3 ‘Absolutely’ Important Facts To Know About Middle C

You can never learn music without hearing the term Middle C. 

It is one of the most important notes in music and one of the very first notes that anyone is introduced to when learning to play the piano. 

So in today’s post, I am going to explain some very important facts about Middle C, that you may not have known. 

These facts are actually game changers and learning them will help your child be less confused when playing the piano and reading music notes. 

Don’t worry. 

Even if you have absolutely no musical knowledge, my explanation of the material will not only help you understand these facts easily, but it will also enable you to teach your children about Middle C and its importance. 

What is more?

As always I have also made music theory worksheets available so you can reinforce the concepts your child will learn here. 

Middle C Is A Separation Point

Yes, on the piano, Middle C is the separation point. 

All the notes to the right of Middle C are usually written in the Treble Clef. 

They are usually played with the right hand. 

I am using the term ‘usually’ here, because there are exceptions to this rule. 

So, all the notes to the right of Middle C are played with the right hand, what about the notes to the left of Middle C?

Yes, you guessed that right. 

The notes to the left of Middle C are usually played with the left hand and usually written in the Bass Clef. 

Wouldn’t you agree that Middle C is the separation point? 

Middle C Is A Ledger Line Note

Yes, Middle C is a ledger line note. 

If this is the first time you are hearing the term ‘ledger’ line, you will be wondering what that means. 

A ledger line is a line that is written in addition to the usual five lines in the staff. 

It can be above or below the staff. 

In the case of Middle C, it is not written on any of the staff lines, rather it is written on its own line. 

In the Treble Clef, Middle C is written on its own line and is below the Treble Staff. 

In the Bass Clef, Middle C is written on its own line and is placed above the Bass Staff. 

How To Find Middle C

On a normal sized keyboard (a standard piano keyboard), which has 88 white and black keys (in total), Middle C is the 4th C when counted from the left. 

How about in cases where the keyboard is a lot smaller like the many electronic keyboards in the market?

Well in those cases, it is harder to determine the Middle C. 

The rule of thumb is to use the C closest to the middle of the keyboard as Middle C. 

Now that you’ve learned these facts and can teach them to your kids, let me know if you have any questions. 

Don’t forget to download the music theory worksheet I have made available so your kids can practice writing Middle C.