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Definitions

BPM

Beats per minute, the number of beats in a minute of a song. A common term for measuring the speed or tempo of a song. The higher the number, the faster the tempo.

Swing

A syncopated feel common in jazz, which emerged in the 1930s during the swing era. It is also a term used to refer to the style of jazz popularised in the years 1930s to mid-1940s.

Chorus

In jazz, a chorus is the harmonic, repeated form that makes up a song. It is usually repeated several times and can have several different structures. A song may have a verse introduction, an ending or bridges which are not part of the chorus since they are not repeated.

Flow

In a DJ set, flow is the way that music changes throughout the length of the set. It includes the common elements between songs. It is the way that songs do or do not link together.

Arrangement

Adaptation of a composition for any jazz ensemble.

Quiz

Question 1

In jazz, what is a chorus?

Question 2

In a DJ set, what does "flow" refer to?

Manifesto

Discussion

GK
Gabrielle KernMay 15, 2026, 12:32 AM

[delete before wider launch] since other definitions are mentioned here. it might be good to list terms that musicians may use that dancers may not be as familiar with. Off the top of my head I'd add: +Phrases +Bars/measures (and how those terms are pretty interchangeable)