Brace (song)

A "brace" in music, particularly sheet music, refers to a curved line or symbol that connects two or more staves (lines of music) that are played together as a single unit. It is typically used when music is written for multiple instruments or voices, most commonly found in scores for piano (connecting the treble and bass clef staves), vocal ensembles, or orchestral works.

The primary function of the brace is to visually group related musical parts, indicating that these parts should be performed simultaneously. It helps musicians quickly understand the relationships between the different staves and ensures coordination during performance. Unlike a bar line, which indicates rhythmic alignment, the brace indicates a structural or functional connection between the staves.

The appearance of the brace can vary slightly depending on the engraving style or software used. However, its purpose remains consistent across different musical contexts. The presence of a brace often implies a higher level of musical complexity, as it signifies the interaction of multiple musical lines or instrumental parts.