Jun 12 / Joey

US vs UK Music Terminology

a handy guide

If you're trying to learn music theory online you have likely noticed that American and UK music terminology can sometimes feel like two different languages. This can be make the process of learning music theory even more complex (especially if you're trying to learn on your own).  So let me help you! In this post, I'll break down the key distinctions you need to know to bridge the gap between US and British music terminology.

Note Names and Rhythmic Values

One of the most noticeable differences between US and UK music terminology is the way note names and rhythmic values are described. Take a look at the images and description below to understand the different terms:

🇬🇧 Semibreve

🇺🇸 Whole Note

 🇬🇧 Minim

🇺🇸 Half Note

🇬🇧 Crotchet

🇺🇸 Quarter Note

 🇬🇧 Quaver

🇺🇸 Eighth Note

 🇬🇧 Semiquaver

🇺🇸 Sixteenth Note

Less common note values

 🇬🇧 Breve

🇺🇸 Double Whole Note

 🇬🇧 Demisemiquaver

🇺🇸 Thirty-second Note

These names remain consistent across all corresponding rest values mentioned above. For example, the crotchet rest would be called a quarter note rest, a minim rest would be a half-note rest etc.

Cadences

Another difference between UK and US terminology is in the terms used to describe cadences. A cadence is a specific chord progression found in music (you can learn all about cadences, and hear each one outlined below in the "Get Grade 5 Theory Course" here).

 🇬🇧 Perfect Cadence

🇺🇸 Authentic Cadence

 🇬🇧 Plagal Cadence

🇺🇸 Plagal Cadence

 🇬🇧 Imperfect Cadence

🇺🇸 Half Cadence

Intervals

The terms used to describe the two most common intervals in Western music differ as well. If you're unsure what these terms mean, refer to the images below.

 🇬🇧 Tone

🇺🇸 Whole Step

 🇬🇧 Semitone

🇺🇸 Half-step

Other Terms

Lastly, there are also differences in terminology when describing sheet music.

 🇬🇧 Bar

🇺🇸 Measure

 🇬🇧 Stave

🇺🇸 Staff

Conclusion

So there you have it! A handy guide to help you navigate the differences between US and UK Music Terminology. If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to check out the other resources on this site and the flagship "Get Grade 5 Theory Course".
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