Monday, December 27, 2010

Bpm

Bpm means beats per minute. It is used as a measure of tempo in music.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Lento

Lento means to play at a very slow tempo (40-60 bpm). It is the same as largo.

Feroce

Feroce means fierce.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Volti subito

Volti subito means to turn the page quickly.

Grandioso

Grandioso means grandly.

Con fuoco

Con fuoco means to play with fire.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Adagio

Adagio means to play at a slow and stately tempo (66-76 bpm).

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Pianos - facts 4

1) The piano was invented in the early 1700's by Bartolomeo Cristofori.

2) The piano was invented after the harpsichord.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Chords - facts 5

1) Major chords have (4 and 3) semitones between notes. For example, the F major chord (F, A, C) has 4 semitones between F and A, and 3 semitones between A and C.

2) Minor chords have (3 and 4) semitones between notes. For example, the F minor chord (F, Ab, C) has 3 semitones between F and Ab, and 4 semitones between Ab and C.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Rhythm

Rhythm is the pattern of beats in music, including the silences between beats.

Chords - trivia 13

1) What is the fourth note of a C dominant seventh chord?

a) A flat
b) B flat

2) What is the fourth note of a F sharp dominant seventh chord?

a) D
b) E

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 12

1) What is the second note of a E flat minor seventh chord?

a) G
b) G flat

2) What is the third note of C sharp minor seventh chord?

a) G sharp
b) A flat

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 11

1) What is the fourth note of a C minor seventh chord?

a) B flat
b) B sharp

2) What is the fourth note of a B minor seventh chord?

a) A flat
b) A

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 10

1) What is the fourth note of a C flat major seventh chord?

a) A flat
b) B flat

2) What is the fourth note of a D major seventh chord?

a) C sharp
b) D sharp

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 9

1) What is the second note of a C major seventh chord?

a) D
b) E

2) What is the third note of a F major seventh chord?

a) C
b) D

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 8

1) What is the second note of a B diminished chord?

a) F
b) D

2) What is the third note of a D diminished chord?

a) B flat
b) A flat

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 7

1) What is the third note of a B augmented chord?

a) F double sharp
b) F sharp

2) What is the second note of a A flat augmented chord?

a) C
b) D

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 6

1) What is the third note of a C augmented chord?

a) G sharp
b) G flat

2) What is the third note of a G augmented chord?

a) E sharp
b) D sharp

Check comments for the answers.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Alberti bass

Alberti bass is a kind of broken chord or arpeggiated accompaniment, where the notes of a chord are played in the order of lowest, highest, middle, highest. The C major chord (C E G) would be played (C G E G). The pattern is repeated.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Gig

A gig means a job for a musician.

Perfect pitch

Perfect pitch is the ability to identify the pitch of a tone without any outside assistance.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Homophony

Homophony is a single melodic line accompanied by chords.

Monophony

Monophony is just one melodic line without an accompaniment.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Counterpoint

Counterpoint means "point against point". It is combining more than one melodic lines that are very different from each other and move independent, but they still sound harmonious when played at the same time.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Pizzicato

Pizzicato means to pluck the strings of a string instrument rather than using a bow.

Spiritoso

Spiritoso means with spirit, spiritedly.

Music terms - trivia 25

1) What does polyphony mean?

a) two or more melodic lines that are played at the same time
b) a chord

2) What does syncopation mean?

a) a melody
b) an accent on an unexpected beat

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 24

1) What does e mean?

a) and
b) what

2) What does voce mean?

a) soft
b) voice

Check comments for the answers.

Pitch

Pitch is how high or low a sound is in frequency.

Melody

Melody is a sequence of pitches. Melody is horizontal, harmony is vertical.

Harmony

Harmony is the simultaneous sound of pitches. Harmony is vertical, melody is horizontal.

Syncopation

Syncopation is an accent on an unexpected beat.

Polyphony

Polyphony is two or more melodic lines that are played at the same time.

Voce

Voce means voice.

e

e means and.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Music terms - trivia 23

1) What does brio mean?

a) spirit and vigor
b) slowly

2) What does un poco mean?

a) a lot
b) a little

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 22

1) What does rubato mean?

a) not flexible in tempo
b) flexible in tempo

2) What does troppo mean?

a) too much
b) too little

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 21

1) What does tranquillo mean?

a) calmly, quietly, peacefully
b) fast

2) What does meno mosso mean?

a) more quickly
b) less quickly

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 20

1) What does piu mean?

a) more
b) less

2) What does piu mosso mean?

a) more quickly
b) less quickly

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 19

1) What does ma mean?

a) for
b) but

2) What does non troppo mean?

a) not too much
b) too much

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 18

1) What does molto mean?

a) much, very
b) don't

2) What does loco mean?

a) the end
b) in the original place

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 17

1) What does con mean?

a) without
b) with

2) What does cantabile mean?

a) in a singing style, songlike
b) faster

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 16

1) What does meno mean?

a) more
b) less

2) What does sostenuto mean?

a) sustained, lengthened
b) shortened

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 15

1) What does con moto mean?

a) to play slowly
b) to play with motion, quick

2) What does assai mean?

a) very
b) now

Check comments for the answers.

Compound time

Compound time or compound meter are time signatures where each beat divides into three parts. Time signatures with a 6, 9, or 12 on top are compound time.

Simple time

Simple time or simple meter are time signatures where each beat divides into two equal parts. Time signatures with a 2, 3, or 4 on top are simple time.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Virtuoso

A virtuoso is someone who has exceptional ability at singing or playing a musical instrument.

Espressivo

Espressivo means to play expressively.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Un poco

Un poco means a little.

Brio

Brio means spirit and vigor.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Ma non troppo

Ma non troppo means but not too much.

Grave

Grave means to play at a slow and solemn tempo.

Troppo

Troppo means too much.

Rubato

Rubato means flexible in tempo.

Meno mosso

Meno mosso means less quickly.

Tranquillo

Tranquillo means calmly, quietly, peacefully.

Piu mosso

Piu mosso means more quickly.

Piu

Piu means more.

Non troppo

Non troppo means not too much.

Ma

Ma means but.

Loco

Loco means in the original place.

Molto

Molto means much, very.

Cantabile

Cantabile means in a singing style, songlike.

Con

Con means with.

Sostenuto

Sostenuto means sustained, lengthened.

Meno

Meno means less.

Assai

Assai means very.

