Figurenotes is a simple, progressive way to learn to read and play music. Drake Music Scotland have arranged the following pieces, especially for Ten Pieces. This notation was initially designed to enable people with additional support needs, but has proven useful for all beginners on a huge range of instruments.
Each musical note has a colour (e.g. all the Cs are red) and each octave has a shape (e.g. middle C is a red circle).
Rhythm is literal and needs little explanation.
You can progress through three simple stages to reach standard notation, never letting the challenges of note-reading interrupt your progression on your instrument.
There are no 'dots and squiggles' to be learned, just two simple concepts:
- MATCHING: Find the matching shape on your instrument and play it.
- PLAYING IN PULSE: Try and play the same note with a steady beat.
for a detailed explanation of how the system works.
You can find out more on the website.
Ten Pieces Figurenotes Arrangements
For the latest batch of Ten Pieces, Drake Music Scotland have created Figurenotes arrangements for Laura Shigihara鈥檚 Grasswalk. For Figurenotes guidance and lesson plans for Grasswalk, see .
Use these creative resources from Drake Music Scotland to get creative with Laura Shigihara's Grasswalk. With the help of these guides and accompanying resources you will be able to explore rhythm, articulation, chromatics and register.
Laura Shigihara鈥檚 Grasswalk
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See below for our full range of Ten Pieces Figurenotes resources. Visit the for editable versions of these resources. These resources can be played on a range of instruments. Check the key and pitch before printing.
Downloadable .zip file containing figure notes arrangement.
Downloadable .zip file containing figure notes arrangement.
听
Downloadable .zip file containing figure notes arrangement.
Downloadable .zip file containing figure notes arrangement.
听
Copland: Rodeo 鈥 Hoe-Down
Purcell: Abdelazer 鈥 Rondeau
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Elgar: 'Enigma' Variations 鈥 Theme
Sibelius: Finlandia
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Dvo艡谩k: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, 'From the New World鈥 鈥 Largo
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker 鈥 Russian Dance
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Orff: 'O fortuna'
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker 鈥 Waltz of the Flowers
- A Figurenotes worksheet for 'O fortuna' is available on request
Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (1st movement)
Bernstein - 'Mambo' from Symphonic Dances from 'West Side Story'
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Bizet - 'Habanera' and 'Toreador' from 'Carmen Suite No. 2'
Grieg - In the Hall of the Mountain King
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Holst - Mars from The Planets
Mozart - Horn Concerto No. 4 (3rd movement)
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Mussorgsky - A Night on the Bare Mountain
Vaughan Williams - Lark Ascending
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