The Key to Learning Key Signatures

Do you know your key signatures? If you do, good for you, but don’t stop reading.

Did you learn them with the Circle of Fifths? If you’re like most music students, you did.  But that’s not the best way to learn them. The Circle of Fifths can actually be more confusing than helpful.

First let me say that I believe a knowledge of keys and key signatures is essential in every practical aspect of music. I’m not just a harp teacher; I taught music theory and ear training at the Curtis Institute of Music for 19 years.  And I’m not just an expert in this field, but I truly love the patterns in music that you can uncover when you study music theory.  I also know how essential an understanding of basic music theory is to every musician.

Quick Tip: Watch those Details!

Don’t let your practice be only about the notes. The composer has given you other instructions, too. Read the part carefully, and look up every term you don't understand. Try to incorporate every one of these into your practice and performance of that piece. After all, if the composer wrote it for you, the least you could do is pay attention.

A Quick Video Tip from Candace

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