Con moto

Con moto means to play with motion, quick.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Scales - facts 16

1) A minor blues scale can be formed by using the intervals of: whole and a half, whole, half, half, whole and a half, whole (3 2 1 1 3 2). C minor blues scale would be (C, Eb, F, F#, G, Bb, C). You can also form a minor blues scale by adding a note after the third note in the minor pentatonic scale. Just raise it a half step from the third note. The C minor pentatonic scale is (C, Eb, F, G, Bb, C). The blues scale for C minor would be (C, Eb, F, F#, G, Bb, C). The F# was added.

2) A major blues scale can be formed by using the intervals of: whole, half, half, whole and a half, whole, whole and a half (2 1 1 3 2 3). C major blues scale would be (C, D, Eb, E, G, A, C). You can also form a major blues scale by adding a note before the third note in the major pentatonic scale. Just lower it a half step from the third note. The C major pentatonic scale is (C, D, E, G, A, C). The blues scale for C major would be (C, D, Eb, E, G, A, C). The Eb was added.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Scales - facts 15

1) A whole tone scale can be formed by starting on a note, and going up two semitones to the next note. C whole tone scale would be (C, D, E, F#, G#, A#, C)

2) C sharp whole tone scale would be (C#, D#, F, G, A, B, C#)

Scales - facts 14

1) A major pentatonic scale can be formed by dropping the fourth and seventh notes of the major scale. C major pentatonic scale would be (C, D, E, G, A, C)

2) A minor pentatonic scale can be formed by dropping the second and sixth notes of the minor scale. C minor pentatonic scale would be (C, Eb, F, G, Bb, C).

Scales - trivia 8

1) What is the third degree of a scale called?

a) supertonic
b) mediant

2) What is the sixth degree of a scale called?

a) dominant
b) submediant

Check comments for the answers.

Tonic

The tonic is the eighth degree of a scale. It is shown as VIII. The first degree of a scale is also called the tonic.

Subtonic or leading tone

The subtonic or leading tone is the seventh degree of a scale. It is shown as VII. The natural minor scales have a subtonic for the 7th note rather than a leading tone. The other scales have a leading tone.

Submediant

The submediant is the sixth degree of a scale. It is shown as VI.

Dominant

The dominant is the fifth degree of a scale. It is shown as V.

Subdominant

The subdominant is the fourth degree of a scale. It is shown as IV.

Supertonic

The supertonic is the second degree of a scale. It is shown as II.

Mediant

The mediant is the third degree of a scale. It is shown as III.

Tonic

The tonic is the first degree of a scale. It is shown as I. The eighth degree of a scale is also called the tonic.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Music terms - trivia 14

1) What does tenuto mean?

a) shorten the note
b) hold the note a little longer

2) What does vivace mean?

a) to play lively and quick
b) to play slow

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 13

1) What does senza mean?

a) with
b) without

2) What does poco a poco mean?

a) a lot
b) little by little

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 12

1) What does poco mean?

a) lot
b) little

2) What does sempre mean?

a) always
b) never

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 11

1) What does dissonance mean?

a) intervals and chords that sound stable
b) intervals and chords that sound unstable

2) What does con brio mean?

a) to play with spirit and vigor
b) to play solemn and slow

Check comments for the answers.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Vivace

Vivace means to play lively and quick.

Tenuto

Tenuto means to hold the note a little longer.

Poco a poco

Poco a poco means little by little.

Senza

Senza means without.

Sempre

Sempre means always.

Poco

Poco means little.

Con brio

Con brio means to play with spirit and vigor.

Brillante

Brillante means to play brilliant, bright.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Dissonance

Dissonance are intervals and chords that sound unstable. The opposite of dissonance is consonance.

Consonance

Consonance are intervals and chords that sound stable. The opposite of consonance is dissonance.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

C flat major A flat minor

The relative scale of C flat major is A flat minor

C flat major - Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb
A flat minor - Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab

B major G sharp minor

The relative scale of B major is G sharp minor

B major - B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
G sharp minor - G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#

B flat major G minor

The relative scale of B flat major is G minor

B flat major - Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb
G minor - G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G

A major F sharp minor

The relative scale of A major is F sharp minor

A major - A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
F sharp minor - F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#

A flat major F minor

The relative scale of A flat major is F minor

A flat major - Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab
F minor - F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F

G major E minor

The relative scale of G major is E minor

G major - G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
E minor - E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E

G flat major E flat minor

The relative scale of G flat major is E flat minor

G flat major - Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb
E flat minor - Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb

F sharp major D sharp minor

The relative scale of F sharp major is D sharp minor

F sharp major - F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F#
D sharp minor - D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#

F major D minor

The relative scale of F major is D minor

F major - F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
D minor - D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D

E major C sharp minor

The relative scale of E major is C sharp minor

E major - E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E
C sharp minor - C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C#

E flat major C minor

The relative scale of E flat major is C minor

E flat major - Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb
C minor - C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C

D major B minor

The relative scale of D major is B minor

D major - D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D
B minor - B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B

D flat major B flat minor

The relative scale of D flat major is B flat minor

D flat major - Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db
B flat minor - Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb

C sharp major A sharp minor

The relative scale of C sharp major is A sharp minor

C sharp major - C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, C#
A sharp minor - A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#

C major A minor

The relative scale of C major is A minor

C major - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
A minor - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Music terms - trivia 10

1) What does D.C. al Fine mean?

a) to go back to the Segno sign and play until the ending at Fine
b) to repeat from the beginning and play until the ending at Fine

2) What does D.S. mean?

a) to go back to the Segno sign and play until the ending at D.S.
b) to repeat from the beginning and play until the ending at D.S.

Check comments for the answers.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Notes - trivia 13

1) How many thirty-second notes equal a whole note?

a) 32
b) 64

2) How many sixty-fourth notes equal a whole note?

a) 64
b) 128

Check comments for the answers.

Notes - trivia 12

1) How many eighth notes equal a whole note?

a) 7
b) 8

2) How many sixteenth notes equal a whole note?

a) 15
b) 16

Check comments for the answers.

Notes - trivia 11

1) How many half notes equal a whole note?

a) 2
b) 3

2) How many quarter notes equal a whole note?

a) 3
b) 4

Check comments for the answers.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

D.S. al Coda

D.S. al Coda means to go back to the Segno sign, repeat to the Coda sign, skip to the Coda section and play until the ending.

D.C. al Coda

D.C. al Coda means to repeat from the beginning to the Coda sign, then skip to the Coda section and play until the ending.

D.S.

D.S. or Dal Segno means to go back to the Segno sign and play until the ending at D.S.

D.C.

D.C. or Da Capo means to repeat from the beginning and play until the ending at D.C.

