Which of the following best defines an interval?
the number of notes within a chromatic scale
the range of notes within a musical composition
the number of flats and sharps in a composition
two notes that are a certain distance apart
Two notes that are a certain distance apart
The correct definition of an interval is "two notes that are a certain distance apart." To determine the interval between two notes, you need to know how many letter names (A to G), including any accidentals (sharps, flats), are involved.
To calculate an interval, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the two notes you want to find the interval between.
2. Determine the letter names of the two notes, counting any accidentals present.
3. Count the number of letter names, including any accidentals, from the lower note to the higher note. Make sure to count both the starting and ending letters.
4. Use the interval name to describe the distance between the two notes. For example, a distance of 1 letter name is called a "unison," 2 letter names is a "second," 3 letter names is a "third," and so on.
Remember that the interval is determined by the letter names and not the actual pitch.