How to Convert Piano Music to Alto Saxophone
Every musical instrument is in a certain key. Piano music is written in the key of C, while music for an alto sax is written in the key of E flat. Because they are in different keys, the same note on each instrument will sound different from the other instrument when played. Musicians can transpose music from one key to another. To transpose piano music to alto sax music, you must transpose from the key of C to the key of E flat.
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Instructions
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Separate the melody from the rest of the piano music. Pianos can play several notes at a time, such as chords. Alto saxophones can only play one note at a time. The best way to convert piano music to alto sax music is to restrict the transposition to the line of melody so that only one note is played at a time.
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Add three half-steps to each note of the piano melody and write these new notes on a blank sheet of staff paper. For example, to convert a C on the piano to the correct note for an alto saxophone, you would add three half-steps: C to C sharp, C sharp to D and D to E flat. Therefore, a C would become an E flat.
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Adjust the register. Piano music makes use of many different registers and octaves, while an alto saxophone does not have that range. Once you've transposed the music into the correct notes, adjust lines of the melody up or down an octave or two so that they are in the correct range for a saxophone.
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Tips & Warnings
Computer programs are available to transpose music for you. To use these programs, however, you must first enter the music into the program electronically, which can be time consuming.
Pay attention to the key signature of the piano music so you do not miss any notes that may be sharp or flat. This would affect the correct transposition of the note.
References
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