The joys of the alto clef

as a dyslexic violin convert I found that learning the alto clef was hell. admittedly it doesn't look as pretty as a treble clef or as arty as a bass clef but I find it quite groovy. being able to read the alto clef is like a super power (especially because most people forget about it past grade 5 theory). Transposing is easier as a general rule ,although this obviously also applies to reed players but lets forget about them briefly. I also feel that once you've mastered the alto clef anything is possible.    

A brief background

for those of you that don't speech French (including me) clef means key. its a bit like a key on a map to indicate where things are and likewise a clef indicates where the notes are meant to go. The alto clef is otherwise known as the C clef because it points to a C on the stave. you are then supposed to work the rest out yourself. in case your wondering, the treble clef is also known as the G clef and the bass clef is also known as the F clef. the alto clef is basically a viola clef which is why its special. other instruments that use it are the beautiful viol or viola da gamba, (which I will talk about in my next post) the mandola which is basically a lower pitched mandolin and the alto trombone. other than that the alto clef normally moves round in viola circles apart from composers like prokofiev, brahms and of course cage.