This study focused on listeners' (N = 66 undergraduate and graduate music education majors) ability to identify nuances of musical expression using figurative language and specific music terminology. Data reviewed for accuracy in classifying general expressive categories showed that listeners were successful at identifying broad intended realms of expression with both figurative statements and terminology. When outcomes were reviewed for accuracy in terms of specific intended expression rather than general expressive category, accuracy levels dropped. Mimicking the results of general expressive identification, response type (figurative statements or terminology) did not seem to be a factor in response accuracy. Within general expressive categories, listeners selected a wider variety of responses among figurative statements than terminology, suggesting greater ambiguity of meaning among the former than the latter. Although not a primary focus, outcomes as a function of sound manipulation by the performer were given cursory review. This variable may play a role in a listener's ability to grasp a musical expression.