| A | B |
|---|
| Verse | a section of a song that uses the same melody but different lyrics (words) |
| Chorus/Refrain | a section of a song that is repeated after each verse, same lyrics - same melody |
| Folk Songs | a song that has been passed from one person to another for such a long time, no one remembers who composed it |
| Accompaniment | the instrumental background to a melody |
| A cappella | to sing or dance without instrumental accompaniment |
| Improvisation | to make up music 'off the top of ones head' |
| Patriotic Music | music that has been composed in tribute to or shows respect for ones native land, country or nation. |
| Spirituals | music sung by slaves to express emotion, usually of religious context, roots in African music |
| Jazz | a free form musical type with roots in African music, where the performer improvises freely on a given melody. |
| Code Songs | songs sung by slave to relay messages about escape plans usually pertaining to the Underground Railroad |
| Work Songs | songs sung by workers to either pass the time quickly, keep workers moving in a steady and productive fashion or for other work related beneficial reasons. (i.e. slaves, railroad workers, cowboys, field workers, etc.) |
| Composer | a person who writes original music |
| Arranger | a person who re-writes other individuals musical compositions |
| Round | the same melody sang by different people at different times, so the song overlaps itself |
