Reading Musical Notation
Year 5 begin to read the stave, clefs and basic note values.
# Reading Musical Notation
Written music is a code that tells a musician what to play. In Year 5 we start to read this code.
The Stave and Clef
Notes are written on five lines called a stave. At the start of the stave is a sign called a clef. The treble clef is used for higher instruments and voices.
Note Values
Notes have different shapes that show how long to hold them. A crotchet is worth one beat. A minim is worth two beats. A semibreve is worth four beats. The longer the note, the longer you hold the sound.
Pitch on the Stave
The higher a note sits on the stave, the higher it sounds. Notes can sit on a line or in a space between lines. Reading the position tells you which note to play.
Have a Go
Clap a simple rhythm using ta for one beat and ta-aa for two beats. Then try to draw four crotchets on a line and clap them back. Reading and playing at once takes practise, so go slowly.
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