Key Signatures
Relative Major and Minor Keys Each key signature represents one major key, and one minor key. These two keys are called “relative” keys – they share a key signature because …
Grouping and Beaming
Here is a summary of the most important rules about correct note values, grouping notes with beams, and the choice of rests. The overall principle is to make the beats …
The Tenor Clef
The Tenor Clef The tenor clef is a “C” clef, which means it shows us where middle C is written on the stave. We’ve already seen the alto clef (at …
Ornaments (Symbols)
Ornaments are symbols that tell the player to change the written note in a specific way. Some ornaments are written on the stave itself, while others are written above it. …
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 …
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 …
Major Scales: E and A Flat
You should already be familiar with the scales of C, G, D, A, F, Bb and Eb major, which have up to 3 flats/sharps in them. In this lesson we …
The Demisemiquaver (32nd Note)
The smallest note you will have come across in your music theory exams so far is the semiquaver. Remember that 4 semiquavers are worth 1 crotchet. A semiquaver has two …