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What is the difference between alto and tenor clefs?
The tenor clef is one note higher than the alto clef! Actually, no, it isn't. This is a common confusion, so it's worth trying to sort it out. The two clefs are simply different positions of the C Clef. The purpose of the C Clef is to show which of the five lines of the staff represents middle C. When the clef indicates that middle C is the middle line it is called the Alto Clef. When the clef indicates that middle C is the fourth line (from the bottom) it is called the Tenor Clef. So the clef is named according to its position on the staff, but in each case it indicates the same note. C clefs are preferred in classical notation for instumental ranges that hover around middle C. This avoids incessant interchanges between Treble and Bass Clefs, or the alternative of writing notes an octave too high or low. The Tenor clef covers a slightly lower middle range, and is preferred for cellos, trombones, bassoons and sometimes other bass instruments when they are playing high. The Alto clef is ideal for the viola, and parts written for the alto trombone also use it. Other positions of the C-clef are now obsolete. These were: on the first (bottom) line (the Soprano Clef) and on the second line (the Mezzo Soprano Clef).
9 N on the TC?
nine notes on the treble clef
