A question about sheet music?

Question

What is the difference between an "A" accent (or upside down V accent) and a greater than accent (>).

Answer 1

The > accent means to put emphasis on that particular note, usually by increasing volume. The A or V accents are the same thing, based on if the stem of the note is pointing up (V) or down (A). It is a marcato mark, which means a marching style. this is typically quick and rhythmic.

Answer 2

with violin v means upbow, at my music festival once the adjudicator was so mad because I missed every "accent" when really upbows are supposed to be softer ;-)