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Understanding musical signs and symbolsSigns and symbols

Composers use a range of signs and symbols to convey how they want their music to be played. Understanding these will help you perform more accurately and with more style.

Part of MusicUnderstanding music

Signs and symbols

It is a useful exercise to look at the music for a piece you are learning to play and check for some of the signs and symbols mentioned here.

Find the time signature. Look for the tempo marking. Check if there are any dynamics, repeats or pauses.

Follow the music below as you listen to the piece being performed. Notice the different signs and symbols and how they affect how the performer plays.

The sheet music for Will Ye No Come Back Again

'Will Ye No Come Back Again?'