Decide which instrument you want to play your music, and have it nearby so you can play the notes you will write. Write the clef of the instrument at the beginning of each group of five lines on the staff paper. High-pitched instruments, such as flutes or violins, usually use the treble clef. Lower-pitched instruments like the cello usually use the bass clef.
Write a key signature next to each clef. Key signatures have naturals, flats and sharps in them and tell musicians what types of notes to play. Decide how many beats you want in each measure of your music. Write a time signature on the first group of lines next to the key signature.
Play middle C on your instrument and find it on the staff paper. Middle C is located on a ledger line below the lowest staff line in treble clef. In bass clef, middle C is written on a ledger line above the highest staff line. Write the pitches of the notes you want the instrument to play on the lines and spaces of the staff. Write notes that are higher than middle C above the ledger line, and notes that are lower below the ledger line.
Add rhythmic values to your notes. Write whole notes that last for four beats, half notes that last for two beats and quarter notes that last for one beat. Draw one flag on quarter notes to create eighth notes that last for half of a beat. Add two flags to create 16th notes that last for one-fourth of a beat.
Play the music on your instrument. Experiment with different notes and rhythms. Erase any unsatisfactory notes, or write in new notes.