Music Glossary

EQ (Equalization)

A process for boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges to shape a sound or fit it into a mix.

Compression

A dynamics process that reduces the loudest parts of a signal so the overall level can be raised, evening out a performance.

Reverb

The persistence of sound in a space after the source stops, simulated digitally to add depth and a sense of place to recordings.

Sidechain Compression

A compression technique where one signal triggers the compressor on another — most famously, kick drum ducking the bass to create separation.

Gain Staging

The practice of setting appropriate levels at every stage of the signal chain so nothing clips or chokes the next process.

Vocal Range

The span from the lowest to the highest note a singer can comfortably produce, typically measured in octaves or semitones.

Passaggio

The transition zone between vocal registers — the few notes where chest voice gives way to head voice and the voice naturally wants to crack or shift.

Head Voice vs Chest Voice

The two primary vocal registers: chest voice (low, speech-like, fuller body resonance) and head voice (high, lighter, resonating in the head).

Vibrato

A small, regular pitch oscillation around a held note that adds warmth and emotion. Natural vibrato is about 5–7 oscillations per second.

Prosody

The art of aligning lyrics, melody, and rhythm so the music supports what the words are saying — the right syllables stressed, the right phrases lifted.

Hook

The most memorable phrase, melody, or lyric in a song — the part listeners can't stop singing after one listen.

Chord Progression

A sequence of chords that supports a melody. A handful of progressions (I-V-vi-IV, I-IV-V, ii-V-I) anchor most popular music.