The Alto Clef
The alto clef is a type of C clef. It’s a clef which tells you where middle C is located on the stave. (It’s not the only C clef – …
Setting Words to a Rhythm
In this lesson we will look at how to set words to a rhythm. This question sometimes comes up in the Trinity Grade 4 Music Theory Exam. Stressed Syllables The …
Duplets
We have already learnt about triplets. Just to refresh your memory, triplets are used when we want to play three notes in the space where there would normally be two: The …
2/8 and 4/8 Time
Most time signatures that we meet in the music we play with a lower number 8, are compound time, but there are also simple time signatures with an 8 below. …
Double Dotted Notes
Double Dots A single dot to the right of a note head increases the length of the note by 50% (the note plus half of itself). So, a dotted minim …
Breves (Double Whole Notes)
Breves The longest note we have come across in earlier theory grades is the semibreve (whole note)- written as an open note-head without a stem. We’ll now learn about a …
Intervals in the Alto Clef
Working out intervals in the alto clef can be awkward if you don’t read the clef fluently. If you are not fast at working in alto clef, it’s usually better …
Intervals Between Any Two Notes
So far, we have only learned about intervals between the tonic (lower noter in the interval) and another note in the major or minor scale built on that note. In …
Chromatic Scales
The word “chromatic” actually means “colourful” – the scales are very colourful since they use ALL 12 different notes available in one octave, instead of just 7 of them! The …
Scales and Keys with 5 Sharps/Flats
You should already know the keys with 4 sharps/flats. In this lesson we will learn about the four keys that have five sharps or flats in the key signature. They …