Unit 1: ElementsMusic Notation

Notating Pitch Notation – a system of writing music Pitches are notated by notes on a staff

Staff – set of five horizontal lines Ledger lines – extends staff for notes

above or below

Notating Pitch Continued 7 letters make musical alphabet:

A, B, C, D, E, F, G Sequence is repeated over and over

5 pitches are relevant to the above alphabet Designated with a sharp or flat sign (pg.

36)

Notating Pitch Continued Clef- designates range of notes played

Found at the beginning of the staff Two most common types:

Treble clef: higher ranges (right hand piano) Bass clef: lower ranges (left hand piano)

Grand Staff: Combination of both staves

Note in the middles of the staves and keyboard is referred to as middle C

Notating Rhythm

Notating Rhythm continued

Duration – determined by its look White or Black fill Stem or stem and flag/beam Dot – adds half of the prior notes value Tie – adds two notes value together

Notating Meter Time Signature show meter of a piece

At the beginning of the staff after the clef