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Piano Key Numbers

Piano Key Numbers

Did you know that you can identify a specific Pitch or Key on the Keyboard using Piano Key Numbers (Pitch Numbers, Keyboard Numbers or Pitch Range Numbers)?

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Understanding Concert Pitch

Understanding Concert Pitch

Concert Pitch can be confusing if you have never learned an instrument other than the piano. Here are some UMT Tips on how to transpose in to concert pitch.

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Level 8 Music Theory Exam

Level 8 Music Theory Exam

Struggling to Teach (or write) Contrasting Melodies for the Level 8 Music Theory Exam? Here are 4 Tips to write these Baroque Style Melodies correctly.

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Level 7 Music Theory Exam

Level 7 Music Theory Exam

The new Level 7 Music Theory Exam covers new Theory, History & Harmony Requirements in between the Intermediate (Level 6) & Advanced (Level 8) Theory Exams.

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Level 6 Music Theory Exam

Level 6 Music Theory Exam

Level 6 Music Theory Exam preparation can feel a bit daunting. There are so many new concepts, terminologies and expectations. UMT will make it easy!

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Level 5 Music Theory Exam

Level 5 Music Theory Exam

Preparing students for the Level 5 Music Theory Exam is EASY when you use Ultimate Music Theory. This blog will explore tips for teaching the New Concepts.

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Landmark Notes

Landmark Notes

When we teach how to find the 4 Landmark Notes in the Bass Staff and in the Treble Staff, Students learn how to identify every Staff Note.

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Breve Note and Breve Rest

Breve Note and Breve Rest

What does Breve mean? How do you write a Breve Note? How do you write a Breve Rest? When do you use a Breve Note or a Breve Rest? Let's find out!

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Music Period Types

Music Period Types

In Music Theory, students are expected to identify the Period Types demonstrated in a passage of music. Learn what this means and how to easily teach it.

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Counting Interval Numbers

Counting Interval Numbers

Counting Interval Numbers can be confusing. Discover why Students will say an Interval is a 4th (when it's a 5th). Learn how to easily identify intervals!

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Ledger Line Mistakes

Ledger Line Mistakes

Ledger Line Mistakes occur when we don't understand the Ledger Line Rules. Explore 3 Common Ledger Line Mistakes that Students (& Teachers) often write.

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Music Theory Club Classes

Music Theory Club Classes

Ultimate Music Theory Club Classes - Want to Learn Music Theory Fast & Have Fun? Ultimate Music Theory Club Classes are just what you need!

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All-Round Musician

All-Round Musician

Are you an all-round musician? Learn how you can develop each aspect of skills to become an all-round musician - with Gareth Green from Music Matters.

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Intervals – Size Symbol

Intervals – Size Symbol

Learn how the Ultimate Music Theory Model Mnemonic (visual aid) supports changing the Interval Size one step at a time using a Size Symbol.

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Same Pitch – Different Clef

Same Pitch – Different Clef

Rewriting a note at the "Same Pitch in a Different Clef" can be tricky. Discover why a note in one clef is at the same pitch as a note in a different clef.

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Mind Body Space Well-being

Mind Body Space Well-being

What Does Mind, Body & Space Mean To You? How do you feel about your wellness? Wellness is often defined as a state of being comfortable, happy or healthy.

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Student Composers

Student Composers

Did you know that Ultimate Music Theory has the tools you need to teach your Students how to compose? Discover 3 Tips to encourage your Student Composers!

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Theory Group Drop In

Theory Group Drop In

A Theory Group Drop In is an Easy Way to reschedule Students or to have an Extra Group Lesson. Learn how to run your Theory Group Drop In in 3 Easy Steps!

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Changing Key Signatures

Changing Key Signatures

How do you cancel or change Key Signatures in a Composition? In this Ultimate Music Theory Blog we explore 2 Options for Changing Key Signatures in music.

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Mindful Focusing Challenge

Mindful Focusing Challenge

4 Steps to create a Mindful Focusing Challenge that will encourage your Theory and Music Students to complete practicing and writing at home every week.

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Digital Scores Technology

Digital Scores Technology

Making the Switch from Paper to Digital Scores Technology? Learn the differences between paper and digital scores with George Frederick Litterst.

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Writing Whole Notes

Writing Whole Notes

Writing Whole Notes does not have to be tricky. Explore 3 Rules for Writing Whole Notes and discover how to make it super easy for students to write them.

