Pronunciation: [tˈɛnə klˈɛf] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the musical term "tenor clef" is /ˈtɛnər klɛf/. This term refers to a clef that is used by instruments such as the cello, bassoon or trombone to indicate higher notes than the bass clef, but lower than the treble clef. The word "tenor" comes from the Latin term "tenere," which means "to hold." The tenor clef is called so because it "holds" notes in the range between the bass and treble clefs.
Tenor clef is a musical notation symbol used in sheet music to indicate the pitch range and positioning for certain instruments, predominantly the viola and the bassoon. It is characterized by a stylized letter "C" with two dots flanking it on the fourth line from the bottom of the staff. This specific positioning of the clef alters the pitch range of the instrument it is applied to, allowing the player to read music that is written with higher notes than those usually played in bass clef, while remaining within the comfortable range of the instrument.
In terms of pitch, the tenor clef moves the pitch range of the instrument one octave higher than the bass clef. So, the fourth line from the bottom of the staff in tenor clef represents the middle C on a piano. This enables the player to read and play higher notes with greater ease, as well as providing a clearer representation of the intended pitches, especially in the case of the viola.
The use of tenor clef is vital in allowing composers and arrangers to accurately represent the pitch range of the viola and bassoon, as well as other instruments that occasionally utilize this clef. It improves readability, makes complex musical passages more understandable, and ensures that the music can be played smoothly and accurately.
The word "tenor" in "tenor clef" is derived from the Latin word "tenere", which means "to hold". The tenor clef was originally used in medieval music notation to represent the range of the tenor voice. Over time, as music evolved, the tenor clef came to represent the range of instruments such as the cello, bassoon, and trombone, which also fall within the tenor range. The use of the word "clef" in "tenor clef" refers to a symbol placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the pitch of the notes.
