Music Dictionary for Kids - L

LA - The solfége syllable for the sixth note of the major scale.

LARGHETTO - Slower than largo.

LARGO - Very slow.

LEADING TONE - The seventh degree of the major or minor scale "leading" up to tonic.

LEAP - A jump in the melodic line to the interval of a fourth or larger. Larger than a "Step" or a "Skip".

LEDGER LINES - Short lines that extend the staff up and down for pitches beyond the range of the five line staff.

LEGATO - Smooth and connected.

LEGGIERO - Light; delicate.

LENTO - Slow. Faster than largo, though slower than Adagio.

LOCO - Perform the notes as written. Typically used to cancel a notation indicating that the music be played an octave higher.

LYRE - An ancient harp-like string instrument. The player makes a sound by strumming it with a pick like a guitar, rather than plucking it like a harp.