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Summer Theory Challenge

Summer Theory Challenge

Summer is the perfect time to offer a Summer Theory Challenge. Explore 3 ideas on how you too can encourage your students to complete Theory in the summer!

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Summer Theory Group

Summer Theory Group

Ever wanted to offer Theory during the summer but didn't know how? Want to make extra money teaching during the summer? Try UMT Summer Theory Group Classes!

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Todd Whaley My Music Staff

Todd Whaley My Music Staff

Running your own music business can be stressful. Todd Whaley shares how "My Music Staff" can simplify your business so you can "Teach More & Stress Less".

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So-La and Ti-Do

So-La and Ti-Do

Have you ever wondered HOW to inspire, motivate and challenge your Students? It's easy with So-La and Ti-Do - the Ultimate Music Theory Stuffies! Learn how!

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Incomplete Measure

Incomplete Measure

What's an Incomplete Measure? Why do we have Incomplete Measures? How do we count an Incomplete Measure? Where do we write Measure Numbers? Let's find out!

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Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

December 1st is Ultimate Music Theory's Birthday! Here's my journey with Founder Glory St. Germain, as we celebrate our amazing years together in UMT!

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Upper or Lower Case Letter

Upper or Lower Case Letter

Do we use an Upper or Lower Case Letter? It is a Capital "C" or a small "c"? Does it matter? Yes, it does! This blog will explore when and when not to Cap.

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Melody Writing in 5 Steps

Melody Writing in 5 Steps

Melody Writing Questions are now a part of nationally recognized Theory Examinations. Learn how to teach Students to write their melodies in 5 (easy) steps.

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32nd Note Stem Length

32nd Note Stem Length

A 32nd Note Stem Length is an exception to the "1 octave stem length rule". Discover what stem length to use for a 32nd Note and how to draw them correctly.

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Counting Slurs

Counting Slurs

Theory Exercises often ask Students to count the number of slurs in an excerpt. Learn the rules to counting slurs (and the difference between slurs & ties).

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Repeat Sign Dots

Repeat Sign Dots

Repeat Sign Dots can be confusing. Are there rules for the placement of Repeat Sign Dots? Are there different types of Repeat Signs? Find out now!

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Volta Brackets

Volta Brackets

Volta Brackets, or "first and second ending brackets", are used to indicated specific directions when repeating the music. So, how do you use them?

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Analysis Square Bracket

Analysis Square Bracket

The Analysis Square Bracket is an analytical tool used to define a part or phrase. Discover when it is easier to use a Square Bracket instead of a Slur.

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Writing Time Signatures

Writing Time Signatures

When writing Time Signatures, it is important to not write Fractions!  Discover the difference between writing Time Signatures and writing fractions.

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Music Note Stem Length

Music Note Stem Length

When adding a stem to a notehead, the stem is usually approximately one octave in length. Did you know that there is an exception to the Stem Length Rule?

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6 Tips for Two Part Writing

6 Tips for Two Part Writing

Two Part Writing is when two voices (parts, instruments) are written on 1 staff. Each voice has it's own melody & rhythm. Learn 6 Tips for Two Part Writing.

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Cadence Bass Notes

Cadence Bass Notes

Cadence Bass Notes - What are the Rules? Do the Bass Notes ascend or descend? What about the Treble Triads? Learn 3 Rules to make writing a Cadence easy.

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RCM Theory Syllabus Overview

RCM Theory Syllabus Overview

Want the New RCM Theory Syllabus Overview? Confused about what's new and where to begin? We Got You Covered! Register for our FREE GSG MUSIC Webinar Series!

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NEW RCM Theory Syllabus 2016

NEW RCM Theory Syllabus 2016

Register now for the FREE GSG MUSIC Webinar Series "NEW RCM Theory Syllabus & Ultimate Music Theory Rocks!" Glory St. Germain has BIG NEWS! Don't miss it!

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Adding Beams To Join 3 Notes

Adding Beams To Join 3 Notes

Adding beams to join 3 notes can be confusing. Stems up? Stems down? Beam angled up or down? Discover the rules to writing perfect beamed notes every time.

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Add Beams To Join 2 Notes

Add Beams To Join 2 Notes

When we add beams to join 2 notes, it can be confusing! Stems up or stems down? Beams angled up or down? Learn 3 steps to add beams to join notes correctly.

