs.

Function in a DAW (notably Ableton Live) that allows the timing of audio to be adjusted to a chosen tempo without changing its pitch.

Synthesis technique using a periodically updated table of single-cycle waveforms to generate evolving tones.

Alesis Digital Audio Tape: multitrack digital audio recording and transfer protocol using optical fiber, originally on tape.

DC voltage (commonly +48 V) sent through microphone cables to power condenser microphones and active direct boxes.

Pop filter placed in front of a microphone to reduce plosive consonants (p, b, t).

Operation that renders a project, a track selection or a stem into a finished audio file.

Internal routing path that gathers several signals to be processed together (group bus, FX bus, mix bus).

Audio cable using two signal conductors with inverted polarity plus a ground, rejecting common-mode interference over long runs.

External device that converts analog audio signals into digital data (and vice versa) and connects microphones, instruments and monitors to a computer.

Metronome track played in the headphones or monitors to keep performers synchronized during recording or live shows.

Accompaniment of a soloist or lead voice using chords and rhythmic patterns, especially in jazz.

Conversion of an analog signal into a digital signal by sampling and quantization.

Conversion of a digital signal into an analog signal for listening or further analog processing.

Device converting a high-impedance unbalanced signal into a low-impedance balanced one, used to plug instruments directly into a mixer or audio interface.

Listening to the input signal directly from the audio interface before it passes through the computer, eliminating latency.

Practice of optimizing signal levels at each stage of the audio chain to maximize quality and minimize noise or distortion.

Difference between the operating level of a signal and the maximum level a system can handle before distortion.

Total opposition of a circuit to alternating current, expressed in ohms; relevant for matching microphones, instruments and inputs.

Delay between the moment a signal enters an audio chain and the moment it emerges at the output.

Standardized nominal signal level for interconnecting audio equipment, generally around -10 dBV (consumer) or +4 dBu (professional).

Microphone using a capacitor whose capacitance varies with sound pressure, requiring external power (phantom or internal battery).

Microphone using a thin metallic ribbon suspended in a magnetic field as its transducer, known for its smooth character.

Microphone whose pickup pattern is heart-shaped, more sensitive in front than behind.

Microphone using a moving coil attached to a diaphragm, robust and requiring no external power.

Microphone equally sensitive in all directions, capturing the sound environment as well as the main source.

Listening to a recording or a live performance through defined speakers or headphones; also the activity of checking audio quality.

Recording and production approach in which several audio sources are captured or stored on separate tracks, then combined.

Additional recording performed over an existing take, often layering instruments or vocal parts.

Passive circuit reducing the level of a signal before it enters a preamp, used when the source is too hot for the input.

Reversal of the positive and negative poles of an audio signal, sometimes used to fix phase problems between microphones.

Stage that boosts a low-level signal (microphone, instrument) to line level, often providing phantom power and impedance matching.

Single recorded attempt of a performance, identified by a number and possibly retained, picked over or combined with others.

Recording technique in which recording starts at a specific point (punch in) and ends at another (punch out), replacing only a defined passage.

Technique of playing back a recorded dry guitar or bass signal through an amplifier and re-recording the result, to change the tone in post-production.

Recording of the ambient sound of a room or location without main action, used to fill cuts and preserve acoustic continuity.

Recording session: working period during which tracks are captured in a studio or on location.

Continuous signal whose value varies in proportion to the physical quantity it represents.

Discrete signal represented by numbers sampled at regular intervals, encoding an analog signal.

Submix of several tracks grouped by family (drums, vocals, bass...) delivered as a single audio file for mixing or mastering.

Additional take of the same piece recorded during a session, generally differing from the master take.

Communication channel between the control room and the recording space or stage, allowing the producer or engineer to talk to the performers.

Tool, hardware or software, that visualizes the frequency content of an audio signal in real time.

Parameter of a compressor defining how quickly gain reduction reaches its nominal value after the signal exceeds the threshold.

Routing path that sends a copy of a signal to an internal bus, where it is processed (often by a time-based effect) and returned mixed with the original.

Relative level between the different tracks or sources of a mix; also the soundcheck before a performance.

Range of frequencies a system can transmit or reproduce between defined attenuation limits.

Limiter designed to prevent any sample from exceeding a defined ceiling, named after its "brick wall" response curve.

Function that temporarily removes a processor or effect from the signal path, used for A/B comparison.

