Figure 2.19

8va, 8vb

At times composers will use the symbols

15ma

and

15mb

to denote that the passage

is to be played two octaves higher or lower. While uncommon, this is occasionally
used, especially as a notational convenience. A composer may indicate that a
passage is to be performed two octaves higher or lower by including this as an
instruction.

Figure 2.20

15ma

K E Y   T A K E A W A Y S

• Understanding and employing register designations for locating pitch.
• Use of the piano keyboard to support recognizing registral designations.
•

8va

and

8vb

,

15ma

and

15mb

Chapter 2 The Elements of Pitch:Sound, Symbol, and Tone

2.4 Register Designation, The Octave, 8va, and 8vb

74