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Lead Sheet Triads

Lead Sheet Triads

Lead Sheet Triads (those letters above the melody line in modern music) are the new Musical Shorthand. Discover what they mean and learn how to use them.

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Teaching Articulation Marks

Teaching Articulation Marks

Staccato, portato, tenuto, accent and fermata are Articulation Marks - signs that show us how to play a note. Learn how to teach playing different touches.

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No Diminished First

No Diminished First

Ever wonder why there is no Diminished First? Learn why the smallest interval is a Perfect 1 & why a Perfect 1 always changes a semitone to an Augmented 1.

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Summer Theory Lessons

Summer Theory Lessons

Don't have the time or energy to run a Summer Theory Camp? Why not try Summer Theory Drop-In Lessons! This easy and flexible option makes theory FUN!

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How to Teach With an Upbeat

How to Teach With an Upbeat

UMT shows how teaching each lesson with an Upbeat attitude is the key to the success of the lesson. The word “Upbeat” means happy; cheerful and optimistic.

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Why Show Your Work

Why Show Your Work

Explore 3 reasons why it is important to teach our students to Show Your Work when completing their theory - in their workbooks and on their exams.

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Why Use Practice Exams

Why Use Practice Exams

Stanford University Studies prove it and so do Ultimate Music Theory Exam Results - when Students use Practice Exams to prepare for exams, they do better!

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Descending Musical Alphabet

Descending Musical Alphabet

Learning the Musical Alphabet is important for reading music and naming intervals. But how fast can you say the descending musical alphabet pattern?

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Music Theory Course Success

Music Theory Course Success

Looking for the best Music Theory Course Success that will get you First Class Honors with Distinction? This easy step-by-step course - Guarantees Success!

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Music Theory Choral Class

Music Theory Choral Class

Music Theory Choral Class - Private, Classroom & Choral Teachers alike are "Singing the Praises" of the Ultimate Music Theory Workbook Series for students!

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Music Theory Exam Games

Music Theory Exam Games

Playing Games makes learning more fun. Playing Music Theory Exam Games helps students prepare for exams and have fun learning and reviewing concepts easily.

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Root Position Triad

Root Position Triad

Teaching the concept of a Root Position Triad using the song "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman" attaches a familiar context (snowman) with a new music concept.

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Prep Music Theory Games

Prep Music Theory Games

Learn Faster & Have Fun - Prep Music Theory Games enhance your learning. Get the matching beginner Prep 1 & Prep 2 Music Theory Books and Free Lesson Plans!

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Naming tied notes

Naming tied notes

When Naming Tied Notes, do you name the note for every notehead or do you only name the note each time it is played? Learn the rule for naming tied notes!

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Music Theory Camp

Music Theory Camp

Guest blogger Kandice Kreutner Ilgner shares how she turned the Summer Lesson draught into Summer Theory Camp using the Ultimate Music Theory Lesson Plans.

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UMT Testimonial

UMT Testimonial

Hannah Brackenbury shares her UMT Testimonial on how she discovered Ultimate Music Theory, the Online Certification Course and her first Theory Student.

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Preparatory Tempo Marks

Preparatory Tempo Marks

Preparatory Tempo Marks, introduced in Prep 1 Rudiments, provide students with a foundation for understanding speed. Here are 6 Tips to remember the terms.

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Music Italian Terms

Music Italian Terms

In the Ultimate Music Theory Certification Course, teachers have fun with the Music Italian Terms. Enjoy reading Kamara Hennessey's "Italian Adventure"!

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Flashcards and Flyswatters

Flashcards and Flyswatters

Nothing perks up a lesson faster than bringing out the Flyswatters and the Flashcards! Learn the fun new game from Ultimate Music Theory - "Flashcard Slap".

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Circle How You Feel

Circle How You Feel

How do you know how others feel? Use "Circle How You Feel" to help students identify how they (and you) are feeling at the beginning and end of a lesson.

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2-4 or 4-8 Time

2-4 or 4-8 Time

When adding a Time Signature, how can you tell whether it is 2-4 or 4-8 time? Can you always use either Time Signature? Here are some UMT Tips to guide you.

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Whole Rest in 3/2 Time

Whole Rest in 3/2 Time

In 3/2 Time, a Whole Rest can equal 3 beats of silence. It can also equal 2 beats of silence. Why? Because the Whole Rest in 3/2 Time has 2 functions.

