Crossword Genius

Key before note changed (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

altered

'changed' is the definition.
('alter' can be a synonym of 'change')

'key before note' is the wordplay.
'key' becomes 'alt' (the Alt keyboard button).
'before' becomes 'ere' (poetic term).
'note' becomes 'D' (musical note).
'alt'+'ere'+'d'='ALTERED'

(Other definitions for altered that I've seen before include "Change" , "Reformed" , "Changed, adapted" , "Metamorphosed" , "Changed, modified" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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