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Key signature
01
the set of marks at the beginning of a printed piece of music, indicating the key in which the piece is played
What is a "key signature"?
A key signature is a set of sharp or flat symbols placed at the beginning of a piece of music, right after the clef. It indicates which notes should be played as sharp or flat throughout the piece. The key signature helps to establish the key of the music, which determines the scale and tonal center of the piece. By setting these rules, it makes it easier for musicians to read and play the music consistently.
Example
The pianist had to flatten the F sharp in the melody to match the key signature of the composition.