D.S. al Fine

D.S. al Fine means to go back to the Segno sign and play until the ending at Fine.

D.C. al Fine

D.C. al Fine means to repeat from the beginning and play until the ending at Fine.

Modes - trivia 3

1) Which mode has the same notes as a major scale?

a) Ionian
b) Locrian

2) Which mode has the same notes as a natural minor scale?

a) Lydian
b) Aeolian

Check comments for the answers.

Modes - trivia 2

1) Which note of a major scale does the Locrian mode start on?

a) seventh
b) eighth

2) Which note of a major scale does the Dorian mode start on?

a) first
b) second

Check comments for the answers.

Modes - trivia 1

1) How many modes are there?

a) 6
b) 7

2) Which note of a major scale does the Ionian mode start on?

a) first
b) second

Check comments for the answers.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Music terms - trivia 9

1) What does pianississimo mean?

a) very, very soft
b) very, very loud

2) What does a fermata mean?

a) to hold the note shorter
b) to hold the note longer

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 8

1) What does largo mean?

a) to play at a very slow tempo
b) to play at a very fast tempo

2) What does dolce mean?

a) to play aggressive
b) to play sweetly and gently

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 7

1) What does mano sinistra mean?

a) play with the left hand
b) play with the right hand

2) What does maestoso mean?

a) to play in a majestic way
b) to play very fast

Check comments for the answers.

Notes - facts 19

1) Thirty-two thirty-second notes equal a whole note.

2) Sixty-four sixty-fourth notes equal a whole note.

Notes - facts 18

1) Eight eighth notes equal a whole note.

2) Sixteen sixteenth notes equal a whole note.

Notes - facts 17

1) Two half notes equal a whole note.

2) Four quarter notes equal a whole note.

Modes - facts 6

1) The Ionian mode (first mode) has the same notes as a major scale.

2) The Aeolian mode (sixth mode) has the same notes as a natural minor scale.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Modes - facts 5

1) The Aeolian mode starts on the sixth note of a major scale

2) The Locrian mode starts on the seventh note of a major scale.

Modes - facts 4

1) The Lydian mode starts on the fourth note of a major scale

2) The Mixolydian mode starts on the fifth note of a major scale.

Modes - facts 3

1) The Dorian mode starts on the second note of a major scale

2) The Phrygian mode starts on the third note of a major scale.

Modes - facts 2

1) Each mode starts on a different note of a major scale.

2) The Ionian mode starts on the first note of a major scale.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Modes - facts 1

1) The seven modes are Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.

2) The mode order can be remembered by "I Don't Play Loud Music Any Longer".

Monday, June 14, 2010

Presto

Presto means to play at a very fast tempo (168-200 bpm).

Mano sinistra

Mano sinistra (MS) means to play with the left hand. The opposite of mano sinistra is mano destra.

Mano destra

Mano destra (MD) means to play with the right hand. The opposite of mano destra is mano sinistra.

Largo

Largo means to play at a very slow tempo (40-60 bpm). It is the same as lento.

Maestoso

Maestoso means to play in a majestic way.

Dolce

Dolce means to play sweetly and gently.

Tempo primo

Tempo primo means to return to the original tempo. It is the same as a tempo.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Slur

A slur means to play the notes smoothly together; legato. It is the opposite of playing staccato. Slurred notes have a curved line above or under them. Slurs are different from ties in that slurs join notes of varying pitches. Ties join notes of the same pitch.

Allegro

Allegro means to play at a fast tempo (120-168 bpm). Allegro is faster than allegretto.

Allegretto

Allegretto means to play at a moderately fast tempo (116 bpm). Allegretto is not as fast as allegro.

Moderato

Moderato means to play at a moderate tempo (108-120 bpm).

Andante

Andante means to play at a walking tempo, moderately slow (76-108 bpm).

Fortississimo

Fortississimo means very, very loud. It is indicated by a fff.

Pianississimo

Pianississimo means very, very soft. It is indicated by a ppp.

Fermata

A fermata means to hold the note longer. Fermata notes have a dot and a half circle above or below them.

Accent

A accent means to play the note louder than the other notes. Accent notes have a right arrow (>) above or below them.

Marcato

A marcato means to play the note much louder than the other notes. Marcato notes have a right arrow facing up (^) above or below them.

Pianissimo

Pianissimo means very soft. It is indicated by a pp.

Fortissimo

Fortissimo means very loud. It is indicated by a ff.

Piano

Piano means soft. It is indicated by a p.

Forte

Forte means loud. It is indicated by a f.

Mezzo piano

Mezzo piano means moderately soft. It is indicated by a mp.

Mezzo forte

Mezzo forte means moderately loud. It is indicated by a mf.

Pianos - trivia 3

1) Where is the soft pedal on a piano?

a) the right most pedal
b) the left most pedal

2) What is the damper pedal also called?

a) loud pedal
b) sustain pedal

Check comments for the answers.

Rests - trivia 2

1) Which line does a whole rest hang from on a staff?

a) third
b) fourth

2) Which line does a half rest sit on?

a) third
b) fourth

Check comments for the answers.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

a tempo

a tempo means to return to the original tempo. It is the same as tempo primo.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Intervals - facts 4

1) Harmonic intervals are when two notes are written one above the other and played at the same time.

2) Melodic intervals are when two notes are played one after the other.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Scales - facts 13

1) The relative minor scale of a major scale is three semitones lower.

2) The relative major scale of a minor scale is three semitones higher.

Scales - facts 12

1) Compared to a natural minor scale, in a harmonic minor scale, the 7th note is raised a semitone, ascending and descending.

2) The natural minor scales have a subtonic for the 7th note rather than a leading tone.

Scales - facts 11

1) Compared to a natural minor scale, in a melodic minor scale, the 6th and 7th notes are raised a semitone.

2) When a melodic minor scale is descending, the 6th and 7th notes are normal.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Rest - facts 2

1) A half rest always sits on the third line on the staff.

2) A whole rest always hangs from the fourth line on the staff.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Natural

A natural cancels a previous accidental or modifies a sharp or flat in the key signature.

Double sharp

A double sharp raises a pitch by a whole step.

Double flat

A double flat lowers a pitch by a whole step.

Ledger lines

Ledger lines are the lines that are written above or below the staff to show the pitches for the notes that fall outside the regular staff range.

Chord inversion - facts 4

1) A dominant seventh chord can be formed by using the first, third, fifth, and seventh (flat) notes of a major scale (1 3 5 7b). A first inversion of the chord is (3 5 7b 1). A second inversion is (5 7b 1 3). A third inversion is (7b 1 3 5).

