Repeat sign

Definition

A sign (indicated by a double barline and two dots) which indicates that a section of music should be repeated. If the piece has one repeat sign alone, then that means to repeat from the beginning. When a repeat calls for a different ending, numbered brackets above the bars indicate which to play the first time and which to play the second time. These are called 'first-time bars' and 'second-time bars'.

A blank bar of music with repeat signs at either end

Examples

Example showing a repeated section in the music

Example showing a repeat from the beginning

Example showing a repeated section with first-time and second-time bars