Lesson

Music

Musical vocabulary and instruments

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Music Vocabulary — Introduction

This lesson introduces essential vocabulary related to music. You will learn nouns, verbs, and expressions commonly used when talking about performances, recordings, and events. Focus on meaning, collocations (words that commonly go together), and professional contexts such as concerts, corporate events, and studio work.

  • Learn key words (e.g., composer, repertoire, ensemble).
  • See examples in business and event contexts.
  • Practice with quizzes to check understanding.

Table

Key Music Vocabulary

Word Part of speech Definition Example
composer noun A person who writes music, especially classical music. The composer presented his new symphony to the orchestra.
conductor noun The person who directs an orchestra or choir during a performance. The conductor rehearsed the string section before the opening night.
repertoire noun The collection of works that a performer or group is prepared to perform. The quartet expanded its repertoire to include modern pieces.
ensemble noun A small group of musicians who perform together. The jazz ensemble performed at the company gala.
melody noun A sequence of musical notes that is musically satisfying; a tune. The melody of the advertisement jingle is very catchy.
rhythm noun A pattern of sounds or beats in music. The marketing team used a steady rhythm in the promotional video.
track noun An individual recorded song on an album. The new album has ten tracks, including a lead single.
rehearse verb To practice a performance before presenting it to an audience. The band will rehearse the setlist twice before the show.
audition noun / verb A trial performance to assess a performer's suitability. She passed the audition and was invited to join the orchestra.
acoustics noun The quality of sound in a room or venue. The conference hall's acoustics were excellent for the keynote recital.

Tip

How to learn music vocabulary

Focus on meaning and usage in context:

  • Learn collocations: 'rehearse a set', 'record a track', 'perform live'.
  • Differentiate similar terms: 'composer' (writes music) vs 'songwriter' (writes songs).
  • Pay attention to countability: 'music' (uncountable) vs 'song/track' (countable).
  • Use terms in short sentences related to events and business: e.g., 'We hired an ensemble for the gala.'

Practice vocabulary with role-plays (event planning, recording sessions).

Example

Examples in context

The company hired a string quartet for the annual gala.

Our marketing video uses a simple melody to make the message memorable.

The band rehearsed their set at the venue the day before the event.

Please submit your audition tape if you want to join the ensemble.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when using music vocabulary:

  • Treating 'music' as countable (e.g., 'a music') — 'music' is uncountable.
  • Confusing similar nouns: 'song' vs 'piece' vs 'track' — choose based on context.
  • Using the wrong verb with a noun: say 'record a track', not 'make a track' in formal contexts.
  • Incorrect article usage: 'the orchestra' vs 'an orchestra' depends on specificity.
  • Mixing up role nouns: 'conductor' (leads) vs 'producer' (oversees recordings).

When in doubt, check a reputable dictionary for countability and common collocations.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about the word for a collection of works a performer can play.

Quiz

Complete: The band will _____ at the conference next Friday.

Hint: Think of the verb for presenting music live.

Quiz

Which word best completes the sentence: The singer recorded a new _____ for the album.

Hint: Think about the term for a single recorded song on an album.

Key Points

Vocabulary

composer

noun CEFR B2 //kəmˈpəʊzər//

A person who writes music.

The composer completed the score for the corporate video.

Vocabulary

repertoire

noun CEFR B2 //ˈrɛpərtwɑː(r)//

The set of pieces or works that a performer or group can perform.

The orchestra refreshed its repertoire to attract a younger audience.

Vocabulary

rehearse

verb CEFR B1 //rɪˈhɜːrs//

To practice a performance before presenting it to an audience.

We will rehearse the playlist on Wednesday afternoon.

Vocabulary

track

noun CEFR B1 //træk//

An individual recorded song on an album.

The producer selected three tracks for the single release.

Vocabulary

ensemble

noun CEFR B2 //ɒnˈsɑːmbəl/, /ˈɑːnsɑːmbl//

A group of musicians who perform together.

The ensemble will perform background music during the reception.

Vocabulary

acoustics

noun CEFR B2 //əˈkuːstɪks//

The quality of sound in a room or venue; how sound behaves in a space.

The venue's acoustics were checked before booking the recital.