There are several symbols in music that convey musical expression. A symbol is much prefered than some wordy directives. Symbols replace directives which make reading easier at first glance.

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	A firmata may be place above or below a note outside the musical staff. The notes marked with a firmata are to be held for a little longer than its actual rhythmic value. The firmata means 'pause', and though not essential, it is appropriately placed at the end of a musical idea.
	Bowed instruments have special markings to indicate the position of the bow at particular sections in music. The 'up bow' has the arm, carrying the bow, extended. The tip of the bow is placed on the string. The hand pushes the bow gently over the string to produce a sound.
	The 'down bow' has the arm, carrying the bow, contracted. The base of the bow is placed on the string. The hand pulls the bow over the string to produce a sound.
	Instruments that support sustain pedals have symbols to indicate up pedal and down pedal. Down pedal is represented by the symbol ped. As for up pedal, the symbol is an asterix.
	A circle represents two different expressions depending on the instrument. For string instruments, a small circle placed above a note indicates a harmonic. A harmonic is played by pressing firmly on a string while lightly touching a harmonic interval higher. This will produce a glassy sounding pitch above the actual note. This pitch may be one of many sounds of the harmonic series depending on the interval used to create it. The circle indicates that a natural harmonic should be used. The note is lightly pressed on one of the fundamental strings to produce an octave harmonic.
	For brass instruments, the small circle accompanied with the plus sign indicates whether the bell is opened or closed. The bell may be closed with a mute or the hand. The circle means that the bell is open and the plus sign means that the bell is closed.
	A breath mark indicates to the performer that a breath may be taken at that point. It functions the same as the end of a phrase mark.
	The octava indicates that all notes within the dashed line are to be played an octave higher than indicated. The octava symbol is placed above the notes on top of the musical staff. The octava bassa indicates that all the notes within the dashed line are to be played an octave lower. The octava bassa is place under the notes below the musical staff.
	The coda signifies a jump to a specific measure in the music designated as an ending section. The ending section has coda marked at the beginning.
	The dal segno indicates that the music is to be repeated from the sign.