Key Signatures
All of the music we will study, is grounded in the idea of "keys". A key is the tonal center of a piece (or portion of a piece). In other words, it is a note, for example the note C, that the music revolves around. Hence we say that a piece is, "in the key of C major". One way to determine the key, is to look at the key signature. By simply looking at the key signature, we can often determine the name of the key. Watch the following prezi presentation to learn more:
Memorizing Key Signatures
You should also commit the following to memory. For additional practice, use these flashcards. You can also head to this flashcardmachine for online interactive flash cards (free registration required).
0 Sharps/flats = C major
0 Sharps/flats = C major
Sharps
1 - G major
2 - D major
3 - A major
4 - E major
5 - B major
6 - F# major
7 - C# major
2 - D major
3 - A major
4 - E major
5 - B major
6 - F# major
7 - C# major
Flats
1 - F major
2 - Bb major
3 - Eb major
4 - Ab major
5 - Db major
6 - Gb major
7 - Cb major
2 - Bb major
3 - Eb major
4 - Ab major
5 - Db major
6 - Gb major
7 - Cb major
Practice reading key signatures here. Before moving, be sure that you have a clear understanding of how to determine the key and memorize each of the key signatures.