Time-based effect created by mixing the original signal with one or several slightly detuned and delayed copies, thickening the sound.

Distortion produced when a signal level exceeds the maximum value a system can encode or reproduce, causing the waveform tops to be cut off.

Dynamics processor that reduces the level of the loudest parts of a signal above a defined threshold.

Mixing technique in which a heavily compressed copy of a signal is blended with the original to add density and presence.

Transition between two audio sources where one fades out as the other fades in.

Dynamic processor designed to reduce sibilants (harsh "s" and "t" sounds) in vocals or other sources.

Time-based effect that plays back one or several copies of a signal after a defined time, creating echoes.

Non-linear alteration of a signal that adds new harmonics, generally perceived as a roughening or saturation.

Low-level noise deliberately added before reducing bit depth to linearize quantization artifacts.

Control on an effects processor that adjusts the proportion between the unprocessed signal (dry) and the processed signal (wet).

Automatic attenuation of one signal triggered by the presence of another, often used to lower music under a voice.

Distortion that occurs between two consecutive samples when a digitally reconstructed analog signal exceeds 0 dBFS.

Adjustment of the balance between frequency bands of an audio signal, to shape timbre or solve masking problems.

Equalizer in which each band can be adjusted in frequency, gain and bandwidth (Q).

Harmonic enhancer that adds synthesized overtones to a signal to make it sound more present and lively.

Dynamics processor that increases the dynamic range by reducing the level of signals below the threshold; sometimes refers to a sound module.

Linear or rotary control used to adjust the level of a signal or a parameter over time.

Loop in which a signal captured by a microphone or pickup is re-amplified, producing a sustained tone or howl; also the return signal from an output to an input.

Filter that attenuates frequencies below a cutoff point while letting higher frequencies pass through.

Filter that attenuates frequencies above a cutoff point while letting lower frequencies pass through.

EQ band shaped like a bell curve, boosting or cutting a defined range of frequencies around a center frequency.

EQ curve that boosts or cuts all frequencies above (high shelf) or below (low shelf) a defined frequency.

Modulation effect produced by mixing a signal with a slightly delayed copy whose delay is modulated, creating a sweep reminiscent of a jet plane.

Amount of amplification applied to a signal, often expressed in decibels.

Output gain applied after compression to compensate for the level reduction caused by the compressor.

Dynamics processor that lets a signal pass only when it exceeds a defined threshold, reducing unwanted noise between phrases.

Perception of the spatial position of sound sources within the stereo field, shaped by panning, levels and processing.

Point on a mixer or audio interface where an external processor can be patched into a channel's signal path.

Extreme compressor with a high ratio (often infinite:1) that prevents a signal from exceeding a defined ceiling.

Perceived loudness measured with a model such as ITU-R BS.1770, expressed in Loudness Units relative to Full Scale.

Loudness metric quantifying the variation of loudness over a piece, used to describe its dynamic range as perceived by the listener.

Final stage of audio post-production, in which a mix is refined, balanced and prepared for distribution across formats.

Stereo recording and processing technique separating the central mono signal (Mid) from the side information (Side).

Process of balancing, processing and combining multiple recorded tracks into a coherent stereo or multichannel program.

Single-channel audio program or mix, as opposed to stereo or multichannel.

Adjustment of a file's overall level so that its loudest sample reaches a defined target (often -1 dBFS or 0 dBFS).

Adjustment of a file's overall level to a defined loudness target, usually expressed in LUFS.

Parameter distributing a mono signal between the left and right channels of a stereo field.

Modulation effect using all-pass filters to create a series of notches in the spectrum, producing a sweeping effect.

Time between the dry signal and the onset of its reverberated tail, used to control the perceived size of a space.

Parameter of a filter or EQ band defining the sharpness of the response around its center frequency.

Parameter of a compressor defining how much gain reduction is applied once the signal exceeds the threshold (e.g. 4:1 means 4 dB input becomes 1 dB output above threshold).

Parameter of a compressor defining how quickly gain reduction returns to zero after the signal falls below the threshold.

Signal processor that simulates the acoustic reverberation of a real or imaginary space.

Non-linear processing that introduces controlled harmonic distortion, often perceived as warmth, density or edge.

Level above which a dynamics processor (compressor, limiter, gate) starts acting on the signal.

