Conventions
Every page uses a single default convention set. You can see the conventions in use on every tool result.
- Note names: English letter names — C D E F G A B.
- Musical symbols: Real characters — ♯ ♭ ♮ — never # or b.
- Octave numbering: Scientific — middle C = C4.
- Tuning reference: A4 = 440 Hz (ISO 16). Other references can be entered in tools.
- Temperament: Twelve-tone equal temperament.
- Note-value names: US names (whole, half, quarter…) with UK names (semibreve, minim, crotchet…) given on first use.
- Tradition: Western tonal music. Other systems are noted as outside current scope, not ignored.
Calculations
All calculations run in your browser. No inputs are sent to any server. The formulas used are:
- Note frequency: f = A4 × 2^((MIDI − 69) / 12), equal temperament.
- Beat length: 60 000 ÷ BPM (ms).
- Delay time: beat length × note-value fraction.
- Scale notes: (root + interval) mod 12 for each interval in the scale's set.
- Cents offset: 1 200 × log₂(measured / target).
Every tool result states the convention settings it used (tuning reference, temperament).
What "approximate" means
Instrument ranges, EQ frequency bands and tempo-marking boundaries are typical values from published orchestration and production references. They vary by instrument model, player, tradition and source. Every approximate figure carries the label "Approximate" and cites its reference.
Content review
Theory and instrument pages are reviewed by a qualified musician or teacher. Production pages by a working engineer. Business & rights concept pages carry a general-concepts notice and are reviewed by someone familiar with music industry practice.
Every published page shows its level (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / All levels), reviewer role and review date. Only reviewed pages are indexed. A "report a problem" link appears on every page.
Copyright
Fermata uses original and verified public-domain material only. We do not reproduce lyrics, melodies, chord charts, notation or recordings of protected songs. All media files carry a source and licence in the credits page.
Privacy
Tool inputs, search text and microphone audio (when the tuner is used) are processed in your browser and never sent to any server. The tuner asks for microphone permission only when you start it, and tells you audio is processed locally. Analytics are aggregate and do not include tool inputs or search text.