acoustic - referring to a type of guitar also known as a six string. Also referring to any instrument that is not electric.
acoustics - referring to the nature of sound in a room or space usually described as wet (with echo) or dry (without echo). Theatres, concert halls and performance spaces may resonate more with a particular range of frequency tending to amplify that part of the sound which would require a sound technician to compensate for that effect. Altering the surface texture of walls and ceilings are common practice for recording studios.
alternate picking - when the string is plucked down and up as you play one note to the next, first note down, next note up, next down, next up etc. Used only when playing eighth notes or smaller increments. Also called flat picking.
amplify - to make sound louder. The electric instruments like guitars, keyboards or microphones, are plugged into a unit usually called an amplifier or amp which is connected to speakers. Amps also need a preamp which slightly increases the voltage from the instrument and may add controllers, equalizers or effects which may be built in or external. The signal is then boosted through the amp to drive the speakers.
air or air play - refers to the performance of a work on mediums such as radio and television. These performances are registered and royalty payments called performance rights must be paid to the author.
agent or agency - a person or company working as a middleman that connects an artist to a paid performance. A contract is usually required for the duration of the performance whether it is a single concert or a one to two week engagement. The fee charged by agents may vary from 10 to 15 percent.
audio - sound, usually refers to digital or analogue sound wave frequencies produced by electronic devices.
analogue - electronic transference of audio signals as waves unlike digital transference of packets. A microphone, electric guitar or keyboard produces analogue audio unless converted to digital through an interface.
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