Auxiliary input to a dynamics processor that uses an external signal as the trigger for gain reduction (e.g. ducking a pad with the kick).

Audio recording or reproduction using two distinct channels (left and right) to convey spatial information.

Measurement of inter-sample peaks, expressed in dBTP, used to prevent clipping downstream of lossy codecs.

On stage, the instruments placed behind the front performers (drums, amplifiers, keyboards).

DJ technique that aligns the tempos and beats of two tracks so they play in phase.

In a club or venue, the DJ booth is the elevated or separated space housing the DJ's equipment.

Tool, hardware or software, that measures the tempo of an audio signal in beats per minute.

Horizontal fader on a DJ mixer that blends the signal of two channels: pushing it to one side favors the corresponding channel.

Marker placed at a precise moment in a track to enable quick jumps, loops or beat synchronization in DJ software.

Performance by a DJ mixing and arranging tracks in real time.

Main loudspeaker system facing the audience in a venue or at a concert, distinct from stage monitors.

Auxiliary routing path that sends a portion of a signal to a processor (often a time-based effect) and returns it mixed with the dry signal.

Position and equipment serving the main mix sent to the audience in a concert, distinct from stage monitoring.

User-defined marker placed on a track in DJ software, allowing instant jumps to that point.

Short musical piece, generally with lyrics, designed for advertising or broadcast identification.

Verification, before the soundcheck, that all microphones, instruments and lines are correctly routed and functioning.

Section of a track looped on the fly to extend a passage or create a rhythmic bed.

Composition or remix combining elements from two or more pre-existing songs, generally without authorization.

Audio mixer dedicated to DJing, generally with two or more channels, a crossfader and EQ per channel.

Loudspeaker placed on stage facing the performers, allowing them to hear themselves and the rest of the band.

Saved configuration of parameters for a synthesizer, effect or software instrument.

Space housing the mixing console and monitoring in a studio or broadcast environment; also the activity of directing a recording or broadcast.

New version of an existing recording, reworking its elements and structure with new arrangements or production.

Document attached to a contract specifying the technical requirements of an artist or show (instruments, microphones, monitors, backline, stage setup).

DJ technique of manually moving a vinyl record back and forth on a turntable to produce rhythmic, percussive sounds.

Ordered list of pieces performed during a concert or DJ set.

Pre-performance rehearsal during which levels, equalization and monitoring are adjusted for each source.

Complete amplification and playback setup; in Jamaican culture, also a mobile setup used for outdoor parties.

Function in DJ software that automatically aligns the tempo of one track to another (often combined with beat sync).

Function on a DJ mixer or processor that automatically attenuates the music when the DJ speaks into the microphone.

Musical reworking of a pre-existing piece, often to fit a new instrumentation, style or context.

Artists and Repertoire: department or activity within a record label responsible for scouting, developing and following artists, and for choosing the repertoire to be produced.

Person who interprets and performs a musical work, whether live or recorded.

Person who writes the lyrics or the textual content of a song.

Activity of organizing and managing an artist's concert dates, often handled by a booking agent or agency.

Body of works owned or administered by a publisher, label or rights holder, generally identified by ISWC, ISRC or other identifiers.

Person who creates musical works, whether original or for specific commissions.

Contract by which an author grants a music publisher the right to exploit their works under defined conditions.

Contract authorizing the use of a work, a recording or a brand under conditions set by the rights holder.

Set of exclusive rights granted to the author of an original work, including the right to reproduce and communicate it to the public.

Mention of the contributors to a musical work, whether in the liner notes, on screen or in databases.

Formal registration of a work with a collecting society or registry, attesting its creation date and authorship.

Company that delivers music to streaming platforms, download stores and other online services, on behalf of labels or independent artists.

Body of legal rights protecting the author of an original work, including moral and economic rights.

Right authorizing the public performance, broadcast or streaming of a work, subject to remuneration.

Right authorizing the fixation and copying of a work, subject to authorization by the rights holder.

Rights granted to performers, producers and broadcasters over their contributions to a recorded work, distinct from copyright.

Company or person that administers the rights of musical works on behalf of authors, collecting royalties and licensing uses.

Credit indicating the participation of a guest artist on a track, alongside the main artist.

International Standard Recording Code: unique identifier assigned to each sound recording, used for tracking royalties.

International Standard Musical Work Code: unique identifier assigned to a musical composition (as distinct from a specific recording).

