Tutorials
Learn about the advantages of alternative music notation systems and the differences between them.
See also our FAQ and introduction to chromatic staves.
6-6 and 7-5 Pitch Patterns A brief introduction to 6-6 and 7-5 pitch patterns as design strategies found in various notations.
Using Notehead 'Color' for Pitch On the rationale for using solid and hollow noteheads to indicate pitch rather than duration.
Intervals 1: Traditional Notation An in-depth look at how interval relationships are obscured in traditional music notation.
Intervals 2: 6-6 Notations Shows how alternative notation systems can improve upon traditional notation's representation of interval relationships.
Key Signatures and Accidentals Considers a passage of music that requires a complex key signature and many accidentals in traditional music notation, and shows how alternative music notations can make it clearer and easier to learn.
Enharmonic Equivalents A more advanced tutorial that compares the representation of enharmonically equivalent notes in traditional notation and on a chromatic staff. Considers the reasons for differentiating between them.
Numerical Notation Systems Historical overview and discussion of various numerical systems for music notation.
Related Websites and Publications Explore further with other resources...
In the future we plan to add more tutorials that address topics such as: rhythm notation systems, complementary instrument and notation design, historical development of traditional music notation, alternative key signatures and accidental systems, microtonal notation, pitch-based and interval-based reading and playing, approaches to continuity with traditional music notation and theory. If you would like to help us create tutorials for this site, please contact us.