Could someone explain viola music to me?

Question

So there's treble clef, bass clef, and then there's...viola.

What is the clef called, anyway?

What are the notes on the staff, and what key is it in?

Why does viola have a different clef from all the other instruments?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The clef for viola is the alto clef, the middle C is usually where the first B above middle C would go on a treble clef. As to why its in a different clef i surpose that its so its easier to read and write the music for it

Answer 2

Alto clef. Or C clef. The line it centres on indicates middle C.

The middle line is middle C. It plays at concert pitch.

It has that clef because it allows the music in its range to be played without too many leger lines.

Tenor clef looks the same but is centred on the line above. Cellos and bassoons use it sometimes, as do other instruments with similar ranges.

Answer 3

It's an alto clef. Several instruments use it but the viola is the most 'famous'. Because of the range of the viola, neither the treble nor the bass clefs are suitable (the treble would need too many ledger lines below the stave and the bass clef too many ledger lines above it). The alto clef is the perfect answer. Middle C is on the middle line of the stave (where the centre of the '3' is). It takes a bit of getting used to but, with a bit of work, is no harder to learn than the treble or bass clefs.

Answer 4

Ahh, your right.

It looks like the number 3....

Weird.

I play the cello and violin. But not the viola.

So, sorry.

Answer 5

I have a cousin with treble cleft palate. Does that count? :-)