How to Read Music
Staves
These five lines are called the staff or stave.
Music notes are written in the spaces and on the lines of the staff.
Treble Clef
This symbol is called a treble clef.
Treble Staff
A staff with a treble clef written on it is called a treble staff.
High notes are written on the treble staff, and are usually played with your right hand.
Bass Clef
This symbol is called a bass clef.
Bass Staff
A staff with a bass clef written on it is called a bass staff.
Low notes are written on the bass staff, and are usually played with your left hand.
The Grand Staff
When the treble and bass staves are joined together by a line and a bracket, they are called a grand staff. Piano music is written on the grand staff.
The Quarter Note
This is a musical note called a quarter note. Sometimes called a crotchet. It lasts for one beat or count.
Here is an example of notes written on staves.
The Note Middle C
Middle C is written just below the treble staff on a short line (called a ledger line).
Play eight Middle C notes. Count aloud as you play. Use the thumb of your right hand.
Music is divided into measures by bar lines. In this song there are two measures of music.
The Four Four Time Signature
This is called the four four time signature. It tells you there are four counts in each measure.
The two pairs of numbers after the clefs are called the time signature.
Things to Remember
- Play the keys with the tips of your fingers.
- Keep your fingers curved.
Here are four measures of Middle C in * time. Count aloud as you play.
