Overview
This lecture provides a practical introduction to musical notation, focusing on how to write note heads, stems, and flags for basic understanding and assignment completion.
Reading & Assignment Instructions
- Focus your reading on pages 7–14 of the provided notation handout.
- Pages 1–6 give history for background only; skimming is optional and will not be tested.
- Complete the two notation practice PDF assignments for a participation grade, due next week.
- Check for instructor comments on assignments to improve future work.
Writing Note Heads
- There are two main types of note heads: filled-in (solid) and open (hollow).
- Make filled-in note heads by starting in the center and working outward for speed and neatness.
- Open note heads can be made with a single practiced oval stroke.
- Place note heads neatly in the space or on the line of the staff.
Stems and Flags
- Stems should be about three spaces or lines in length—avoid making them too short or too long.
- Stems attach to note heads to indicate rhythm (detailed meaning covered in a future lecture).
- Flags are small curved lines attached to stems; their appearance varies if stems point up or down.
- Precise flag appearance need not match printed fonts when drawing by hand.
Stem Direction Rules
- If the note head is above the staff's center line, the stem points down.
- If the note head is below the center line, the stem points up.
- For notes on the center line, stem direction depends on surrounding notes and clarity.
- Keep stem directions consistent among nearby notes for readability.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Note Head — The oval-shaped part of a note placed on a staff to show pitch.
- Stem — A straight line attached to the note head indicating rhythm.
- Flag — A curved line added to a stem to show shorter note values.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read pages 7–14 of the notation handout.
- Complete and submit both notation PDF assignments by next week.
- Review instructor comments on returned assignments.