List of musical symbols. Lines[edit] Clefs[edit] Clefs define the pitch range, or tessitura, of the staff on which it is placed. A clef is usually the leftmost symbol on a staff. Additional clefs may appear in the middle of a staff to indicate a change in register for instruments with a wide range. In early music, clefs could be placed on any of several lines on a staff. Glossary of Musical Terms. Music Glossary: Terminology. Glossary of musical terminology. This is a list of musical terms that are likely to be encountered in printed scores, music reviews, and program notes.
Most of the terms are Italian (see also Italian musical terms used in English), in accordance with the Italian origins of many European musical conventions. Sometimes, the special musical meanings of these phrases differ from the original or current Italian meanings.