9

Repeat signs

Several kinds of repeat signs are used to direct the performer to repeat the composition, or a section of the composition.  These signs are used to avoid writing out long repeated passages.

The repeat sign consists of a double bar with two dots placed at the beginning of a section to be repeated, and then another double bar with two dots placed at the end.

repeat signs

If the double dots are found only at the end, the piece is to be repeated from the beginning.

The double dots can indicate the repeat of a section.

This melody would be performed as follows:

Measures:

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Another repeat sign is a symbol indicating the repeat of one or two measures.  In patterns that are repeated over and over, this method proves a time-saver for the composer.

music written without measure repeat signs

music written with measure repeat signs

Da Capo

If the entire piece (or an entire section of a piece) is to be repeated, Da Capo, meaning "from the beginning" and abbreviated D.C., may be used.

Da Capo al fine (D.C. al fine) directs the performer to go back to the beginning but end where the music is marked with the Italian word fine (which means "end").

This melody would be performed as follows:

Measures:

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Dal Segno

Dal Segno (D.S.), or Dal Segno al fine (D.S. al fine), indicates a return to the sign .  It is used when the repetition begins somewhere other than at the beginning of the piece.

This melody would be performed as follows:

Measures:

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First and second endings

Sometimes, when music repeats, first and second endings are used in order to save space.  The first ending, which has a repeat sign, is played only the first time through.  The second time through, the first ending is skipped over and the second ending is played.

This melody would be performed as follows:

Measures:

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