In music, an accent is an emphasis placed on a particular note, either as a result of its context or specifically indicated by an accent mark. Accents contribute to the articulation and prosody of a performance of a musical phrase. Compared to surrounding notes:

• A dynamic accent or stress accent is an emphasis using louder sound, typically most pronounced on the attack of the sound.
• A tonic accent is an emphasis on notes by virtue of being higher in pitch as opposed to higher in volume.
• An agogic accent is an emphasis by virtue of being longer in duration.