Symphony Orchestra Technique Dictionary

How a symphony orchestra is organised, how sections work together, conducting terms and the rehearsal vocabulary every orchestral player needs.

6 sections, 104 terms planned

• 🎻
  Section Structure
  18 terms

  Strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, seating layout

• 👤
  Roles and Hierarchy
  14 terms

  Concertmaster, principal, section player, assistant

• 🎯
  Conducting
  20 terms

  Beat patterns, cues, downbeat, cutoff, subdivision

• 📖
  Rehearsal Vocabulary
  22 terms

  Rehearsal marks, tacet, tutti, divisi, a due, cue notes

• 🎵
  Repertoire Forms
  16 terms

  Symphony, concerto, overture, tone poem, suite

• 🎭
  Performance Practice
  14 terms

  Bowing uniformity, blend, balance, ensemble intonation

This encyclopedia is being written. In the meantime, explore the violin technique dictionary, which is complete with 230 defined terms, browse the rest of the music dictionary, or use our free practice tools.