A shared vocabulary
The language of
connected work.
A short guide to terms you will encounter across music, creative industries and public life.
- Advocacy
Work that makes a case for change, bringing evidence and lived experience into public discussion and decision-making.
Explore this work ↗- Baton
A slender stick a conductor may use to make musical gestures visible to an ensemble.
Explore this work ↗- Commission
An arrangement to create a new work for an agreed purpose. The creative brief, delivery, payment and permissions should be considered together.
Explore this work ↗- Co-production
A project made jointly by partners who contribute creative work, resources or production responsibilities.
Explore this work ↗- Copyright
Rights relating to literary and artistic expression, including music, film and writing. Their scope and application depend on the relevant law.
Explore this work ↗- Cultural diversity
The many ways people and communities express, create and share culture. This includes different languages, traditions and contemporary forms.
Explore this work ↗- Ensemble
A group of performers working together. Its size and combination of voices or instruments depend on the music.
Explore this work ↗- Governance
The arrangements through which an organisation makes decisions, assigns responsibility and remains accountable for its work.
Explore this work ↗- Licensing
Permission to use protected work on agreed terms. A licence may specify uses, duration, territory and payment; it does not necessarily transfer ownership.
Explore this work ↗- Orchestration
The way musical material is distributed among the instruments of an orchestra, shaping its colour, balance and texture.
Explore this work ↗- Repertoire
The works that a performer or ensemble studies, programmes or performs.
Explore this work ↗- Score
Written musical notation that brings the parts of a work together, allowing a conductor or musician to follow their relationships.
Explore this work ↗
Further reading: Philharmonia’s instrument guide, WIPO on copyright and UNESCO’s cultural diversity convention. These introductory explanations are not legal advice.