Keys

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Relative key: a key that has the equivalent notes (sharps and flats), for example, C major and A minor. Enharmonic key: a key that has the equivalent notes (sharps and flats), for example, F# major and Gb minor.

The difference between relative and enharmonic is that relative keys are minor and major while enharmonic keys are the same (minor/minor or manjor/major).

The relative minor key is the major key transposed down by a minor 3rd.

History

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The history of music is divided into many periods:

  • Baroque – c. 1600–c. 1750
  • Classical – c. 1750–c. 1825
  • Romantic – c. 1825–c. 1900
  • Modern (c. 1900-present)

Transposing instruments

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Written pitch: the note that is written. Concert pitch: the note that is heard.

Instrument Written pitch
French Horn a perfect 5th above the concert pitch
English Horn a perfect 5th above the concert pitch
Bb Clarinet a major 2nd above the concert pitch
Bb Trumpet a major 2nd above the concert pitch

If you're asked about the written pitch, you should transpose upwards from the concert pitch, and vice-versa.

Scales

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  • 1st – Tonic (key note)
  • 2nd – Supertonic
  • 3rd – Mediant
  • 4th – Subdominant
  • 5th – Dominant
  • 6th – Submediant
  • 7th – Leading tone
  • 8th – Tonic (Octave)

Modes

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I Don't Play Like My Aunt Lucy