SkillShare Writing Music 101 The Basics of Notation

Gain an understanding of the basics of music notation with composer Jason Rivera. This 35-minute class covers the essentials of how to use music notation to communicate your ideas to other musicians—walking you through the process step-by-step with detailed explanations and demonstrations on the piano.

The main topics covered in this class are:

The Musical Alphabet
Notes on a Piano Keyboard
Scientific Pitch Notation
The Staff
Ledger Lines
Commonly Used Clefs
Measures and Bar Lines
Common Note Values and Rests

For your class assignment you will complete a short series of written exercises designed to help solidify your new knowledge of music notation.

Anyone interested in cultivating their skills as a musician, songwriter and/or composer can benefit from this class. This course is designed for those with little or no prior knowledge of how to read music or how to notate their musical ideas. Access to and the ability to play an instrument is helpful for this class, but not required.