Transposing? -- Solved.

[Kumo Shingetsu]

I've been involved with music for seven years now, and I've heard about transposing. But I don't quite understand the concept, and I'd love it if someone could answer a few questions for me.
See, I'm working on writing a piece that includes two flutes (D flutes o.O) and a violin. I also plan on playing some parts on a piano so I can actually hear my chords and such.

But what I don't get it, how does one transpose from a D flute to violin, or violin to piano? If you even need to transpose at all? I'm really confused. Dx

[`Teh]

Er, well, I was taught that transposing meant you change the key of a piece. Moving everything up or down however many steps/half-steps. I think what you are trying to say is arranging maybe?

Anyways, the melody or piece or whatever of the flute would be the same on violin, assuming they both can play it, you don't need to transpose anything.

So ya.

[Kumo Shingetsu]

`Teh

Er, well, I was taught that transposing meant you change the key of a piece. Moving everything up or down however many steps/half-steps. I think what you are trying to say is arranging maybe?

Anyways, the melody or piece or whatever of the flute would be the same on violin, assuming they both can play it, you don't need to transpose anything.

So ya.

Hmm. Well, you may be right. I'm basing this question on what my band directors have told me in the past, but sadly, they've all given me different definitions of the word transposing. ._.;

I do know one thing though. Trying to play a melody written for flute on a clarinet doesn't sound right. Adjusting to fix that difference between instruments is transposing, yes? Like, to play the same note as a flute playing a B flat, I'd need to play a clarinet C.

Maybe that just made us both confused.

[Wanda June]

You need to transpose notes when the instrument you're composing for/playing is in a different key. The flute is in "C", as is the piano and the violin. You don't need to worry about transposing for these instruments.

To answer your question though: some instruments play in different keys than than others. A soprano clarinet is in the key of B flat: A C flat played on the clarinet will SOUND like a concert B flat, the way a B flat played on the piano sounds. Notes on the clarinet must be played one whole step higher in order to sound the same as concert pitches. This adjustment composers and sometimes instrumentalists make is transposing. I hope this explanation makes sense!

[Kumo Shingetsu]

Wanda June

You need to transpose notes when the instrument you're composing for/playing is in a different key. The flute is in "C", as is the piano and the violin. You don't need to worry about transposing for these instruments.

To answer your question though: some instruments play in different keys than than others. A soprano clarinet is in the key of B flat: A C flat played on the clarinet will SOUND like a concert B flat, the way a B flat played on the piano sounds. Notes on the clarinet must be played one whole step higher in order to sound the same as concert pitches. This adjustment composers and sometimes instrumentalists make is transposing. I hope this explanation makes sense!

I mentioned that my flute plays in D because it's printed right on the flute. Mine isn't a normal one, it's one of these. But I didn't know that piano and violin were C instruments.

And yes, that helps a lot. I think I get it now. Thanks. >w<

Edit // I was looking through threads and found this. And I have to say, it's beautiful. You're incredibly talented. <3

[Wanda June]

Kumo Shingetsu

Wanda June

You need to transpose notes when the instrument you're composing for/playing is in a different key. The flute is in "C", as is the piano and the violin. You don't need to worry about transposing for these instruments.

To answer your question though: some instruments play in different keys than than others. A soprano clarinet is in the key of B flat: A C flat played on the clarinet will SOUND like a concert B flat, the way a B flat played on the piano sounds. Notes on the clarinet must be played one whole step higher in order to sound the same as concert pitches. This adjustment composers and sometimes instrumentalists make is transposing. I hope this explanation makes sense!

I mentioned that my flute plays in D because it's printed right on the flute. Mine isn't a normal one, it's one of these. But I didn't know that piano and violin were C instruments.

And yes, that helps a lot. I think I get it now. Thanks. >w<

Edit // I was looking through threads and found this. And I have to say, it's beautiful. You're incredibly talented. <3

Oops sorry, I should learn to read better! Yeah, for an instrument in D make everything a whole step lower for concert pitches, I believe.

And thanks, you're too kind. <3

[Kumo Shingetsu]

Well, most people see flutes and assume C. So no worries. ^^;
And yeah, that's what I figured. But I wasn't completely sure.

You're very welcome. <3