#31 LEARN FREE MUSIC THEORY

Andrew Furmanczyk

9 Aug 201022:33

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn the intro, the instructor welcomes viewers to the advanced music theory course, noting they should have completed prior levels. He previews challenging abstract concepts but says this foundation enables diagnosing and explaining complex musical ideas. The first topic is C clefs, which shift note ranges for certain instruments/voices. The lesson covers drawing alto and tenor C clefs, locating middle C, and reading the clefs by visualizing overlapping treble/bass clefs. Assignments include drawing clefs, writing scales to practice key signatures, rewriting excerpts in C clefs to get experience translating between them, using middle C as a reference point.

Takeaways

😀 This is lesson 31, starting level 3 of a music theory course, covering more advanced topics
👂 Level 3 will go into more detail on topics already covered and introduce more abstract concepts
🎵 A c clef is used for instruments/voices in a certain pitch range to shift notes to a different range
🎼 The middle of the c clef signifies Middle C, used as a reference point when reading the clef
🎹 There are different types of c clefs depending on which line Middle C is centered on
✏️ Alto and Tenor c clefs are the two most common, used by instruments like the viola
📝 Flats and sharps have a different order in c clefs compared to treble and bass clefs
🎻 When rewriting music in a different clef, note stems and relationships to Middle C stay the same
👨‍🏫 For practice, rewrite music excerpts and scales using Alto and Tenor c clefs
🤓 Mastering c clefs lays a foundation for more advanced music theory like harmony

Q & A

What is the purpose of using a C clef?
-A C clef is used for instruments or voices that have a certain pitch range that is different from standard treble and bass clefs. It moves all the notes into a different range.
How do you draw a C clef?
-Start with a dot, draw a circle going down like a bass clef, add a number 3, then add an upside down bass clef sign. Finally add a thin line next to a thicker line.
Where are sharps and flats placed in an alto clef?
-Sharps: F, C, G. Flats: B, E, A, D, G, C, F.
What is the easiest way to read an alto or tenor clef?
-Imagine the middle line of the C clef is broken and shared with the treble and bass clefs. The spaces in between connect to the treble and bass clef lines.
What are the two main C clefs focused on in this lesson?
-The alto and tenor clefs.
What homework was assigned?
-1) Draw 15 alto clefs and 15 tenor clefs. 2) Draw 10 scales (5 in each clef) with key signatures. 3) Take 20 bars and rewrite them in alto and tenor clefs, focusing on keeping middle C as a reference point.
What principle is a C clef based on?
-The middle of the C clef marks middle C.
What challenge did the narrator have when first learning clefs?
-He originally tried to learn them as totally new clefs which made it very difficult. He realized it was better to use the treble and bass clefs as points of reference.
What are some areas where C clefs might be used?
-The viola reads music in the alto clef. Tenor clef would likely be used for a tenor vocal range.
What topics will be covered in level 3?
-Advanced music theory rudiments - lots of new, detailed, and abstract concepts. Things like 12-tone rows in modern music theory.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introducing Advanced Rudiments Level 3

The narrator welcomes viewers to Level 3 of music theory lessons, explaining that this level covers more advanced and abstract musical concepts. He acknowledges it may feel overwhelming but encourages dedicating time to understand everything presented.

05:01

😀 Explaining C Clefs and Middle C Placement

The narrator introduces C clefs, explaining they shift note ranges for certain instruments and voices. He shows how to draw alto and tenor C clefs, noting that the center of the symbol indicates Middle C on the staff.

10:01

😀 Using Grand Staff Lines as C Clef Reference Points

The narrator demonstrates how C clefs overlay on the grand staff, with Middle C linking the bass and treble clefs. He advises visualizing broken staff lines to relate C clef note positions to the main clefs.

15:01

😀 Applying Same Principles to Alto and Tenor C Clefs

The narrator explains that the Alto and Tenor C clefs work similarly by visualizing Middle C to anchor treble and bass clef note positions. He does examples of reading notes on both types of C clefs.

20:04

😀 Covering Sharp and Flat Order in C Clefs

The narrator presents the specific order of sharps and flats when applied to Alto and Tenor C clefs for key signatures. He recommends writing them down to reference when needed.

😀 Demonstrating Stems, Note Relationships in C Clefs

The narrator clarifies that stem direction rules stay consistent across clefs and demonstrates matching note positions from one clef to another. He assigns homework to practice drawing C clefs and rewriting musical excerpts.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡rudiments

Rudiments refers to the basic elements and fundamental concepts of music theory, such as notation, rhythm, melody, harmony. In the video, the instructor says they will start with rudiments and build up knowledge from there. He relates rudiments to 'learning the language of music'.

💡notation

Notation refers to the written system for representing musical sounds and compositions using symbols like notes, clefs, time signatures. Understanding notation is a key part of rudiments and reading music. The video focuses heavily on different types of clefs and how to properly notate sheet music.

💡clef

A clef is a musical symbol used at the beginning of a staff to indicate the pitch range and notes represented on that staff. The video introduces the C clef and explains the purpose of using different clefs based on an instrument's pitch range.

💡pitch

Pitch refers to the highness or lowness of a musical sound. Different instruments have different pitch ranges, which is why the C clef can be used to shift notes to a suitable range.

💡alto clef

The alto clef is a type of C clef where middle C is centered on the middle line of the staff. It is commonly used by instruments like the viola which fall in that pitch range.

💡tenor clef

The tenor clef is another C clef, where middle C is on the second staff line from the top. This positions notes in the tenor vocal range.

💡key signature

The key signature defines the key of a piece of music by indicating which notes should be played sharp or flat. When using C clefs, the order/placement of accidentals in the key signature changes.

💡middle C

Middle C is the C note closest to the middle of the piano keyboard. It is used as the reference point when working with different C clefs, centered on a particular staff line.

💡stem direction

Stem direction refers to which way the stem of a note extends from the note head - up or down. This indicates the higher or lower parts in rhythm. The video explains stem direction stays consistent across clefs.

💡register

Register means the relative height or range of pitches. Notes can be in the same register but appear very differently on different clef staves. This is illustrated through examples.

Highlights

A c clef moves notes into a different range on the staff based on the instrument or voice range

The middle of the c clef signifies middle C, wherever you place the clef on the staff

C clefs allow you to write music more efficiently for instruments in certain ranges like viola

Imagine the middle line of the c clef is broken between treble and bass clefs to easily read notes

Use the grand staff lines as references to read alto and tenor clef notes based on treble and bass

Sharp and flat key signature order differs slightly in c clefs, good to memorize

Stem direction rules stay the same when moving between clefs

Check note placement carefully when rewriting music in different clefs

Use middle C as reference point when transferring notes between clefs

Practice writing scales, excerpts, key signatures in alto and tenor clefs

Level 3 covers more abstract concepts but also more detail on existing knowledge

Many level 3 concepts don't come up often but good to learn foundations

Level 3 completes the core rudiments section before branching into other areas

Consider level 3 the final level for now until expanding into harmony later

By level 3 end, you'll have strong basis to understand and explain most concepts

Transcripts

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