Loco

As Printed on a Score

Printed where an ottava line (8va, 8vb, 15ma) ends, to confirm that the notes now sound as written; it matters most when the line ends at a page or system break. It applies from that note on, until another octave sign. Occasionally it cancels a verbal instruction to play an octave higher or lower.

How Composers Use It

After writing 8va or 8vb passages (where notes sound an octave higher or lower than written), mark "loco" to return to normal pitch. This prevents performers from continuing in the wrong octave.

Example

After a piano passage written 8va for extreme treble notes, "loco" returns the reading to normal pitch.

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