Music Theory Online

Music for keyboard instruments can be written for many parts. The example below shows music written for four parts (two in treble and two in bass).



If you separate the music into individual parts for open score, you get these:










If you combine the examples below in open score









you get this:




This four-part style is also called SATB (for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass).

Notice how the Soprano and Tenor, the higher parts in each clef, have stems that point upwards. The Alto and Bass, the lower parts in each clef, have stems that point downwards.