Company that produces, distributes and markets sound recordings, owning the rights to those recordings.

Authorization to use a musical work in synchronization with a visual element (film, advertisement, video game).

Final reference recording from which copies or distribution files are produced.

Rights covering the reproduction of a musical work on physical media or via download, generating mechanical royalties.

Structured information describing a recording or a work: title, artist, album, ISRC, ISWC, BPM, key, etc.

Person responsible for selecting, commissioning and licensing music for audiovisual productions (films, series, advertisements, games).

Person responsible for the artistic direction of a recording, shaping arrangements, performances and sonic choices.

Person or entity financing and organizing the production of a sound recording, owning the related rights.

Activity of administering and exploiting musical works on behalf of their authors, collecting royalties and licensing uses.

Allocation of royalties between the various rights holders of a work (authors, publishers, performers, producers).

Payments made to rights holders (authors, performers, producers, publishers) for the exploitation of a work or recording.

Société des Auteurs, Compositeurs et Éditeurs de Musique: French collective management society collecting and distributing royalties for musical works.

Process of obtaining authorization to use an excerpt of a pre-existing recording, generally in exchange for credit and payment.

Document recording the ownership shares of the contributors to a song (writers, producers, performers), used to register splits with collecting societies.

Process of aligning several devices or tracks to a common time reference (timecode, MIDI clock, etc.).

Person operating the cutting lathe that produces the master lacquer (or DMM) of a vinyl record.

Universal Product Code / European Article Number: barcode identifier used to track retail products, including albums and singles.

Advanced Audio Coding: lossy digital audio compression format, successor to MP3 in many distribution contexts.

Audio Interchange File Format: uncompressed audio file format developed by Apple, comparable to WAV.

Apple Lossless Audio Codec: lossless compression format developed by Apple.

Coherent published collection of several musical pieces, generally on a single physical or digital medium.

Number of bits used to encode each audio sample; affects dynamic range and noise floor.

Amount of data used per second to encode audio or video, generally expressed in kilobits or megabits per second.

Compact Disc Digital Audio standard defined in the Red Book, encoding 16-bit / 44.1 kHz PCM stereo.

Algorithm or device that encodes and decodes a digital audio or video stream, whether lossy or lossless.

Data compression that discards information deemed less important, reducing file size at the cost of fidelity.

Data compression that preserves all the original information, allowing exact reconstruction of the source.

File format that bundles audio data, metadata and sometimes video or subtitles (WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP4, MKV...).

Preliminary version of a musical work, often recorded to present a project to a label, publisher or partner.

Complete list of recordings attributed to an artist, ensemble or label.

Extended Play: recording longer than a single but shorter than a full album, generally 4 to 6 tracks.

Free Lossless Audio Codec: open-source lossless audio compression format.

Number of samples per second used to represent an analog signal digitally, expressed in Hz or kHz.

Audio format with specifications higher than CD (above 16-bit / 44.1 kHz), generally 24-bit and sample rates from 48 kHz to 192 kHz or more.

Metadata container embedded in MP3 files (and other audio formats), containing information such as title, artist, album and year.

Final version of a recording prepared for distribution (streaming, download, physical media), respecting technical delivery specifications.

MPEG-1 Audio Layer III: lossy audio compression format widely used for music distribution.

Open multimedia container format maintained by the Xiph.org Foundation, often paired with Vorbis or Opus codecs.

Latin word meaning "work", used to number a composer's works, often in the order they were published.

Pulse Code Modulation: fundamental method of encoding analog audio digitally by sampling and quantization.

Ordered list of tracks compiled for listening or broadcasting, whether personal, editorial or automatic.

Final stage of a sound's envelope, from the moment the input stops until the sound is inaudible.

New mastering of an existing recording, generally to update its sound for a new format or distribution context.

Recording released as a standalone track, usually to promote an album or an artist.

Real-time transmission of audio or video content over a network, without requiring full download before playback.

Distribution model in which the user acquires a permanent copy of a track or album, rather than accessing it via streaming.

Phonograph record cut into a PVC disc, played back with a stylus; by extension, the format itself.

Open-source lossy audio compression format developed by the Xiph.org Foundation, often paired with the Ogg container.

Waveform Audio File Format: standard uncompressed audio file format developed by Microsoft and IBM, widely used in professional audio.