Definition: The symbol ♯, placed after the name of a note in the key signature or before a note on the staff to indicate that the note is to be played a semitone higher.
Alright class, settle down now, let’s dive into this word!
We're talking about "sharp," and it’s a really important little signal we use in music. The dictionary gives us a good clue – a very precise one indeed!
It says the symbol
♯
- that’s an “S” with a little pointy tail - is used in two main ways, you see:
In Key Signatures:
When you look at the top of a musical score, you'll often find a set of sharps. These tell you
all
the notes in the piece should be raised by a semitone – that’s just one key step up! Like, if you have a few ♯ symbols, it means several notes throughout the song will be played slightly higher.
Before Individual Notes:
You might also see that little
♯
right before a note on the staff itself - like a C♯ or a G♯ – meaning
that specific note
should be played a semitone higher than its regular value.
Think of it this way: "Sharp" means “lifted,” “raised” – to go up a little bit in pitch! It's a quick and easy way for musicians to know exactly how to play a piece correctly.
Does that make sense? Any questions about what a sharp signifies, or where you might find it?