I expect Musescore can do something similar. If you're using a package like Sibelius, it's very straightforward to create a treble-clef transposing stave for your trombone or Eb bass or Bb bass and then copy an existing concert pitch line into that stave, and it will be transposed automatically. All instruments are treated as Bb transposing apart from Soprano cornet, tenor horn and Eb bass, which are Eb transposition. UK brass bands notate all instruments (apart from bass trombone) as transposing instruments in treble clef (even the basses!). So when they perform a written treble-clef C the sounding note is concert Bb. UK Brass band) trombones are written in treble clef and treated as Bb transposing instruments. Orchestral trombonists also have to read several other clefs too, but those are less common. So when they perform a written bass-clef C the sounding note is concert C. Orchestral trombones and tubas typically read from bass clef and are treated as concert pitch (non-transposing) instruments. That is my mystery.Īny pointers for my now-addled brain would be most welcome. I used to think that, if a brass instrument should play a 'C' in bass clef, then, (after using Musescore to transpose), the instrument should play a C in the treble. Obviously I don't need to understand brass instrument fingering, or trombone positioning, but must grasp what happens for the change from bass clef to treble clef.

I have read the instructions above, but I need to understand the 'why' before I can help the band, and spot if I am transposing the tuba or trombone correctly. However, my other band needs help transposing trombones and tubas from bass clef to treble clef.

We only use treble clef, so it's a simply process of raising the key by a two semitones (Bb clarinet) or three semitones (A clarinet) to accompany our trio who play in concert pitch. (I play piano so am familiar with which note is which in the two clefs.) I'm a new boy at transposition school(!).

E flat to c transposition chart