Grand Staff, Keyboard, Dynamics, Musical Terms
MUSIC THEORY
Music Theory
It is important to understand the use of music theory and its ability to
aid you in the performance of music!
Understanding and interpreting musical notation is important to
musicians. When you understand how music functions you’ll be able
to learn and understand your material at a much faster pace.
It is important to recognize the connection between the lines and
spaces on a grand staff and how that relates to a musical keyboard.
Not only will this aid you in your understanding of music theory, it
will also help you properly utilize your voice as well.
Grand Staff
The grand staff is usually comprised of two clefs. The Bass clef, which is the
bottom clef, and the Treble clef, which is the top clef.
The Bass clef is also known as the F clef because the two dots of the bass clef
enclose the F line.
The Treble clef is also known as the G clef because the final circle of the clef
encloses the G line.
Treble Clef-AKA-G Clef
Bass Clef-AKA-F Clef
Grand Staff
Each line and space corresponds to a specific letter name.
There are lines and spaces in both the treble and bass clefs.
The Treble Clef Lines are, from bottom to top: EGBDF
The Treble Clef Spaces are, from bottom to top: FACE
The Bass Clef Lines are, from bottom to top: GBDFA
The Bass Clef Spaces are, from bottom to top: ACEG
*Your top line and bottom space should match in both treble and bass clef!
Keyboard
When drawing and labeling a keyboard you want to first draw a rectangle.
Then you want to draw a set of 2 and a set of 3 separated by a line.
Then draw lines down from each of the set of 2 and 3.
Keyboard
Once your keyboard is drawn, you need to fill it in.
To the left of the set of 2, write a C and continue up alphabetically.
Remember, the musical alphabet only goes up to G and then starts again at A!
Sharps raise pitch ½ step. Likewise, flats lower pitch ½ step.
Make sure you understand the distance between each note!
C# and Db are examples of enharmonics.
Enharmonics sound the same, but look different!
B#
Fb
E#
Cb
Dynamics
Dynamics are indicated by a letter, which stands for an Italian word,
which needs to be translated into English.
Symbol
Italian
English
p
piano
soft
f
forte
loud
mp
mezzo piano
medium soft
mf
mezzo forte
medium loud
pp
pianissimo
very soft
ff
fortissimo
very loud
ppp
pianississimo
very, very soft
fff
fortississimo
very, very loud
Musical Terms and Symbols
Sharp
Raises pitch ½ step
Flat
Lowers pitch ½ step
Natural
Cancels out a flat or sharp
Double Sharp
Raises pitch 1 whole step
Double Flat
Lowers pitch 1 whole step
Crescendo
Gradually get louder
Decrescendo
Gradually get softer