Melodic Transposition

Definition

Melodic transposition refers to the process of moving a melody up or down in pitch while maintaining its original shape and intervals.

Analogy

Think of melodic transposition like taking an elevator ride. You start on one floor (the original pitch) and then move up or down to another floor (a higher or lower pitch), but the distance between each floor remains the same, just like the intervals in a melody.

Related terms

Key Signature: A key signature is a set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a musical staff to indicate the tonality (key) of a piece.

Modulation: Modulation is the process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music.

Chromatic Scale: The chromatic scale consists of all twelve pitches within an octave, including both white and black keys on a piano.