Musical Notation - Clefs, Staff

​At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. ​identify the different clefs

2. ​label and identify notes on the staff using the clef.

3. ​compose a simple 4 4 musical piece on the treble and bass clefs.

​Two boys decide to go wandering in the woods. The first boy however arrives too early and decides to go ahead without the second boy.

​A clef is a sign at the beginning of a staff of music which makes it possible for the player to work out what the notes are. The word “clef” is a French word meaning “key”.

​Clef

​Clefs help us to find the right pitch, or 'key'.

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A clef is used as a reference point for a particular pitch or set of pitches.

​They allow us to start, and read music in the correct way so that we don't get confused.

​Imagine trying to follow someone in a forest full of identical trees.

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​Have a reference point from the start from and follow would be very important.

​When playing an instrument, notes can be clearly identified based on their pitch. This can be not only be heard but can be represented visually. Let's examine the frequency spectrum of a few instruments:

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​Clefs allow how to write music based on these pitches, like how we use the alphabet to write words in our books.

​In modern music, only four clefs are used regularly: treble clef, bass clef, alto clef, and tenor clef. For this school year, we will only be focusing on the Treble and Bass Clefs.

​The treble clef is also called the “G clef” because the clef's inner find wraps around the note 'G'

​Let's which this video below. Follow while we

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxIpAZySxYs

​The spaces are labeled FACE starting with the first space at the bottom. The lines are labeled EGBDF (Every Good Boy Does Fine) starting at the bottom line and going to the top line.

​In the next slide, we will play the notes of the G Clef on the piano.

​Compose a 4 4 time signature piece on music using the following notes:

1. A G F D in the first bar

2. ​C A B G in the second bar

3. ​G B F G in the third bar

4. ​and E C D A in the fourth bar

​The bass clef is also called an F clef because it wraps around the highest F note

​The spaces are labeled ACEG (All Cows Eat Grass). The lines are labeled GBDFA (Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always) starting at the bottom line and going up to the top line.

​In the next slide, we will play the notes of the F Clef on the piano.

​Compose a 4 4 time signature piece on music using the following notes:

1. A G F D in the first bar

2. ​C A B G in the second bar

3. ​G B F G in the third bar

4. ​and E C D A in the fourth bar

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​Do you see how this composition differs from the on done on the G clef?

​The grand staff is a combination of two staves put together, usually a treble clef and a bass clef. This combination clef is used for a variety of instruments, including piano, organ, marimba, harp, and more.

​The top clefs are connected by what is called the "middle C"

​BYE!