2) The C major chord first inversion is (E G C).

Chord inversion - facts 3

1) A major seventh chord can be formed by using the first, third, fifth, and seventh notes of a major scale (1 3 5 7). A first inversion of the chord is (3 5 7 1). A second inversion is (5 7 1 3). A third inversion is (7 1 3 5).

2) A minor seventh chord can be formed by using the first, third (flat), fifth, and seventh (flat) notes of a major scale (1 3b 5 7b). A first inversion of the chord is (3b 5 7b 1). A second inversion is (5 7b 1 3b). A third inversion is (7b 1 3b 5). You can also form a minor seventh chord by using the first, third, fifth, and seventh notes of a minor scale.

Chord inversion - facts 2

1) An augmented chord can be formed by using the first, third, and fifth (sharp) notes of a major scale (1 3 5#). A first inversion of the chord is (3 5# 1). A second inversion is (5# 1 3).

2) A diminished chord can be formed by using the first, third (flat), and fifth (flat) notes of a major scale (1 3b 5b). A first inversion of the chord is (3b 5b 1). A second inversion is (5b 1 3b). You can also form a diminished chord by using the first, third, and fifth (flat) notes of a minor scale.

Chord inversion - facts 1

1) A major chord can be formed by using the first, third, and fifth notes of a major scale (1 3 5). A first inversion of the chord is (3 5 1). A second inversion is (5 1 3).

2) A minor chord can be formed by using the first, third (flat), and fifth notes of a major scale (1 3b 5). A first inversion of the chord is (3b 5 1). A second inversion is (5 1 3b). You can also form a minor chord by using the first, third, and fifth notes of a minor scale.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Notes - facts 16

1) Three triplet half notes have the same value as a whole note.

2) Three triplet quarter notes have the same value as a half note.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Circle of fifths - trivia 1

1) Which side are the sharps listed on the circle of fifths?

a) right
b) left

2) What is the maximum amount of sharps or flats for the major key signatures?

a) 6
b) 7

Check comments for the answers.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Turn

A turn is a musical ornament. A turn is an "S" shape symbol lying on its side above the staff. An inverted turn is the same, but also has a vertical line through the middle or the sign itself is turned upside down. If the turn is the note C, you would play a rapid alternation of (D,C,B,C). For an inverted turn C, you would play (B,C,D,C). When the turn is to the right of the note you would play (C,D,C,B,C). Always follow the key signatures for the upper and lower notes.

Mordent

A mordent is a musical ornament. An upper mordent is a short squiggle above the note. A lower mordent is the same, but also has a vertical line through the middle. If the upper mordent is the note C, you would play a rapid alternation of (C,D,C). For a lower mordent C, you would play (C,B,C). Always follow the key signatures for the upper and lower notes.

Trill

A trill is a musical ornament. A trill has a "tr" or a long squiggle above the note. The exact way to play trills varies depending on the piece and performer. If the trill is the note C, you can play an alternation of (C,D,C,D,C...) or (D,C,D,C,D,C...). How many times depends on the tempo of the piece. Always follow the key signatures for the upper and lower notes.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Key signatures - facts 17

1) Relative keys have the same key signatures. The A minor key signature is the relative key of C major. E minor is the relative key of G major. All 15 major key signatures have a relative minor key.

2) Relative keys share a different tonic. The tonic of the relative minor is the sixth scale degree of the major scale. A minor is the sixth degree of the C major scale. E minor is the sixth degree of the G major scale.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Circle of fifths - facts 2

1) The order of the major sharp key signatures on the circle of fifths (right side) can be remembered by "Goes Down And Ends Battle Father Charles" (G, D, A, E, B, F#, C#).

2) The order of the major flat key signatures on the circle of fifths (left side) can be remembered by "Father's Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles" (F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb).

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Reading intervals - facts 4

1) A 7th is a space to three spaces, or line to three lines.

2) An 8th is a space to four lines, or line to four spaces.

Reading intervals - facts 3

1) A 5th is a space to two spaces, or line to two lines.

2) A 6th is a space to three lines, or line to three spaces.

Reading intervals - facts 2

1) A 3rd is a space to next space, or line to next line.

2) A 4th is a space to two lines, or line to two spaces.

Reading intervals - facts 1

1) Reading music by intervals is a way of reading the notes faster.

2) A 2nd is a space to next line, or line to next space.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Tie

A tie connects two or more notes of the same pitch. Tied notes have a curved line above or under them. They are played as one note with the sum of the notes combined. Ties are different from slurs in that ties join notes of the same pitch. Slurs join notes of varying pitches.

Legato

Legato means to play the notes smoothly together. It is the opposite of playing staccato. Legato notes have a curved line above or under them called a slur.

Staccato

Staccato means to play the notes with a distinct separate sound. Staccato notes have a dot above or under them. It is the opposite of legato.

Polyrhythms

A polyrhythm is two or more independent rhythms that are played at the same time.

Metronome

A metronome is a device that makes regular ticks (beats). It can help you keep a steady beat and play scales more evenly.

Pianos - facts 3

1) The damper pedal (sustain pedal) is the right most pedal on a piano.

2) The soft pedal is the left most pedal on a piano.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Pick-up notes

Pick-up notes are notes that appear before the first full measure.

Downbeat

The downbeat is the first beat of a measure.

Music terms - trivia 6

1) What does ritardando mean?

a) a gradual increase in tempo
b) a gradual decrease in tempo

2) What is the highest female voice?

a) soprano
b) countertenor

Check comments for the answers.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Notes - trivia 10

1) How many flags does a thirty-second note have?

a) 3
b) 4

2) How many flags does a sixty-fourth note have?

a) 4
b) 5

Check comments for the answers.

Timbre

Timbre is the sound quality of a music note. The way a particular instrument sounds.

Bass voice

Bass is the lowest male voice.

Countertenor voice

Countertenor is the highest male voice.

Contralto voice

Contralto is the lowest female voice.

Soprano voice

Soprano is the highest female voice.

Accelerando

Accelerando is a gradual increase in tempo. It is the opposite of ritardando.

Ritardando

Ritardando is a gradual decrease in tempo. It is the opposite of accelerando.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Notes - facts 15

1) A thirty-second note has three flags.

2) A sixty-fourth note has four flags.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

A flat melodic minor scale

The A flat melodic minor scale is

ascending: Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab

descending: Ab, Gb, Fb, Eb, Db, Cb, Bb, Ab

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to G sharp melodic minor.

