How to find what major or minor your in?

[sammie1981]

I am just beginning to learn the piano and I was wondering how you can tell what major or minor you are in just by looking at sheet music?  Because some of the sheet music may have flats or sharps or they may have no Time Signature. 

Thanks!

[arumih]

Those sharps and flats...they're called the key signature. Google key signature and you should get some information. There are a lot of good music theory websites out there if you search for them, or better yet buy the AB guide to music theory.

Most of these kind of questions can be answered by google, that book, or doing a simple search of the forum.

Good luck

[bestpianosoftware]

Are you teaching yourself to learn how to play?  wow! Refer to sites that provide tutorials for this one.  You may also refer to piano lessons dvds if you want.  There are beginners piano lessons on dvds accessible. 

[sammie1981]

Are you teaching yourself to learn how to play?  wow! Refer to sites that provide tutorials for this one.  You may also refer to piano lessons dvds if you want.  There are beginners piano lessons on dvds accessible. 

I am just reading up on music theory.  I have piano classes beginning next week.  Thanks for the info! 

[Bob]

You can take a look at the last chord in the piece.  A lot of the time, it's the tonic chord and the key of the piece.  Not always, but for tonal music and the stuff I see, it's almost always right.

[n00bhippy]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Circle_of_fifths_deluxe_4.svg

[loonbohol]

Minor has a pattern of Whole step,Half step.
Major has a pattern of Whole step,Whole step.