Each musical note is represented by a coloured symbol. You then match that symbol to a sticker on your instrument.
The matching element means this way of playing is instantly accessible. If you can match, you can play! Very intuitive to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The colours repeat – all the Cs are red, all the Fs are blue etc. – but the shape changes depending on the octave (a high C would be a different shape to a low sounding C)
For instruments without stickers, the conventional way of learning the fingering for each note can be used, but using Figurenotes as notation. This makes the notes more memorable and confusion between two notes is less likely.
Figurenotes was created at the Resonaari school in Finland by music educators Kaarlo Uusitalo and Markku Kaikkonen. Initially designed to enable those with learning disabilities to play music, it has since developed into a tool to help anybody get started.
Drake Music Scotland brought Figurenotes to the UK in 2010 and developed it further, creating software and printed resources. There is now a global interest in Drake Music Scotland’s award winning Figurenotes resources.
The best bit? We’re a non-profit. So while we help you help your pupils succeed, the money we make goes right back into Drake Music Scotland, the nation’s leading charitable arts organisation enabling disabled musicians to learn, play, compose, and perform at every level from education to industry. Find out more about the Figurenotes and Drake Music Scotland story here
What Our Users Say...
My less able piano pupils are finding piano lessons much more joyful using stage 3 Figurenotes and I'm about to start using stage 1, 2 and 3 at primary school to teach recorder and keyboard.
Felicity Palmer
I’d just like to thank you and the team for an amazing day last Saturday. I’d love if it was on again this weekend! I’ll definitely be over for next one in March.
Luke Cranitch, Music Teacher
I've realised Figurenotes can be used not just in school, but also with my private pupils. Really valuable to try out the practical activities. Thanks very much!
Emma Wright, Primary Teacher
Really brilliant! I learned a lot and had a good time. Keep it up!
Clare McBrien, Community Music Leader
Thank you! It was great to experience Figurenotes in person and have the opportunity to talk to the professionals.
Shannon Stevenson
We were shown the skills to create lessons for all abilities. I'll be able to create arrangements and resources for all levels. The course leaders were great. Excellent delivery of the course. Interactive and easy to understand. Fantastic course, and it was delivered at the right level for me and my knowledge.
Craig Hart, Secondary Music Teacher
Useful to get a refresher for general music teaching, as well as learning how to use Figurenotes. Thank you!
Lorna Williamson, Big Noise Teacher
Lots of new ideas and tips, plus refresher to help think about different music situations. Lots of ideas and good networking opportunities. Thank you!
Gordon Turnbull, Music Teacher (ASN)
Music Teacher's Toolbox has given me a new way to approach teaching, making music easier to understand and play. Everything was fantastic! I got a very comprehensive understanding of Figurenotes. I'll be back for the next one!
Luke Cranitch, Music Teacher
A great day. Many thanks! Really useful to try different things and get new ways to approach introducing rhythm and pulse.
Scott Coutts, Music Teacher (Secondary)
It has been absolutely amazing. I have learned so much from the first session to the whole day. I have so many ideas and I'm more confident going forward. It is perfectly formed. Really valuable to refresh my knowledge and being able to embed the learning. Thank you so much for allowing me to come.
Maureen Malcolm-Gourley
Very good indeed!
Connie Reilly, Music Teacher
Figurenotes will allow me to bring more structured learning to the groups and give the young people access to music theory/learning/playing that they haven't had before.
Janet Butterworth, Support Practitioner
Today's training has been a fantastic experience. Fantastic course and people! Thank you very much!
Justyna Grajewska
Thank you and keep up your good work, as the Figurenotes system has had a major impact on my teaching and learning.
I had a pupil who could not read notation due to Dyslexia. She managed to get an A in higher music with piano as her second instrument. She is now in 2nd year of Teacher Training. It is a fabulous way to learn and is such a confidence builder.
Anne Lawrence – Piano Teacher
The course was very thorough! It was really valuable to have the practical examples and see how many different ways there are to put them into action.
Jelena Sipila
A great mix of engaging activities and useful information. Thanks for the day! This will come in handy 🙂
Jelena Sipila
I gained a thorough understanding of the use of Figurenotes. I have encountered it before, but today I figures out how to use it more professionally. Also, it was great to learn to use the notation software - this will be very helpful in the future.
Jelena Sipila
