Year 7 - Introduction to Notation

Introduction to
Notation
Name________________________
Group________________________

Music Expectations
When learning at Colchester Academy, we only have one rule in the
Music classroom.
You should be Ready, Respectful and Safe at all times.
Ready
Making sure that you start any tasks straight away.
Always have the correct equipment.
Respectful
Raise your hand to speak to the teacher.
Make sure that you stay in your seat, unless given permission to move.
Listen to others when performing, and give constructive feedback.
Safe
Make sure all cables are tidy, and headphones are looked after.
Move around the room quietly and purposefully.
1

What will I learn this half-term?
This half-term I will be introduced to music notation. If I can read music
notation fluently, then it will make me a much more confident and
capable musician.
I will also learn how to use the correct hand and fingers when playing
the keyboard. It is important to use the correct fingers when playing
because:
a) It means that I will start learning the keyboard as a professional
pianist would, using the correct technique.
b) It also means that any difficult pieces that I play in the future will
be made easier.
Each lesson I will be expected to work hard and participate.
If I have a question, I will put my hand up.
When working on the keyboards, I will work quietly.
I will start every lesson with the Do Now, which is to be completed in
silence.
2

Keyboard and Notation Knowledge Organiser
Lesson
Number Keyword Definition
1 Stave or
staff Five lines that are used to write music
1 Right
hand Usually used when we start to learn piano
2
Crotchet 1 beat
2
Minim 2 beats
3
Semibreve 4 beats
3
Thumb Finger number 1
4
Pinky Finger number 5
4
Melody The main tune of a piece of music
5
Bassline Always played on the left of the keyboard
5
Tempo Speed of your music
3

Task 1
‘The Well-Tempered Clavier’ by JS Bach
The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846–893, is a collection of two
sets of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys,
composed for solo keyboard by Johann Sebastian Bach.
In Bach's time Clavier (keyboard) was a generic name indicating
a variety of keyboard instruments, most typically a harpsichord
or clavichord – but not excluding an organ either.
1. What instrument is playing this piece?
Piano Harpsichord Organ Clavinova
2. Describe the tempo in this piece of music (circle one)
Slow Medium Fast
3. Dynamics in music refer to a change in loudness. If a piece of music has contrasting
dynamics, it has loud and quiet parts. Does this piece of music have contrasting
dynamics?
Yes
No
4. Do you like this piece of music? Tell me why.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4

Task 2
‘Für Elise’ by Ludwig van Beethoven
Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor for solo piano, commonly
known as ‘Für Elise’ is one of Ludwig van Beethoven's
most popular compositions. It was not published during
his lifetime, only being discovered 40 years after his death.
The identity of "Elise" is unknown.
A bagatelle is a short piece of music, typically for the
piano, and usually of a light, mellow character.
1. What instrument is playing this piece?
Piano Harpsichord Organ Clavinova
2. In music, major keys usualy sound happy, and minor keys sound sad. Is this piece of
music in a major or minor key?
Major
Minor
3. Dynamics in music refer to a change in loudness. If a piece of music has contrasting
dynamics, it has loud and quiet parts. Does this piece of music have contrasting
dynamics?
Yes
No
4. Do you like this piece of music? Tell me why.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5

Task 3
‘Clair de Lune’ by Claude Debussy
‘Suite bergamasque’ is one of the most famous piano suites by
Claude Debussy. It was first composed by Debussy around 1890,
at the age of 28, but was significantly revised just before its
publication in 1905.
The third and most famous movement of Suite bergamasque is
"Clair de lune", in D♭ major. Its name comes from Verlaine's
poem "Clair de lune", which means "moonlight" in French.
1. What instrument is playing this piece?
Piano Harpsichord Organ Clavinova
2. In music, major keys usualy sound happy, and minor keys sound sad. Is this piece of
music in a major or minor key?
Major
Minor
3. Tempo refers to the speed of a piece of music. Does this piece change tempo?
Yes
No
4. How is this piece different from the previous one (Für Elise)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6

Task 4
‘Tiger Rag by Art Tatum
Tatum grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where he began playing piano
professionally and had his own radio program, rebroadcast
nationwide, while still in his teens.
He left Toledo in 1932 and had residencies as a solo pianist at clubs
in major urban centers including New York, Chicago, and Los
Angeles.
Throughout his career, Tatum also played in after-hours venues – at
which he was said to be more spontaneous and creative than in his
regular paid performances.
1. What tempo is this piece?
Slow Moderately Fast Fast Very fast
2. In music, major keys usualy sound happy, and minor keys sound sad. Is this piece of
music in a major or minor key?
Major
Minor
3. What style is this piece of music?
___________________________________________________________________________
4. How is this piece different from the previous one (Clair De Lune)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
7

Keyboard Exercises
Success Criteria
Use the correct fingers when playing
Play without hesitating or pausing.
Play with accuracy.
Remember – C=1 D=2 E=3 F=4 G=5
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
__________________________________________________
Exercise 3
__________________________________________________
Exercise 4
8

Extension Tasks
Au Clair De La Lune
Merrily We Roll Along
Frere Jacques
Ode To Joy
9

When The Saints Go Marching In Melody
Write the finger numbers above the notes
Make sure you are just using the keyboard sound
Play this music slowly, trying one or two bars at a time.
10

When The Saints Go Marching In Melody & Bassline
11