Note Reading: Introduction

Welcome to Note Reading! In this introduction, I’ll explain what you can expect from Note Reading - which subjects are dealt with and how these are explained.

Basic Learning Materials

Note Reading is divided into 10 chapters, from Chapter 1. Natural Notes up to and including Chapter 10. G-clef. The basics are contained in Chapter 1. Natural Notes up to and including Chapter 5. Reading All Notes.

The principles of reading notes are explained in Chapter 1. Natural notes up to and including Chapter 3. Clefs. You'll learn about natural notes in the first chapter. You'll learn how to notate the natural notes on a staff in the second chapter. You learn how clefs look like and their names in the third chapter.

The practical section starts with Chapter 4 Grand Staff. In this chapter, I’ll explain the system used for the piano. Then you will begin to learn to read notes, yourself. To do this, I’ll explain how to use a tool: smart notes. You will be practicing these smart notes alot.
In Chapter 5. Reading all notes, you'll learn to read all the notes. I'll explain how you can use smart notes to read the other notes. Now you’ll be able to improve your reading skills. I’ve made various and fun exercises to practice with. You will be busy with these exercises for awhile.

With these five chapters, you’ve learned the basics. But, you can go further.

Chapter 6. Accidentals teaches you about accidentals, sharps and flats. You learn the names of the notes with a sharp and flat. You'll do exercises to practice these names.
Chapter 7. Ledger Lines is the continuation of Chapter 5. Reading All Notes. In this chapter, I’ll demonstrate how to write very high and very low notes. These notes are more difficult to read and I’ll help you with more smart notes and exercises.

Extra Learning Materials

What if you don’t play piano? Or, if you don’t have a piano or other keyboard instrument? Do you only want to focus on the F-clef or G-clef? Then the last three chapters are meant for you.

Chapter 8. C-clef is intended for instruments which use the C-clef (such as viola, bassoon, cello and double bass). This chapter teaches you about the alto clef and tenor clef. Smart notes will also be discussed. You’ll be able to improve your reading skills with different exercises. If the C-clef is not used for your instrument, you can skip this chapter.

Chapter 9. F-clef is intended for voices and instruments which use the F-clef (such as bass, baritone, bassoon, trombone, double bass).
Chapter 10. G-clef is intended for voices and instruments which use the G-clef (such as soprano, violin, trumpet, guitar, hobo, clarinet).

You can use Chapters 9 and 10 to focus only on the F-clef or only on the G-clef. Is reading the bass clef difficult? Then the exercises in Chapter 9. F-clef will be very useful for you.

Follow-up Learning Materials

In these ten chapters, you have learned and practiced the basic skills of note reading. However, you can learn much more about music notation. In Elementary Music Theory, you will learn all the words and signs you will encounter in music notation, such as note values, rests and time signatures.

Elementary Music Theory is a part of Music Theory. Have you finished Note Reading?
Then continue with Elementary Music Theory.

Practical information

The lesson plan makes extensive use of text, images, audio and video clips. To open images and video, click on an icon. You can keep track of your progress in each chapter. And - there are also many exercises.

If you don’t understand something, you can ask questions in the Forum.

Time to get started!