There has been some fascinating research into Figurenotes. We’ve highlighted just some of the studies here. If you know of any further research or publications, please let us know.

The impact of using FigureNotes for young children with developmental delay on developing social interactions and physical movements

Authors: Liza Lee; Han-Ju Ho; Xing-Dai Liao; Yi-Xiang Liao; Hung-Chi Chu

Abstract: Over the past 10 years, the research results of “Holistic Music Educational Approach for Young Children” (HMEAYC) have found that music is a good learning medium for improving the development of children with special needs. FigureNotes is a music teaching method that advocates the usage of music with visual graphics to promote the individual performance of pitches or rhythmic melody. It is obvious that HMEAYC and FigureNotes are both learning modes that expect learners to be able to achieve goal orientation through music expression. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between HMEAYC and FigureNotes for children’s learning behavior. A non-profit early intervention center in central Taiwan was used as a research site. There were 132 children with developmental delay aged 40-63 months selected as research subjects, and HMEAYC was combined with FiugreNotes for the curriculum design. It was a 16-week study, with 40 minute sessions once per week in a group setting. The research results showed that HMEAYC combined with the FigureNotes method can promote the development of the social interactions and the physical movements of children with developmental delay.

Applicability of an applied music notation system: A case study of Figurenotes

Author: Sanna Kivijärvi

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of an applied music notation system, Figurenotes, by using the concept of educational method as theoretical lens. Figurenotes is examined through this lens at two levels: the micro level of music educational practice and the macro level of advancement of educational policies. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with experts in music education, special and general education, educational policy, music therapy, voluntary work, and music business as well as with students, clients, parents, and the developers of Figurenotes. The findings emphasise that the application of Figurenotes lowers the threshold for learning and teaching music, and is especially applicable in educational situations where the student’s cognitive load needs to be lessened. It is concluded that Figurenotes can be seen both as a pedagogical approach and as a method for advancing educational equity.

Figurenotes and Children with Autism: Using Reflective Practice in a Music Intervention

Author: Matthew Breaden

Abstract: Figurenotes is a simplified visual music notation system developed in Finland in the mid-1990s for people challenged by the abstract nature of conventional music notation. The system facilitates music reading and instrument playing, thus allowing active participation in music-making. The use of Figurenotes in both educational and therapeutic settings is now spreading to other countries. This thesis examines specifically the effectiveness and applicability of Figurenotes as a tool to facilitate music-making by children with autism in Australia, through the lens of a journey in reflective practice by the researcher-practitioner.

The study involved three phases: in the first phase, eight individual children aged 6 to 13 years with autism participated in eight weekly sessions; in the second phase, two school groups of children with autism participated in an eight-week phase, and finally the families of the initial eight individuals participated in an additional phase of four weekly sessions each. Sessions involved the use of Figurenotes in rhythmic and creative activities, participating in ensembles, and developing playing technique using digital keyboards and tuned percussion instruments. The action research methodological approach allowed flexibility in study design, incorporating cycles of reflecting, planning, acting, and observing within the three phases of the study. Data were obtained through video observation, interviews, and researcher notes on participants’ development. Case studies of selected participants were compared with outcomes for the cohort as a whole. Thematic analysis combined with observer ratings to enable the investigation of four key focus areas: music-making skills, social interaction, self-concept, and reflective practice.

Figurenotes was found to be an effective tool that allows children with autism to engage successfully in music-making independently, with peers, and with family members. The action research approach allowed novel interventions using Figurenotes which facilitated the development of participants’ music-making skills and also their creativity. Participation in musical interactions was found to be associated with improved social interactions with peers and family members. Development of music-making skills was also associated with improvements in participants’ self-concept through positive changes in participants’ self-perception of their competence. Additionally, action research was found in this study to be an effective methodology in facilitating reflective practice when working with children with autism. The multiple beneficial outcomes demonstrated in this research warrant the further use and development of Figurenotes, and point to the value of further research in the development of music-making skills and creativity in children with autism.

Greenmill Strings Project Report

A joint research project between East Ayrshire Council, Drake Music Scotland, and the RSAMD’s (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) Musicworks programme.

‘One Greenmill P3 class was taught using Figurenotes and the other using conventional notation. Six months later the benefits of the former were apparent, says Mr Gray. “The class using it were months ahead in their reading and understanding of rhythm. When it came to bowing they could immediately see how long a stroke should be from the shape of the note.

“We converted them to conventional notation in a 40-minute lesson, where I explained it was like different languages and from now on they would be using this new one. They’ve never looked back. So when it came to starting the P1s and P2s a few weeks ago, we had no hesitation in using it with them.

“When Paul first came to me and suggested trying Figurenotes with young children in the mainstream, I was very sceptical. But there is no doubt that it works.”‘

Encountering Disability in Music: Exploring Perceptions on Inclusive Music Education in Higher Music Education

Author: Melissa Bremmer

Abstract: This research study evaluated an Artist-in-Residence-project (AIR-project) at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, focusing on inclusive music education. For this project, the Conservatory invited the organization Drake Music Scotland to work with its students. The project’s aim was to provide students with practical skills regarding music technology, to discuss the social model of disability, and to play in an inclusive music ensemble with a musician with a severe physical disability. The perceived learning experiences of students, the experienced value of the project, and recommendations for its improvement were explored through online questionnaires with the students and online semistructured interviews with the AIR-project leader, the musician with a disability, and the two workshop leaders of Drake Music Scotland. Findings suggest that alongside learning practical skills regarding music technology, students changed or broadened their perceptions about people with disabilities and inclusive music-making in positive ways. Furthermore, participants valued that the project created a space in which “taking enough time” and “belonging” could be experienced; these values are important in inclusive music environments as they can empower musicians with disabilities. The main recommendation for similar projects was that students wanted to gain hands-on experience in inclusive music education.