AP Music Theory Flashcards: Dynamics and Articulation
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What does the term 'attack' refer to in the context of articulation?
In the context of articulation, 'attack' refers to the way a sound starts.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
What does the term 'attack' refer to in the context of articulation?
In the context of articulation, 'attack' refers to the way a sound starts.
What do the dynamic markings 'mp' and 'mf' represent?
'mp' stands for mezzo piano (medium soft), and 'mf' stands for mezzo forte (medium loud).
Identify two distinct ways articulation can be shown in a musical score.
Articulation can be shown with symbols such as staccato dots, legato lines, or slurs, or it can be indicated with words like 'sempre tenuto'.
Name three specific symbols used to indicate articulation.
Three symbols used for articulation are staccato dots, legato (or tenuto) lines, and slurs. Marcato accents are another example.
What do the dynamic markings 'p' and 'f' stand for?
The dynamic marking 'p' stands for piano (soft), and 'f' stands for forte (loud).
When sight-singing a notated melody, what three types of markings must be applied?
When sight-singing, the performer must apply all indicated markings for dynamics, articulation, and tempo.
How are dynamics typically indicated in notated music?
Dynamics are typically marked using abbreviations for Italian words, such as 'pp' for pianissimo (very soft) or 'ff' for fortissimo (very loud).
What do 'pp' and 'ff' stand for in musical notation?
'pp' stands for pianissimo, meaning very soft, while 'ff' stands for fortissimo, meaning very loud.
Define 'articulation' in the context of musical performance.
Articulation is an aspect of performance that describes how a sound starts and ends, and how detached or connected adjacent pitches are.
How would a musician identify changes in articulation in a piece of performed music?
A musician would listen for how sounds start and end, and notice whether adjacent pitches are played in a detached (staccato) or connected (legato) manner.