Section 5: Keys

This is a very short concept but very important one to remember.

Key: A tonal system consisting of seven tones in fixed relationship to a tonic, having a characteristic key signature and being the structural foundation of the bulk of Western music.

A key sets what is called a tonal center or reference point for a piece of music. Going back to the choir example from earlier, you may have heard or seen a singer play a single note before he sings. A pitch pipe or single note played by an instrument would be matched vocally by humming or singing it before the singer beings to sing.

When singers do that, they are trying to match the "key" the song is written in. Often times a musician will know what key the music is in by the Key Signature at the beginning. Later as we break down sheet music examples you will fully understand the concept of keys in music.

Key Signature: The group of sharps or flats placed to the right of the clef on a staff to identify the key.

As you advance even further, you will be able to look at a key signature and tell what key you will be playing in.