In order for both a flute and a French horn to play a note that sounds the same, music for French horn, or another F instrument, will need to be transposed into the key of F. [2] X Research source Other instruments, such as the Basset horn, the Cor Anglais and the F Alto Saxophone and the Wagner Tuba are also keyed in F.
It may be helpful to look at a keyboard, or even a picture of a keyboard as you count whole and semi tones. Pictures of keyboards with the names of notes labeled can be found online to help you gain a visual of what you’re doing.
Now go up a half step. C# becomes an F#, because you need to maintain the ratio of five whole tones or seven semi-tones.
In the key of C, the note F will become an A# (Bb) when you transpose to the key of F. In the key of C, the note F# will become a B natural when you transpose it to the key of F.
If you are at least somewhat familiar with a piano, try playing your paired fifths. The note ratio should sound the same for every pair you have made. If not, you’ve made a mistake!
Using music designed for beginners, with few accidentals, will make it easier to get the basics. Beginner piano or flute music featuring simple well-known tunes such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star may be a good place to start. Avoid using an advanced piano score, which will likely include chords that will make it harder to practice at first. Try something simple with only single notes instead.
Use your cheat sheet to check your work.
This step will help you to catch errors. You will quickly realize a mistake if you accurately play what you have written and it does not sound like the original tune.
A duet scored for two flutes will provide you with an opportunity to try transposing both a melody and a harmony line. It may not be immediately apparent if you make a mistake, so invite a friend to play your transposed duet with you to test if it sounds correct.
Accidentals are easy to overlook, but make a big difference in whether the piece sounds good or not.
