TRANSPOSITION

CONTENT

1. Definition of Transposition
2. Types of Transposition
3. Transposing a Melody an Octave Higher
4. Transposing a Melody an Octave Lower

Definition of Transposition

Transposition involves playing or writing a given melody at a different pitch higher or lower. The term, transposition, is the process of playing or re-writing a melody at a different pitch other than the original.

Types of Transposition

There are two major kinds of transposition, namely;

1. Clef transposition
2. Key transposition.

Clef (Octave) Transposition

A piece of music written in the treble clef (that is treble staff) may be transposed an octave higher or lower in the same clef. Similarly, a piece of music written in the bass clef (bass staff) may be transposed an octave higher or lower in the same clef. Thus, in clef transposition we have octave transposition within the same clef, and also clef transposition from one clef to another.

Transposing a Melody an Octave Higher

A given melody in treble staff can be re-written an octave higher, e.g.