In this lesson we will make a start on learning Key Signatures.???

Throughout a piece of music it is sometimes necessary to play some melody notes as SHARPS and others as FLATS.? To save the trouble of writing sharps and flats continuously right throughout a piece, a Key Signature is indicated at the Beginning of each stave to tell you that any notes occurring in the key signature are to be played flat or sharp right through the whole piece, even though the sharp or flat sign is not written against the actual notes effected in each bar.?

Without exception, key signatures consist of one or more sharps or one or more flats.? There is no such thing as a key signature made up of some sharps and some flats.? A key signature must have either sharps or flats, not both.?

The key signature should be written at the beginning of each stave throughout a piece in the Treble Clef and Bass Clef.? The key signature of every piece is always written directly after the Treble and Bass Clef signs, just before the TIME SIGNATURE.?

The effect of a key signature applies right through a piece unless it is changed by a different one being introduced, which is unusual.? You will remember that the same applied to the time signature.? In popular music it is the usual thing for one key signature to apply to the entire piece.? Notwithstanding, Some very nice variations are introduced in some pieces when the composer changes the key signature part of the way through a piece, so, in order to be able to cope with these, it is a good idea to get a good understanding of key signatures.?

The function of a key signature is to tell you what 'key' a piece is written in. (not making much sense yet is it?)? stick with it!!?

Once you know what 'key' a piece is written in you will know what notes in the piece are to be played as sharps or flats.? You will know this automatically without having to look for sharp or flat signs as you go along.?

There are twelve different key signatures, - but don't panic, - many are only ever found in classical pieces.? Popular music is usually written in one of the most favored five key signatures.? You will learn these in easy stages starting with the easiest.