Lecture Notes on Flats

Introduction

• Instructor: Joseph Hoffman
• Topic: Flats in music
• Comparison with sharps:
  • Sharps raise notes by a half step
  • Flats lower notes by a half step

Understanding Flats

• Mnemonic for remembering:
  • Sharps = go up (like a poke)
  • Flats = go down (like a flat tire)

Piano Practice with Flats

• Flats lower notes by a half step:
  • A to A-flat
  • E to E-flat
  • F to F-flat (F-flat = E)

Example Exercises

• Identify the following flats:

  • D-flat: Correct location
  • G-flat: Correct location
  • C-flat: Correct location (C-flat = B)

• Find without original notes:

  • E-flat: Correct location
  • D-flat: Correct location
  • A-flat: Correct location
  • B-flat: Correct location (B to B-flat)

Enharmonic Names

• Definition: Two names for the same note
• Examples:
  • B-flat = A-sharp
  • C-sharp = D-flat
  • F-sharp = G-flat
  • E-flat = D-sharp

Identifying Flats and Sharps in Music

• Key Signature:

  • Located right after the clef
  • Indicates automatic flats/sharps for specific lines/spaces
  • Example: B line of treble clef is flat

• Accidentals:

  • Additional sharps or flats in music
  • Shown right before the note they affect

Drawing Flats and Sharps

• Instructions for drawing:
  • Flat:
    • Draw a straight line down, add half a heart shape.
    • Ensure line cuts through the middle.
  • Sharp:
    • Draw two lines down, then two lines across (like tic-tac-toe).
    • Lines are traditionally slanted up.

Additional Resources

• Availability of printable materials for further practice on flats.

Conclusion

• Reminder to avoid sharp objects and flat tires.
• Preview of review of musical symbols next time.