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Whole Rest in 2/4 Time

Whole Rest in 2/4 Time

Have you or your students ever wondered why you must use a Whole Rest in 2/4 Time for a full measure of silence? Learn why you cannot use a Half Rest.

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Whole Rest in 4/2 Time

Whole Rest in 4/2 Time

A Whole Rest fills an entire measure of silence in any Time Signature except 4/2 Time. Learn 3 Tips on how to use a Breve Rest and a Whole Rest in 4/2 Time.

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Improvising with Triads

Improvising with Triads

Inspiring students to Improvise is as easy as opening your UMT Basic Rudiments Theory Book to Page 86! Teach Improvising with Triads in 3 simple, fun steps.

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Modern Vocal Score Dynamics

Modern Vocal Score Dynamics

Discover how to write Modern Vocal Score Dynamics (with and without lyrics) in Open Score (SATB - 4 Staves) and in Short (Keyboard) Score (Grand Staff).

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Modern Vocal Score Bar Lines

Modern Vocal Score Bar Lines

Discover how to write Modern Vocal Score Bar Lines (with and without lyrics) in Open Score (SATB - 4 Staves) and in Short (Keyboard) Score (Grand Staff).

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Goals of a Theory Teacher

Goals of a Theory Teacher

As Teachers, setting goals for our students is an important part of lesson preparation. What about the goals of the Theory Teacher? Here are my top 4 goals.

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Augmented First Inversion

Augmented First Inversion

Follow these 3 easy steps to write an Augmented First Inversion correctly, even when it's Harmonic! Bonus - 3 steps to become a confident theory teacher.

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Drawing Quarter Rests

Drawing Quarter Rests

Instructions for Drawing Quarter Rests in 4 easy steps - Ultimate Music Theory free downloadable Drawing Quarter Rests Worksheet to use with your students.

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Can You Have a Triple Flat

Can You Have a Triple Flat

In music, can you have a Triple Flat or a Triple Sharp? Yes you can! Learn how to write accidentals to raise or lower a note's pitch more than a whole step.

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Why Pay More? You Get More!

Why Pay More? You Get More!

Why pay more for Ultimate Music Theory? Simple - You Get More! This Blog is for parents - 6 Reasons that prove why your child deserves the very best.

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UMT-ALS Theory Challenge

UMT-ALS Theory Challenge

Want to inspire students to do theory and raise money for a special cause? Learn how to hold a Theory Challenge. Students complete theory & support charity.

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Conservatory Canada Theory 1

Conservatory Canada Theory 1

Can Teachers use Ultimate Music Theory to prepare students for Theory Exams with Conservatory Canada? Yes they can! Compare CC Theory 1 and RCM Basic Exams.

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Basic Theory Game Pack

Basic Theory Game Pack

The Basic Theory Game Pack features 6 games that can be played 6 ways = 36 games in one Game Pack. Laminated, convenient and a must for all Music Teachers.

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Slap That Rhythm

Slap That Rhythm

Slap That Rhythm Game - Use the Free Flashcards in each workbook to provide students with a solid foundation in Theory AND in Ear Training.

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15 Minute Theory Lesson

15 Minute Theory Lesson

15 Minute Theory Lesson - When Teaching Theory, how can you cover all the required material, make it relevant AND prepare your students for exams in 15 Min.

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The Power of Influence

The Power of Influence

Influence is powerful. Learn how to teach effectively using the two kinds of influence - Positive Influence and Negative Influence. What motivates you?

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Music Theory Games

Music Theory Games

The UMT Basic Theory Games Pack includes 6 Individual Laminated Music Theory Games that are the perfect 9 X 12 size. Plus 2 Free Posters - Guide and Chart

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3 Things My Father Taught Me

3 Things My Father Taught Me

Treasured Lessons - 3 Things My Father Taught Me about teaching with passion. It's never too late to learn something new. Learn and Share these 3 Secrets.

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C Clef #2 – When and Why?

C Clef #2 – When and Why?

When and Why use C Clefs? The different placement of C Clefs on the Staff will create 5 different Clefs. Learn which C Clef to use for each range.

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3 Things My Mother Taught Me

3 Things My Mother Taught Me

My mother taught me many things about teaching. The most important life lessons in my journey to successful teaching. Learn Three secrets to succeed.

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