01-01-03 All about Octaves Flashcards
What is an octave?
An octave is the distance from a note up or down to the next note with the same name. E.g. from the pitch A up to the next A is one octave. Octaves span eight letter names.
Explain middle C
Middle C is the C note just to the left of centre on the piano keyboard.
Where is Middle C in the treble clef?
One ledger line below the staff
Where is Middle C in the treble clef?
One ledger line above the staff.
Where is Middle C in the grand staff?
One ledger line above the bass clef and one ledger line below the treble clef.
Explain the American standard octave designation
In the American Standard Pitch Notation, the octaves are numbered, with middle C being C4. Every C begins a new octave number, so the B just below C4 is B3, and the D just above C4 is D4. Accidentals don’t change the octave.
Explain the ottava symbol
The ottava symbol (8va) raises a note by one octave, while the ottava bass (8vb) lowers a note by one octave.
Where are the ottava and ottava bass symbols placed in a staff?
Ottava symbols always appears above the staff while the ottava bassa appears below the staff.
Explain a quindicesima (15ma)
Raises a note two octaves; quindicesima bassa lowers a note two octaves.
Explain the octave clef
The octave clef lowers the music an octave; it is often used for tenor voice.