E flat melodic minor scale

The E flat melodic minor scale is

ascending: Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb

descending: Eb, Db, Cb, Bb, Ab, Gb, F, Eb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to D sharp melodic minor.

B flat melodic minor scale

The B flat melodic minor scale is

ascending: Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, A, Bb

descending: Bb, Ab, Gb, F, Eb, Db, C, Bb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to A sharp melodic minor.

F melodic minor scale

The F melodic minor scale is

ascending: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, E, F

descending: F, Eb, Db, C, Bb, Ab, G, F

C melodic minor scale

The C melodic minor scale is

ascending: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B, C

descending: C, Bb, Ab, G, F, Eb, D, C

G melodic minor scale

The G melodic minor scale is

ascending: G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G

descending: G, F, Eb, D, C, Bb, A, G

D melodic minor scale

The D melodic minor scale is

ascending: D, E, F, G, A, B, C#, D

descending: D, C, Bb, A, G, F, E, D

A sharp melodic minor scale

The A sharp melodic minor scale is

ascending: A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, Fx, Gx, A#

descending: A#, G#, F#, E#, D#, C#, B#, A#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to B flat melodic minor.

D sharp melodic minor scale

The D sharp melodic minor scale is

ascending: D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, Cx, D#

descending: D#, C#, B, A#, G#, F#, E#, D#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to E flat melodic minor.

G sharp melodic minor scale

The G sharp melodic minor scale is

ascending: G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, Fx, G#

descending: G#, F#, E, D#, C#, B, A#, G#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to A flat melodic minor.

C sharp melodic minor scale

The C sharp melodic minor scale is

ascending: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B#, C#

descending: C#, B, A, G#, F#, E, D#, C#

F sharp melodic minor scale

The F sharp melodic minor scale is

ascending: F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E#, F#

descending: F#, E, D, C#, B, A, G#, F#

B melodic minor scale

The B melodic minor scale is

ascending: B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A#, B

descending: B, A, G, F#, E, D, C#, B

E melodic minor scale

The E melodic minor scale is

ascending: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D#, E

descending: E, D, C, B, A, G, F#, E

A melodic minor scale

The A melodic minor scale is

ascending: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A

descending: A, G, F, E, D, C, B, A

Saturday, April 10, 2010

C flat dominant seventh chord

The C flat dominant seventh chord is

Cb, Eb, Gb, Bbb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to B dominant seventh.

G flat dominant seventh chord

The G flat dominant seventh chord is

Gb, Bb, Db, Fb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to F sharp dominant seventh.

D flat dominant seventh chord

The D flat dominant seventh chord is

Db, F, Ab, Cb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C sharp dominant seventh.

A flat dominant seventh chord

The A flat dominant seventh chord is

Ab, C, Eb, Gb

E flat dominant seventh chord

The E flat dominant seventh chord is

Eb, G, Bb, Db

B flat dominant seventh chord

The B flat dominant seventh chord is

Bb, D, F, Ab

C sharp dominant seventh chord

The C sharp dominant seventh chord is

C#, E#, G#, B

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to D flat dominant seventh.

F dominant seventh chord

The F dominant seventh chord is

F, A, C, Eb

F sharp dominant seventh chord

The F sharp dominant seventh chord is

F#, A#, C#, E

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G flat dominant seventh.

B dominant seventh chord

The B dominant seventh chord is

B, D#, F#, A

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C flat dominant seventh.

E dominant seventh chord

The E dominant seventh chord is

E, G#, B, D

A dominant seventh chord

The A dominant seventh chord is

A, C#, E, G

D dominant seventh chord

The D dominant seventh chord is

D, F#, A, C

G dominant seventh chord

The G dominant seventh chord is

G, B, D, F

C dominant seventh chord

The C dominant seventh chord is

C, E, G, Bb

Friday, April 9, 2010

Scales - facts 10

1) An ascending melodic minor scale can be formed by using the intervals of: whole, half, whole, whole, whole, whole, half (2 1 2 2 2 2 1).

2) The ascending A melodic minor scale has two sharps.

Scales - facts 9

1) A harmonic minor scale can be formed by using the intervals of: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole and a half, half (2 1 2 2 1 3 1).

2) The C harmonic minor scale has two flats.

Scales - facts 8

1) A minor scale can be formed by using the intervals of: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole (2 1 2 2 1 2 2).

2) The C minor scale has three flats.

A flat harmonic minor scale

The A flat harmonic minor scale is

Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, G, Ab

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to G sharp harmonic minor.

E flat harmonic minor scale

The E flat harmonic minor scale is

Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, D, Eb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to D sharp harmonic minor.

B flat harmonic minor scale

The B flat harmonic minor scale is

Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, A, Bb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to A sharp harmonic minor.

F harmonic minor scale

The F harmonic minor scale is

F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, E, F

C harmonic minor scale

The C harmonic minor scale is

C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C

G harmonic minor scale

The G harmonic minor scale is

G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#, G

D harmonic minor scale

The D harmonic minor scale is

D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D

A sharp harmonic minor scale

The A sharp harmonic minor scale is

A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, F#, Gx, A#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to B flat harmonic minor.

D sharp harmonic minor scale

The D sharp harmonic minor scale is

D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B, Cx, D#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to E flat harmonic minor.

G sharp harmonic minor scale

The G sharp harmonic minor scale is

G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, Fx, G#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to A flat harmonic minor.

C sharp harmonic minor scale

The C sharp harmonic minor scale is

C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B#, C#

F sharp harmonic minor scale

The F sharp harmonic minor scale is

F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E#, F#

B harmonic minor scale

The B harmonic minor scale is

B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B

E harmonic minor scale

The E harmonic minor scale is

E, F#, G, A, B, C, D#, E

A harmonic minor scale

The A harmonic minor scale is

A, B, C, D, E, F, G#, A

Chords - facts 4

1) A dominant seventh chord can be formed by using the first, third, fifth, and seventh (flat) notes of a major scale (1 3 5 7b).

2) The C dominant seventh chord has one flat.

A flat minor seventh chord

The A flat minor seventh chord is

Ab, Cb, Eb, Gb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G sharp minor seventh.

E flat minor seventh chord

The E flat minor seventh chord is

Eb, Gb, Bb, Db

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to D sharp minor seventh.

B flat minor seventh chord

The B flat minor seventh chord is

Bb, Db, F, Ab

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to A sharp minor seventh.

