Progression – Figurenotes

Progress through 3 simple stages

Learners can start at any stage and progress to standard notation at their own pace

Stage 1

Learners follow the line left to right, matching the note on the page to the note on their instrument.

Stage 2

This shows the same information as stage 1, but on a Figurenotes stave. We start to see the shape of the melody.

Stage 3

Standard rhythmic notation is introduced using coloured noteheads.

Standard Notation

Remove the colours and you are reading standard notation!

Progress at Your Pace

Transition games are important when progressing through stages. You can find resources for this in our Library. Create stages 1 and 2 using our Notate programme. Stage 3 is created using a plugin for MuseScore. For easier transition, try an additional step between stages 2 and 3 using shaped noteheads. This is made using a MuseScore plugin. Studies show that pupils learning with Figurenotes progress faster in rhythmic skills and sense of pulse.

Next: Sharps and Flats

Ready to get going?

Visit the shop for stickers, magnets, tunes, and training

What do our users say?

Figurenotes is the best thing I've come across in over 40 years of teaching music

Nothing translates as easily as Figurenotes.
It's just so obvious that it works!

I am loving Figurenotes and so are my pupils. They completely get the rhythms because they are intuitive

A huge hit with the students! They didn’t need any explanation as to how it worked. They could straight away just start following the music and playing on the keyboards!

Figurenotes has been a game-changer for me

Figurenotes is the best way to go. It's very inclusive. I haven't come across anything else that comes near it.

I am so impressed with Figurenotes. Such a simple concept, yet so effective. Thank you!

Figurenotes is not just a good notation system, it is life-changing.