Diminuendo: sometimes written out or as decrescendo, or abbreviated as decresc., or written as a marking. Play gradually softer
Tempo markings tell the pace (or speed) which are to play
The tempo is usually marked at the top of the piano piece, before you begin. Sometimes songs will change tempo in middle of the song. The composer will write when to change the speed. There are not any special markings for the tempo the word is just written out.
: fast and lively, cheerfully
Various markings: There are numerous other markings throughout a song. These are some of the more common.
a tempo: play the same speed as when you started the song
coda: the ending phrases of a song
D.S. al coda
D.S. al coda: stands for Dal Segno al Coda. Instead of continuing to the end of the song, return to the marking, play until the
From there, immediately go to the Coda, without any pauses while moving around in the song.
Fermata: fermata, fermata, hold it longer than you should be. A silly but easy way to remember that the fermata makes a note to be held about twice as long as it usually is.
Legato: sometimes legato is written out, but often it is represented by a slur. Play the notes smoothly and connected.
Octave, or 8va: play an octave higher or lower
: written before any words means a little
: often abbreviated to rit.
, it means to gradually slow down
: play the notes suddenly, very loud and forcefully
Staccato: the dot means to make the note jumpy and detached
Tenuto mark: press into the note, giving it its full value. Give the note extra emphasis by simply stressing the its count value
Tremolo: play the notes back and forth as rapidly as you can
Yoke Wong recommends the Easy Beginner Piano Course