Sheet Music

 Piano Sheet Music Symbols

Here are the definitions for the piano sheet music symbols you listed, with details, examples, and pronunciation. 

These symbols, known as dynamics, tell you how loud or soft to play.

pp

• Definition: Abbreviation for pianissimo, meaning "very soft."

• Pronunciation: pee-ah-NEE-see-moh

• Details: This is one of the quietest dynamic markings you will see.
  It is used to indicate a whisper-quiet sound.
  When a composer wants you to play even quieter, they may use ppp.

p

• Definition: Abbreviation for piano, meaning "soft."

• Pronunciation: pee-AH-noh

• Details: This is the base marking for a soft volume.
  When you see this, you should play at a gentle, subdued level.

mp

• Definition: Abbreviation for mezzo-piano, meaning "moderately soft."

• Pronunciation: MET-zoh pee-AH-noh

• Details: This is a dynamic level that is a little louder than piano but still not loud.
  It is a very common marking that provides a balanced, conversational volume.

mf

• Definition: Abbreviation for mezzo-forte, meaning "moderately loud."

• Pronunciation: MET-zoh FOR-tay

• Details: This is the opposite of mezzo-piano.
  It's a standard volume for a strong, clear melody that isn't overly aggressive.

f

• Definition: Abbreviation for forte, meaning "loud."

• Pronunciation: FOR-tay

• Details: This marking indicates a loud, full-bodied sound.
  It is a core dynamic for powerful or dramatic passages.

ff

• Definition: Abbreviation for fortissimo, meaning "very loud."

• Pronunciation: for-TIS-ee-moh

• Details: This is one of the loudest dynamic markings, used for a forceful and powerful sound. Composers may use fff for even greater intensity.

Coda

• Definition: An Italian term meaning "tail."
  It marks the final concluding section of a piece of music.

• Pronunciation: KOH-dah

• Details: The Coda provides a sense of finality and resolution.
  It is often reached by a a "D.S. al Coda" or "D.C. al Coda" marking, telling the musician to jump to the Coda section after a repeated section.
  The Coda symbol itself is a circle with a cross on it.

Segno

• Definition: An Italian term meaning "sign." It is a symbol that marks the beginning of a repeated section of music.

• Pronunciation: SEH-nyoh

• Details: You will find this symbol used with the term Dal Segno (D.S.), which means "from the sign." It instructs the performer to go back to the Segno sign and continue playing until a second instruction (like "al Coda") is reached.

Sforzando

• Definition: An Italian term meaning "forced." It indicates a strong, sudden accent on a single note or chord.

• Pronunciation: sfort-SAHN-doh

• Details: A sforzando is often abbreviated as sf or sfz. It is not a general dynamic level but an accent that applies to a specific note, making it stand out sharply from the surrounding music.