Mnemonics are word-replacement devices which can help students remember vital information by remembering a simpler phrase. Mnemonics are a useful method of getting students to remember the note positions on the treble and bass staffs. The lines on the treble staff represent E, G, B, D and F, which can be remembered with the phrase “Every Good Boy Deserves Favor.” The spaces on the treble clef spell “face,” which is simple to remember. The lines on the bass staff represent G, B, D, F and A, which can be remembered with the phrase “Go Buy Donuts For Alan.” If you have a student with an “A” name you can substitute for “Alan,” this will help pupils remember. The spaces on the bass clef -- A, C, E and G -- can be remembered with the phrase “All Cows Eat Grass.”
Note values can’t be taught by something as simple as a mnemonic, so other techniques should be used to help your students remember the different note values. Use quizzes like iFlipr’s note value quiz or compose your own quiz to test their memory of note values. Teach them note values before asking them the quiz, and include prizes as incentives to make them want to succeed.
Online games such as “Music Note Name Invaders Quiz” can be used to test students’ memory of different note positions on the clef. Many different free online music games exist, and they aim to reinforce student’s learning through enjoyable games. The “Music Note Name Invaders Quiz” is based on the game “Space Invaders,” and the play is split between fighting off alien ships and answering questions about the locations of musical notes.
The most hands-on and relevant way to teach students about musical concepts is in front of an instrument like a keyboard. Note values can be taught efficiently this way, because the students can produce the notes themselves and then hold it for the required amount of time. Get students to play one bar with one whole note, one with two half notes, one with four quarter notes and so on to help them understand how timing works. Present them with some sheet music when they are confident in their abilities.