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Topic: transposing (Read 2035 times) previous topic - next topic

transposing

When transposing an instrument the Command Reference indicates that as well as the key the sound is to be lowered by so many semi tones.
What does this mean and how is it achieved?
Thanks.
 

Re: transposing

Reply #1 –
It means that transposing will do two things - change the position of the note upwards or downwards, and change the key signature.

If your music is written in G major but you want the piece to be in F ajor, then you transpose down 2 semitones.  NWC will move the notes down a whole tone and will also change the key signature.  By changing the key signature, the traditional major scale of tone, tone, semitone, tone, tone, tone, semitone will be preserved.

You have a choice whether or not to update the staff playback.  If you want to change the music to a new key, then don't check the box.  If you are working with a concert pitch score, though, and now want to transpose each staff so you can print the parts out for your group, check the box, otherwise when you play it back, you won't enjoy the sound.

Check this out with a simple scale - open a new file, enter a staff that has a treble clef, and a key signature of your choice.  Enter a few notes - perhaps a major scale?  Play it back.  Then transpose it, observe the difference on the screen, and play it back. If you've toggled the update playback, the sound won't have changed.  If you didn't, you will hear the music changed pitch.