What is modulation in music?
Q: What is modulation in music?
A: Modulation in music is when the key of a piece of music changes.
Q: What is an example of a common modulation?
A: A common modulation would be from C major to G major, as G is the 5th note in a C major scale (the "dominant").
Q: How does modulating to the subdominant or relative minor differ from other types of modulations?
A: Modulating to the subdominant (4th note of the scale) or relative minor (e.g. C major to A minor) differs from other types of modulations because it stays within the original key, whereas with chromatic modulations, like going from C major to A flat major, you are moving outside of the original key and into another one.
Q: Why do pieces of music often modulate?
A: Pieces of music often modulate because it gives variety and helps give shape to the piece - as you move away from the tonic there is more tension created, and when you eventually return to it there's a sense of homecoming.
Q: What is a chromatic modulation?
A: A chromatic modulation is when you move outside your original key into another one - for example, going from C major to A flat major would be considered a chromatic modulation because A flat isn't part of the notes in a C Major scale.
Q: How does returning back to your original key create tension?
A: Returning back to your original key creates tension because as you move away from it there's more tension built up until finally reaching that point where everything resolves itself by coming back home again.
