Figurenotes

Fancy some free resources?

We have updated our free bundle of resources for 2025. Anyone who receives our email newsletter can get the new ‘Starter Pack’, so if you haven’t signed up already, you can do so here.

The pack contains:

• Five well-known tunes using the notes from middle C to the G above.

• Backing tracks at different speeds to help with practice and performance.

• Songs and activities to help build musical skills, such as listening, turn-taking, rhythm, and pulse.

• An explanation of how Figurenotes works

• Puppet cards to add even more fun!

The tunes are designed for ‘5 finger piano’, but are not instrument specific. They would work well on digital instruments too, such as Thumbjam and Clarion. These tunes are written in Stage 1 Figurenotes notation. You can read more about progression here.

The songs and activities can be used in group and 1:1 settings, with options to adapt and extend for more creativity.

We’re thrilled to be launching this set of resources, available free to anyone with an email address. It is especially lovely to feature musicians from Drake Music Scotland’s Singing Group in the recordings. To learn more about the charity behind Figurenotes, take a peek at Drake Music Scotland’s website.

How do I get my bundle?

Pop your details into the signup form. You will be redirected to download your Starter Pack.

For those lucky people who are already signed up – your resources are in your inbox now. Go and take a look. Happy Figurenoting!

Did you miss it? Don’t worry, we recorded it just for you.

At the start of June, we delivered a webinar with the BBC Ten Pieces team, exploring the accessible resources created over the last decade of partnership. The recording is now up on the Ten Pieces CPD page.

BBC Ten Pieces celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2024 and we’re delighted to also be celebrating 10 years of partnership with Drake Music Scotland, who have been creating exciting Figurenotes resources since the initiative was launched. The Figurenotes resources on the Ten Pieces website have been valuable in helping to make fantastic classical music accessible to as broad an audience as possible, both to play and explore.

Jennifer Redmond, BBC Ten Pieces

If you haven’t taken a peek at this year’s list yet, head over to the Ten Pieces website.

As long-standing partners of this brilliant project, we are so pleased to see new accessible avenues to engagement. This year’s list includes some fantastic pieces, including adaptable arrangements for flexible ensembles. There are parts for digital and traditional instruments, including Clarion, Thumbjam, and CMPSR.

Figurenotes resources include parts for these flexible ensembles in all 3 stages of Figurenotes notation, as well as pick-and-mix lesson plans exploring Laura Shigihara’s Grasswalk.

Did you miss out on our online course in May? Secure your spot for the next one and enjoy a discounted price with the early bird rate.

After lots of enquiries about when the next Figurenotes: Developing Your Practice course will take place, we’re launching it early! You can now book your place on the November course. Our early bird rate of £99.99 will be available until 25th July. Places are limited, so book quickly to avoid disappointment.

How does it work?

You’ll learn how to use Figurenotes as a tool, working through the fundamentals of music. We’ll focus on rhythm, composition and creative play, as well as working with mixed-ability groups and ensembles. Each interactive session will be delivered in a small group.

Between sessions you’ll create resources that work for you, getting feedback and ideas from the rest of the group and course leaders. A follow-up 1-to-1 gives you the opportunity to go deeper, with course leaders focused entirely on you and your work.