Music Vocabulary

Harmony (noun): the combining of musical notes that sound good when played or sung together - If we don't sing in harmony, it'll sound terrible.

sample (verb): to copy a sound or section of music from a record or audio file - We sampled a snare-drum break from an old soul record. -

the part of a song with the same melody and words each time it's heard - "I'll sing the verses, and you sing the choruses."

catchy (adjective): enjoyable when first heard, and difficult to forget - It's so catchy! I can't stop hearing it in my head.

a cappella: without instrumental accompaniment the choir sang the song a cappella.

Lyrics (noun): the words of a song - If you don't listen to the lyrics, you won't know what a song is about.

album (noun): a collection of songs released - Do you have Michael Jackson's album ¨Thriller¨

acoustic (adjective): without built in electrical equipment to amplify the sound - I can play acoustic guitar, but I can't play electric guitar.

Mainstream (adjective): ¨popular¨and preferred by most people - usually heard on radio stations and TV.

EDM (noun): electronic dance music

Instrumental (adjective): played on instruments, without vocals - "There's a long instrumental section in the middle of the song."

Melody (noun): a tune, or the notes of a song - Can you whistle the song's melody?

the part of a song with the same melody but different words each time it's heard - "The song has a chorus and three verses."

collaborate (verb): to work together with someone to write, produce or sing something together - "Has Ed Sheeran collaborated with Drake yet?"

Hit (noun): a best-selling song on the pop-music charts - It's a great song. It'll be a hit for sure.

(the) charts (noun): lists of the best-selling songs of the previous week - Our single got to the top of the charts!