How do you read treble clef if you're a tenor?

Question

I am new to music theory and always thought that middle C meant sing middle C. But it doesn't if you're a guy? So is middle C for a guy the C below actual middle C? Is basically everything if you're a guy sung one octave lower than it is written? Why not just put the note where it is suppose to be sung instead? And lastly, if I'm looking at sheet music for a male singer should I assume it is always sung one octave lower or do you sing it as written? How can you tell? Music theory is weird.

Answer 1

It seems like everyone has missed the point of your question!

You are singing a tenor part written in treble clef. Sometimes the score will have a treble clef with a little 8 on the bottom so you know to read it down an octave--other times it doesn't, so the composer just assumes you know to do this by tradition. (only tenors do this, not basses).

So why is this?

Well, originally the tenor part had its own clef (actually all the parts did, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). Bass is the only one that remained in common use. The other three parts switched to reading treble clef--the tenor an octave down.

Why not just put the note where it is suppose to be sung instead?

The tenor range actually falls right between the bass and treble clefs, so if you wrote it exactly where the note is, you would end up with a lot of ledger lines (either above with bass clef or below with treble clef).

The simple answer is you sing down an octave to avoid having a lot of ledger lines.

Answer 2

Octave Treble Clef

Answer 3

Middle C is middle C yeah BUT if you're looking at sheet music for let's say Let It Be it goes as high as G above the clef. That G is in a woman's range and would be sung as is if one was a woman. No way a guy can hit a note that high. But for a mnn that means he'd sing it one octave lower than written. So the G above the clef would be sung if you're a guy as the first G of the treble clef. Anybody care to back me up?

Isn't most music written with the G treble clef anyways?

Answer 4

It depends on the clef being used, whether it's the C, F, or G clef, it's placement on the staff, and if there are any other indications of a pitch transposition or disposition, such as "8va," which means to sing the notes an octave higher if it is placed above the staff, or to sing the notes an octave lower if it is placed below the staff. Check out the link to get an idea of how the clefs affect "where" middle C is.

You should always perform within the boundaries that is written on the page unless the composer, conductor, or your audience requests you to do something that is not indicated on the score itself. Once you get used to reading music, it'll get easier to understand why there are so many variations, and the advantages those variations bring.

Also, as you get more experience, you may be inclined to sometimes sing certain things in a way not indicated on the score to make it unique to yourself/voice/style, as long as it remains in good taste.

Answer 5

Middle c is middle c is middle c.........
Sing the note exactly where it is written if you are in treble clef. However, if you are singing in tenor clef, raise each note one and one half steps (based on treble clef). So you see, the note is always exactly where it should be sung, except when you see 8va (one octave higher) or basso (one octave lower), but always the same note. Just be aware of which clef you are singing in. Good luck...theory is hard, but worth it!

Answer 6

I'll avoid musical terminology for both our sakes. Let's simplify things a little and make your do middle C. That way C = do, D = re, E = mi, F = fa, G = so, A = la, B = ti, C = do. And yes, high C will be your high do, so to come back you just sing the notes in reverse. Now are you thoroughly confused? If we had a piano, it would help. Why not sing the song "Do, Re, Mi" from "The Sound of Music". In it the scale is sung forward and back. Simplistic but it works. Then, if you like, alter do, re, mi to A, B,C, etc. Must say that I find the A,B,C method easiest, but in school we were taught do, re, mi. As an adult, I've sung in choirs and barbershop groups. In the latter, to add to the confusion, one director decided to help those who couldn't read music by teaching us all to number the scale-notes and sing the numbers. So C become 1 and so on. It was enough to drive a person to drink. All the best, by the way ... and enjoy your choir.

Answer 7

It's not weird, just a Little confusing at first.
When Western music started to be written down, there were no five lines and four spaces. the notes came in lovely shapes, and sometimes the whole piece was mapped out in the shape of a heart.
As conventions settled down, the five-line system was settled on, presumably because you can always look at your hand and see five lines, four spaces.
A system of clefs was also variable. It used to be that tenors had tenor clef ( which we can still see in viola music today) mezzos and altos had their clefs,
sopranos their clef, and of course, the bass, or F clef.
Slowly, it was furthered reduced to just two or three, although I have some antique piano-vocal scores with all sorts of interesting notations in the left hand side. The transposing instruments of the orchestra keep these things in their heads without too much difficulty (try talking to a clarinetist, saxophonist, French hornist, and viola player to get their take on it) so the rest of us can manage with it.
Keep at it! It's definitely worth it, as it will enrich your understanding of music, and music making.

Answer 8

Ok, well, do you mean bass clef, because i am not sure what your question is asking. I dont sing but I play the saxophone and I can read music...

Answer 9

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