Relative Keys: Determining Relative Minor Key and Notating Key Signatures
Abigail Young
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Music Theory study guide covers major and minor modes, including identifying changes by ear. It explains parallel and relative keys, their relationships, and how to find them. The guide also details minor key signatures, the three types of minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic), and using the circle of fifths. It includes practice questions and exam tips focusing on aural skills and free-response strategies.
#AP Music Theory: Major and Minor Modes - Your Ultimate Guide 🎶
Hey there, future music maestro! Let's get you prepped and confident for the AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll make sure everything clicks, and you'll feel ready to rock! 🎸
#Modes: Major and Minor
#What are Modes? 🤔
In music, tonality refers to the key of a piece. A mode is a variation of a scale that creates a specific mood or character. The two most common modes are major and minor.
- Major Mode: Often sounds bright, happy, and uplifting.
- Minor Mode: Often sounds darker, sad, or introspective.
Changes in mode (e.g., from major to minor) are common in music and can create powerful emotional shifts. You'll need to recognize these changes by ear on the exam.
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Relative Pitch is Key
Don't worry about having perfect pitch! The AP exam focuses on relative pitch. This means you'll need to identify changes in tonality (major to minor, or vice versa) by ear, not the specific letter names of the keys.
#Example: Chopin's Piece 🎧
Notice how the mood shifts? That's a change in mode!
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Question:
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A piece of music begins in a major key and then shifts to a minor key. Which of the following best describes this change? (A) A change in tempo (B) A change in mode (C) A change in dynamics (D) A change in instrumentation
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of relative pitch? (A) Ability to identify intervals (B) Ability to identify changes in mode (C) Ability to identify specific key names without reference (D) Ability to identify melodic pattern...
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