Understanding Accidentals in Music

What are accidentals in music?

• Notes that are outside of the key signature

• Notes that the composer put there by accident

• Notes that are always sharp

• Notes that are always flat

What does a flat sign (b) indicate for a note?

• Play half step higher

• Play half step lower

• Play without sharps or flats

• Play two half steps higher

What does a sharp sign (#) indicate for a note?

• Play half step lower

• Play half step higher

• Play without sharps or flats

• Play two half steps lower

What does a natural sign (♮) indicate for a note?

• Play half step higher

• Play half step lower

• Play without sharps or flats

• Play two half steps higher

How long does an accidental marking typically last in a musical piece?

• Until the end of the piece

• Until the next measure

• Until the end of the bar

• Until a new key signature is introduced

In the example shown (01:05), if the key signature indicates B flat, and a B natural is marked in the first bar, what note would a subsequent B in the *next* bar be played as, assuming no new accidental is marked?

• B natural

• B sharp

• B flat

• C natural

Why might a composer use accidentals in their music?

• To simplify the melody

• To reduce the number of notes

• To add a different "flavor" by using notes outside the key signature

• To make the music sound more traditional

Which of the following are considered "uncommon" accidentals?

• Flat and Sharp

• Natural and Half Sharp

• Double Flat and Double Sharp

• Quarter Tone and Natural

How many half steps does a double sharp raise a note by?

• One half step

• Two half steps

• Three half steps

• Four half steps

Which of these are considered "rare" accidentals, often associated with microtonal music?

• Flat and Sharp

• Double Flat and Double Sharp

• Half Sharp and Half Flat

• Natural and Double Flat