1. Clefs:
- Treble Clef: This sign is placed at the beginning of the staff and resembles the letter "G." It indicates that the line corresponding to the second line from the bottom represents the note "G" above middle C.
- Bass Clef: This sign is placed at the beginning of the staff and resembles an upside-down "F" with two dots. It indicates that the line corresponding to the fourth line from the bottom represents the note "F" below middle C.
2. Notes:
- Stems: The note heads of notes are connected to vertical lines called stems. Notes above middle C have stems that go up and notes below middle C have stems that go down.
- Flags: Eighth notes and sixteenth notes have flags, which are small lines attached to the stem. Each additional flag represents a further division of the note's duration.
3. Accidentals:
- Sharp (#): This symbol raises the pitch of a note by half a step or semitone.
- Flat (b): This symbol lowers the pitch of a note by half a step or semitone.
- Natural (♮): This symbol cancels the effect of a sharp or flat, restoring the original pitch.
4. Bar Lines:
- Single Bar Line: Indicates the end of a measure or bar.
- Double Bar Line: Indicates the end of a phrase, section, or movement.
- Repeat Bar: When placed at the end of a section, this sign indicates the repetition of the previous section.
5. Time Signatures:
- Time signatures are represented by two numbers stacked vertically. The top number indicates the number of beats in a measure, and the bottom number indicates the note value that represents one beat. For example, a time signature of 4/4 means there are four beats in each measure, and a quarter note represents one beat.
6. Key Signatures:
- These are groups of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the key of the piece. The sharps or flats in the key signature apply to all notes of the corresponding pitch throughout the piece unless canceled by accidentals.
7. Dynamic Markings:
- Dynamics control the volume or loudness of the music. Common dynamic markings include forte (loud), piano (soft), mezzo-piano (moderately soft), and mezzo-forte (moderately loud).
8. Tempo Indications:
- These markings indicate the pace or speed at which the music should be played. Common tempo markings include allegro (fast), andante (walking pace), adagio (slow and stately), and presto (very fast).
9. Articulation Markings:
- Articulation markings indicate how notes should be played. Common articulation markings include staccato (short and detached), legato (smooth and connected), tenuto (held for its full duration), and marcato (accented).
These are some of the basic signs and their meanings used in piano playing. Different musical pieces may use additional symbols and markings to convey specific instructions or nuances from the composer.