The process of bringing a band’s equipment into the performance venue (aka gig). Conversely, breaking down and removing the band’s gear is called the “load out,” “breakdown,” or “teardown.”

Practicing one’s instrument. The venue in which the practice occurs is sometime referred to as the “woodshed” or simply “the shed.” Getting “in the woodshed” is used to describe the act of practicing.

Musicians’ term for a live musical performance/concert in which they or other musicians are engaged.

Playing with a click or metronome in such a way that the notes are placed exactly in time. Musicians use this term in performance when, for example, the drummer plays so exactly the click can no longer be discerned separately from the drumming.

Playing at a steady tempo but implying a feeling of relaxation by placing the notes slightly behind the exact tempo or click.

Playing at a steady tempo but implying a feeling of speeding up (which creates tension and energy) by placing the notes slightly before the exact tempo or click.

Slowing down while playing music. (This term is used when the decrease in tempo is not intentional but is done accidentally by the musician).

Speeding up the tempo whilst playing music. (This term is used when the increase in tempo is not intentional but is done accidentally by the musician).

Musicians term for describing the style or general attitude of a piece of music or a part thereof.