Final answer:
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to include musical notes outside of a given key, known as accidentals, to add expressive qualities to music. This technique can enhance storytelling through music by creating tension or surprise. Additionally, pitch is not altered by the volume intensity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is it acceptable to include musical notes outside of a given key? The answer is a) Yes. It is quite common in music composition to use notes that are not part of the established key, which are known as accidentals. These include sharps, flats, and naturals that are not in the key signature. Composers often use accidentals to add tension, color, or expressive quality to the music.
For example, in a piece of music set in C major, if an A sharp is played, it introduces a note that is not part of the C major scale. This can create a sense of surprise or dissonance, which can be used expressively to enhance the storytelling in the music, much like the example provided of music in a film where the protagonist is in danger. The use of notes outside a key is a powerful tool in the repertoire of composers and musicians for conveying emotions and adding depth to a piece.
In the context of pitch and volume, it's important to know that turning up the volume of your stereo does not change the pitch of the music. This is because pitch is determined by the frequency of the sound waves, not their amplitude. So the answer to GRASP CHECK would be a. No, because pitch does not depend on intensity.