1. Music Theory September 7, 2012

2. Opening Assignment • On staff paper, draw the following key signatures • Treble Clef • A Major • A-flat Major • B Major • Bass Clef • E-flat Major • F Major • G-flat Major

3. Today’s Objectives / Agenda • Introduction to Diatonic Harmony • Major Keys • Critical Listening

4. Diatonic Harmony • Diatonic – • Relating only to the notes within the given key signature • Includes 7 distinct tones (in both Major and minor) • 2 half-steps • Notes that are not included within the key signature are called chromatic • These diatonic tones are grouped into scales and chords that create melody and harmony

5. What is a key? • A key is the group of 7 notes that diatonically belong to an assigned starting note, called the Tonic • Major Keys • In all major keys, a half-step always occurs between the 3rd and 4th scale tones, and the 7th and 8th scale tones

6. Key Signatures • Key signatures indicate which pitch-classes need to be raised or lowered in order to create Major or minor diatonic harmony Ex. In the key of D Major, f and c must be raised by a half step in order to maintain the major diatonic pattern

7. Circle of 5ths • The Circle of 5ths is a way to organize key signatures by ordering them according to how many pitch classes must be raised or lowered in order to retain the diatonic pattern

8. Writing Key Signatures • Key signatures must be drawn in a particular way that indicates the order of the sharps/flats (and uses the correct lines on the staff)

9. Goals • Be able to identify all Major Key Signatures • Look at the signature and know what the tonic is • When given a tonic, know how many sharps/flats there are within the key • Know the order of the sharps/flats • Be able to write all Major Key Signatures • Using correct ordering • Using correct lines on the staff