F minor seventh chord

The F minor seventh chord is

F, Ab, C, Eb

C sharp minor seventh chord

The C sharp minor seventh chord is

C#, E, G#, B

F sharp minor seventh chord

The F sharp minor seventh chord is

F#, A, C#, E

B minor seventh chord

The B minor seventh chord is

B, D, F#, A

E minor seventh chord

The E minor seventh chord is

E, G, B, D

A minor seventh chord

The A minor seventh chord is

A, C, E, G

D minor seventh chord

The D minor seventh chord is

D, F, A, C

G minor seventh chord

The G minor seventh chord is

G, Bb, D, F

C minor seventh chord

The C minor seventh chord is

C, Eb, G, Bb

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Chords - facts 3

1) A major seventh chord can be formed by using the first, third, fifth, and seventh notes of a major scale (1 3 5 7).

2) A minor seventh chord can be formed by using the first, third (flat), fifth, and seventh (flat) notes of a major scale (1 3b 5 7b). You can also form a minor seventh chord by using the first, third, fifth, and seventh notes of a minor scale.

C flat major seventh chord

The C flat major seventh chord is

Cb, Eb, Gb, Bb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to B major seventh.

G flat major seventh chord

The G flat major seventh chord is

Gb, Bb, Db, F

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to F sharp major seventh.

D flat major seventh chord

The D flat major seventh chord is

Db, F, Ab, C

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C sharp major seventh.

A flat major seventh chord

The A flat major seventh chord is

Ab, C, Eb, G

E flat major seventh chord

The E flat major seventh chord is

Eb, G, Bb, D

B flat major seventh chord

The B flat major seventh chord is

Bb, D, F, A

F major seventh chord

The F major seventh chord is

F, A, C, E

C sharp major seventh chord

The C sharp major seventh chord is

C#, E#, G#, B#

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to D flat major seventh.

F sharp major seventh chord

The F sharp major seventh chord is

F#, A#, C#, E#

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G flat major seventh.

B major seventh chord

The B major seventh chord is

B, D#, F#, A#

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C flat major seventh.

E major seventh chord

The E major seventh chord is

E, G#, B, D#

A major seventh chord

The A major seventh chord is

A, C#, E, G#

D major seventh chord

The D major seventh chord is

D, F#, A, C#

G major seventh chord

The G major seventh chord is

G, B, D, F#

C major seventh chord

The C major seventh chord is

C, E, G, B

Chords - trivia 5

1) What is the second note of a F minor chord?

a) A flat
b) B flat

2) What is the third note of a A flat minor chord?

a) C flat
b) E flat

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 4

1) What is the second note of a C minor chord?

a) E flat
b) G flat

2) What is the third note of a A minor chord?

a) C
b) E

Check comments for the answers.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

A flat diminished chord

The A flat diminished chord is

Ab, Cb, Ebb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G sharp diminished.

E flat diminished chord

The E flat diminished chord is

Eb, Gb, Bbb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to D sharp diminished.

B flat diminished chord

The B flat diminished chord is

Bb, Db, Fbb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to A sharp diminished.

F diminished chord

The F diminished chord is

F, Ab, Cb

C sharp diminished chord

The C sharp diminished chord is

C#, E, G

F sharp diminished chord

The F sharp diminished chord is

F#, A, C

B diminished chord

The B diminished chord is

B, D, F

E diminished chord

The E diminished chord is

E, G, Bb

A diminished chord

The A diminished chord is

A, C, Eb

D diminished chord

The D diminished chord is

D, F, Ab

G diminished chord

The G diminished chord is

G, Bb, Db

C diminished chord

The C diminished chord is

C, Eb, Gb

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Intervals - trivia 2

1) What is a lowered perfect fifth interval called?

a) diminished fifth
b) augmented fifth

2) What is a raised perfect fourth interval called?

a) diminished fourth
b) augmented fourth

Check comments for the answers.

Intervals - trivia 1

1) What are unison, fourth, fifth, and octave intervals called?

a) minor
b) perfect

2) What is a raised perfect fifth interval called?

a) augmented fifth
b) diminished fifth

Check comments for the answers.

Circle of fifths - facts 1

1) The circle of fifths has the sharps on the right side and the flats on the left.

2) The circle of fifths shows up to seven major flat or sharp key signatures.

C flat augmented chord

The C flat augmented chord is

Cb, Eb, G

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to B augmented.

G flat augmented chord

The G flat augmented chord is

Gb, Bb, D

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to F sharp augmented.

D flat augmented chord

The D flat augmented chord is

Db, F, A

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C sharp augmented.

A flat augmented chord

The A flat augmented chord is

Ab, C, E

E flat augmented chord

The E flat augmented chord is

Eb, G, B

B flat augmented chord

The B flat augmented chord is

Bb, D, F#

F augmented chord

The F augmented chord is

F, A, C#

C sharp augmented chord

The C sharp augmented chord is

C#, E#, Gx

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to D flat augmented.

F sharp augmented chord

The F sharp augmented chord is

F#, A#, Cx

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G flat augmented.

B augmented chord

The B augmented chord is

B, D#, Fx

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C flat augmented.

E augmented chord

The E augmented chord is

E, G#, B#

A augmented chord

The A augmented chord is

A, C#, E#

D augmented chord

The D augmented chord is

D, F#, A#

G augmented chord

The G augmented chord is

G, B, D#

C augmented chord

The C augmented chord is

C, E, G#

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

D sharp minor chord

The D sharp minor chord is

D#, F#, A#

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to E flat minor.

A flat minor chord

The A flat minor chord is

Ab, Cb, Eb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G sharp minor.

E flat minor chord

The E flat minor chord is

Eb, Gb, Bb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to D sharp minor.

B flat minor chord

The B flat minor chord is

Bb, Db, F

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to A sharp minor.

F minor chord

The F minor chord is

F, Ab, C

C sharp minor chord

The C sharp minor chord is

C#, E, G#

F sharp minor chord

The F sharp minor chord is

F#, A, C#

B minor chord

The B minor chord is

B, D, F#

E minor chord

The E minor chord is

E, G, B

A minor chord

The A minor chord is

A, C, E

D minor chord

The D minor chord is

D, F, A

G minor chord

The G minor chord is

G, Bb, D

C minor chord

The C minor chord is

C, Eb, G

Monday, March 29, 2010

Chords - facts 2

1) An augmented chord can be formed by using the first, third, and fifth (sharp) notes of a major scale (1 3 5#).

2) A diminished chord can be formed by using the first, third (flat), and fifth (flat) notes of a major scale (1 3b 5b). You can also form a diminished chord by using the first, third, and fifth (flat) notes of a minor scale.

