B

Backwards

Literally taking the notes of a tune and playing them backwards starting from the last note. This may or may not involve using the same note-valves or note-lengths.

Balance

In performance, the art of ensuring that the correct instruments/voice or instrumental/vocal lines are at the forefront where this is appropriate.

Bar/Bar Line

The vertical line used to metrically divide the music is the bar line, and the space between those bar lines is called a bar. Two vertical lines close together, often at the end of a piece, but sometimes in the middle are a double bar.

Beat

A unit of measurement of pulse, e.g. ¾ means three 'beats' in a bar etc. The action of a conductor is usually one of beating time to the pulse.

Binary

A piece of music in two sections which may be contrasted in some way. This musical form or structure is also known as ‘AB’ form. The first section is called ‘A’ and the second section ‘B’.

Black notes

Refers to the 'black' notes of the piano.

Body Sounds

Any sounds made by using body parts, e.g. clicking, stamping, clapping, thumping, rubbing - and including 'mouth' sounds.

By step

Moving from one note to an adjacent one either up or down, e.g. on a xylophone playing the following - C D E D E F G F G A etc.