University of Central Florida (UCF) MUL2010 Enjoyment of Music Practice Exam 2

Saying that music is "keyed" in a certain key refers to the concept that the piece is centered around a specific tonic note and scale. In music, the key of a piece determines the family of pitches that will be used and creates a sense of tonal center. The tonic is the primary note upon which the music is based, and the scale associated with this key outlines the other notes that will harmonize well with it.

For example, if a piece is in the key of C major, the tonic note is C, and the scale includes the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. This establishes not only the pitches that can be used prominently in the composition but also the harmonic relationships and the emotional character of the music. Keys often have specific connotations or moods associated with them, influencing how the listener perceives the piece. This definition of being "keyed" aligns closely with foundational aspects of Western tonal music, making it a crucial concept for understanding harmony and structure in compositions.