A musical cue is a section of music designed to indicate when it is time for a performer to perform a specific action. This can be used in a variety of settings, such as a play or a musical performance. Musical notes that are smaller than the rest of the notes on the staff are called musical cues, and they are used to tell a performer when they need to re-join a piece. Similarly, a specific section of music played during a theater production could signal an actor to run across the stage or deliver a line.
To understand what a musical cue is, you must first understand the term “cue.” A cue, like a reminder, is essentially a signal for someone to do something. Cues are used in a variety of ways, but the most common are during stage performances and other types of acting. A specific line of dialogue or a crescendo in a song may serve as an actor’s cue to enter a scene. A cue can be anything as long as the receiver understands what signal he is expecting.
Certain instruments in orchestras frequently take a long break during which they are not required for the music. This can cause the player to lose track of where he should be playing next. The conductor can either point to the section or player who is supposed to join in, or they can be informed via a musical cue. A specific fill played the violins, for example, could be written in small musical note form on the player’s sheet music as a musical cue to begin playing.
Acting is a timing-dependent profession, and performing predetermined actions at predetermined times is critical to the production’s flow. Actors usually use a specific line of dialogue as a cue to enter a scene, but they can also use a musical cue. This is especially common in stage productions, where music must be performed aloud if it is to be included in the show. An actor will not be given a piece of sheet music, but will be told what part of the music he should enter the scene during. This could be anything from a cymbal crash to a crescendo or diminuendo.