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With a grand piano offering 88 keys, the staff must efficiently condense these pitches using clefs, distinctive symbols that establish a reference point. If a note falls outside the standard range depicted by the clef, extra lines, referred to as ledger lines, can be drawn in for clarification. In instances where ledger lines become cumbersome, a different clef may be utilized to simplify notation.
Rhythm and Beat: The Timekeepers of Music
While pitch provides the frequency of sound, two crucial elements—beat and rhythm—govern when those sounds are played. By themselves, beats serve a steady, unvarying pulse akin to a ticking clock, capable of proceeding at various tempos. This consistent beat forms the backbone of any piece of music, segmenting it into equal time intervals.