Chords - facts 1

1) A major chord can be formed by using the first, third, and fifth notes of a major scale (1 3 5).

2) A minor chord can be formed by using the first, third (flat), and fifth notes of a major scale (1 3b 5). You can also form a minor chord by using the first, third, and fifth notes of a minor scale.

Music terms - trivia 5

1) What is a diatonic scale?

a) a scale that includes every note in a octave
b) a major or minor scale with eight notes in a octave

2) What does enharmonic mean?

a) notes, intervals, or key signatures that are equivalent to another and spelled the same
b) notes, intervals, or key signatures that are equivalent to another, but spelled or named differently

Check comments for the answers.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Diatonic half step

A diatonic half step is two notes that are written on an adjacent line or space on a staff and have different letter names. An example is D# to E.

Chromatic half step

A chromatic half step is two notes that are written on the same line or space on a staff, having the same letter name, and different pitches. An example is C to C#.

Notes - facts 14

1) G sharp and A flat are enharmonic notes.

2) A half note has a stem.

Notes - facts 13

1) E sharp and F are enharmonic notes.

2) F sharp and G flat are enharmonic notes.

Notes - facts 12

1) D sharp and E flat are enharmonic notes.

2) E and F flat are enharmonic notes.

Notes - facts 11

1) B sharp and C are enharmonic notes.

2) C sharp and D flat are enharmonic notes.

Notes - facts 10

1) A sharp and B flat are enharmonic notes.

2) B and C flat are enharmonic notes.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Diatonic scale

A diatonic scale is a major or minor scale with eight notes in a octave.

Chromatic scale

A chromatic scale is a scale that includes every note in a octave. It is made up of 12 half steps.

Enharmonic

Enharmonic means notes, intervals, or key signatures that are equivalent to another, but spelled or named differently. An example is the notes G# and Ab.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Intervals - facts 3

1) A lowered perfect fourth is a diminished fourth.

2) A raised perfect fourth is an augmented fourth.

Intervals - facts 2

1) A lowered perfect fifth is a diminished fifth.

2) A raised perfect fifth is an augmented fifth.

Whole tone

A whole tone is equal to two semitones.

Decrescendo

Decrescendo means getting progressively softer.

Semitone

A semitone is the smallest distance between two notes. Two semitones equal a whole tone.

Intervals - facts 1

1) Intervals can be perfect, major, minor, augmented, or diminished.

2) Unison, fourth, fifth, and octaves are perfect intervals.

C flat major chord

The C flat major chord is

Cb, Eb, Gb

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to B major.

G flat major chord

The G flat major chord is

Gb, Bb, Db

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to F sharp major.

D flat major chord

The D flat major chord is

Db, F, Ab

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C sharp major.

A flat major chord

The A flat major chord is

Ab, C, Eb

E flat major chord

The E flat major chord is

Eb, G, Bb

B flat major chord

The B flat major chord is

Bb, D, F

F major chord

The F major chord is

F, A, C

C sharp major chord

The C sharp major chord is

C#, E#, G#

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to D flat major.

F sharp major chord

The F sharp major chord is

F#, A#, C#

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G flat major.

B major chord

The B major chord is

B, D#, F#

This chord is enharmonically equivalent to C flat major.

E major chord

The E major chord is

E, G#, B

A major chord

The A major chord is

A, C#, E

D major chord

The D major chord is

D, F#, A

G major chord

The G major chord is

G, B, D

C major chord

The C major chord is

C, E, G

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Music terms - trivia 4

1) What is common time?

a) a 4/4 time signature
b) a 2/2 time signature

2) What does a flat do?

a) raise a pitch by a half step
b) lower a pitch by a half step

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 3

1) What does octave mean?

a) 8
b) 12

2) What is an interval?

a) the sum of three notes
b) the distance between two notes

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 2

1) What is cut time?

a) a 4/4 time signature
b) a 2/2 time signature

2) What does crescendo mean?

a) getting progressively louder
b) getting progressively lower

Check comments for the answers.

Music terms - trivia 1

1) What does a sharp do?

a) raise a pitch by a half step
b) lower a pitch by a half step

2) How many half steps does a whole step equal?

a) 2
b) 4

Check comments for the answers.

Time signatures - facts 6

1) In 2/2 time, an eighth note gets a quarter beat.

2) In 6/8 time, an eighth note gets one beat.

Time signatures - facts 5

1) In 2/2 time, a whole note gets two beats.

2) In 4/4 time, a whole note gets four beats.

Piano keys - facts 5

1) The B key is to the right of each set of three black keys.

2) The E key is to the right of each set of two black keys.

Notes - facts 9

1) A tie connects two or more notes of the same pitch.

2) A tie is played as one note, with the sum of the notes combined.

Notes - facts 8

1) In 4/4 time, a dotted quarter note is equal to 1 1/2 beats.

2) In 4/4 time, a dotted whole note is equal to six beats.

Notes - facts 7

1) A dotted note increases the duration of the note by half of its original value.

2) In 4/4 time, a dotted half note is equal to three beats.

Pianos - facts 2

1) The bass notes on a piano have longer strings.

2) Treble notes have more strings than bass notes.

Pianos - facts 1

1) A longer piano sounds louder.

2) The damper pedal is also called a sustain pedal.

A flat minor scale

The A flat minor scale is

Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to G sharp minor.

E flat minor scale

The E flat minor scale is

Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to D sharp minor.

B flat minor scale

The B flat minor scale is

Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to A sharp minor.

F minor scale

The F minor scale is

F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F

C minor scale

The C minor scale is

C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C

G minor scale

The G minor scale is

G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G

D minor scale

The D minor scale is

D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D

Saturday, March 20, 2010

A sharp minor scale

The A sharp minor scale is

A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to B flat minor.

D sharp minor scale

The D sharp minor scale is

D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to E flat minor.

G sharp minor scale

The G sharp minor scale is

G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to A flat minor.

C sharp minor scale

The C sharp minor scale is

C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C#

F sharp minor scale

The F sharp minor scale is

F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#

B minor scale

The B minor scale is

B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B

E minor scale

The E minor scale is

E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E

A minor scale

The A minor scale is

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

C flat major scale

The C flat major scale is

Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to B major.

G flat major scale

The G flat major scale is

Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to F sharp major.

D flat major scale

The D flat major scale is

Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to C sharp major.

A flat major scale

The A flat major scale is

Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab

E flat major scale

The E flat major scale is

Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb

B flat major scale

The B flat major scale is

Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb

F major scale

The F major scale is

F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F

Monday, March 15, 2010

C sharp major scale

The C sharp major scale is

C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, C#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to D flat major.

F sharp major scale

The F sharp major scale is

F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F#

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to G flat major.

B major scale

The B major scale is

B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B

This scale is enharmonically equivalent to C flat major.

E major scale

The E major scale is

E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E

A major scale

The A major scale is

A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A

D major scale

The D major scale is

D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D

G major scale

The G major scale is

G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G

C major scale

The C major scale is

C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C

Monday, February 22, 2010

Pianos - trivia 2

1) Which notes on a piano have longer strings?

a) treble notes
b) bass notes

2) How many strings are on treble notes compared to bass notes?

a) less strings
b) more strings

Check comments for the answers.

Pianos - trivia 1

1) How does a longer piano sound?

a) louder
b) quieter

2) Where is the damper pedal (sustain pedal) on a piano?

a) the right most pedal
b) the left most pedal

Check comments for the answers.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Chords - trivia 3

1) What is the third note of a A flat major chord?

a) E flat
b) G flat

2) What is the third note of a E major chord?

a) B
b) C

Check comments for the answers.

Chords - trivia 2

1) What is the third note of a C sharp major chord?

a) F sharp
b) G sharp

2) What is the third note of a F major chord?

a) B
b) C

Check comments for the answers.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Chords - trivia 1

1) What is the third note of a C major chord?

a) F
b) G

2) What is the third note of a D major chord?

a) A
b) B

Check comments for the answers.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Piano keys - trivia 5

1) Which white key is to the right of each set of three black keys?

a) A
b) B

2) Which white key is to the right of each set of two black keys?

a) C
b) E

Check comments for the answers.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Notes - trivia 9

1) A tie connects two or more notes of?

a) the same pitch
b) different pitches

2) A tie means to play the notes with the sum of?

a) the notes combined value
b) the notes half value

Check comments for the answers.

Notes - trivia 8

1) In 4/4 time, a dotted quarter note is equal to?

a) 2 beats
b) 1 1/2 beats

2) In 4/4 time, a dotted whole note is equal to?

a) 8 beats
b) 6 beats

Check comments for the answers.

Notes - trivia 7

1) A dotted note increases the duration of the note by how much?

a) double of its original value
b) half of its original value

2) In 4/4 time, a dotted half note is equal to?

a) 3 beats
b) 4 beats

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - facts 16

1) The key of B major has five sharps.

2) The relative minor key of B major is G sharp minor.

Key signatures - facts 15

1) The key of D flat major has five flats.

2) The relative minor key of D flat major is B flat minor.

Key signatures - facts 14

1) The key of G flat major has six flats.

2) The relative minor key of G flat major is E flat minor.

Key signatures - facts 13

1) The key of F sharp major has six sharps.

2) The relative minor key of F sharp major is D sharp minor.

Key signatures - facts 12

1) The key of C sharp major has seven sharps.

2) The relative minor key of C sharp major is A sharp minor.

Key signatures - facts 11

1) The key of A flat major has four flats.

2) The relative minor key of A flat major is F minor.

Key signatures - facts 10

1) The key of E flat major has three flats.

2) The relative minor key of E flat major is C minor.

Key signatures - facts 9

1) The key of F major has one flat.

2) The relative minor key of F major is D minor.

Key signatures - facts 8

1) The key of C flat major has seven flats.

2) The relative minor key of C flat major is A flat minor.

Key signatures - facts 7

1) The key of A major has three sharps.

2) The relative minor key of A major is F sharp minor.

Key signatures - facts 6

1) The key of G major has one sharp.

2) The relative minor key of G major is E minor.

Key signatures - trivia 15

1) Which major key has six sharps?

a) C sharp major
b) F sharp major

2) What is the relative minor key of C sharp major?

a) A sharp minor
b) D sharp minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 14

1) Which major key has seven flats?

a) C flat major
b) D flat major

2) What is the relative minor key of B flat major?

a) G minor
b) C minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 13

1) Which major key has six flats?

a) D flat major
b) G flat major

2) What is the relative minor key of E major?

a) B minor
b) C sharp minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 12

1) Which major key has four flats?

a) B flat major
b) A flat major

2) What is the relative minor key of C flat major?

a) A flat minor
b) B flat minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 11

1) Which major key has five flats?

a) D flat major
b) C flat major

2) What is the relative minor key of G flat major?

a) B flat minor
b) E flat minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 10

1) Which major key has five sharps?

a) E major
b) B major

2) What is the relative minor key of A major?

a) D sharp minor
b) F sharp minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 9

1) Which major key has one flat?

a) F major
b) G flat major

2) What is the relative minor key of F sharp major?

a) D sharp minor
b) F sharp minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 8

1) Which major key has three flats?

a) D flat major
b) E flat major

2) What is the relative minor key of D flat major?

a) A flat minor
b) B flat minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 7

1) Which major key has seven sharps?

a) C sharp major
b) F sharp major

2) What is the relative minor key of A flat major?

a) C minor
b) F minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 6

1) Which major key has three sharps?

a) A major
b) E major

2) What is the relative minor key of F major?

a) D minor
b) G minor

Check comments for the answers.

Key signatures - trivia 5

1) Which major key has one sharp?

a) D major
b) G major

2) What is the relative minor key of D major?

a) B minor
b) G minor

Check comments for the answers.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Scales - trivia 7

1) What is the second degree of a scale called?

a) supertonic
b) subtonic

2) What is the fifth degree of a scale called?

a) subdominant
b) dominant

Check comments for the answers.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Scales - trivia 6

1) A harmonic minor scale can be formed by using what intervals?

a) whole, half, whole, whole, whole, whole, half (2 1 2 2 2 2 1)
b) whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole and a half, half (2 1 2 2 1 3 1)

2) Which harmonic minor scale has two flats?

a) F minor
b) C minor

Check comments for the answers.

Scales - trivia 5

1) An ascending melodic minor scale can be formed by using what intervals?

a) whole, half, whole, whole, whole, whole, half (2 1 2 2 2 2 1)
b) whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole (2 1 2 2 1 2 2)

2) Which ascending melodic minor scale has one flat?

a) E minor
b) C minor

Check comments for the answers.

Scales - trivia 4

1) A minor scale can be formed by using what intervals?

a) whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half (2 2 1 2 2 2 1)
b) whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole (2 1 2 2 1 2 2)

2) Which minor scale has one sharp?

a) A minor
b) E minor

Check comments for the answers.