In music, the alphabet has only seven letters: A, B, C, D, E, F and G. These are repeated over and over along the musical scale, with each repetition beginning a new octave. Variations in keys incorporate sharps and flats, raising and lowering the seven basic notes to form a new key. Children generally learn the key of C major first, because it contains no sharps or flats and is easiest to master.
Children often automatically feel the beat of a song without realizing that they are learning musical counting. Music is divided into measures, with each measure containing the same number of beats. The time signature dictates how many beats are in each measure. Common time signatures include 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 and 6/8. Help children feel the strongest beat of the measure, which is nearly always the first beat, then count how many remain before they feel the next measure begin. Once children learn to identify the beats, help them see how those beats are represented by written notes.
Music is written on a staff made up of five horizontal lines. Each line and space on the staff represents a note on the musical scale, reading from bottom to top. The staff has either a treble clef or a bass clef sign at the beginning, which designates which notes are represented on the staff. The lines of the treble clef are E, G, B, D and F. The spaces are F, A, C and E. In the bass clef, the lines are G, B, D, F and A. The spaces are A, C, E and G. Use a mnemonic device to help children remember the names of the notes. Common ones include Every Good Boy Does Fine and spelling the word FACE for treble clef, and Great Big Dogs Fight Animals and All Cows Eat Grass for bass clef.
Many children choose to pursue training on a musical instrument. Piano lessons, a common choice, provide a strong foundation in the basics of music theory, music notation, rhythm and dynamics. Piano music uses a grand staff made up of both the treble and bass clef, which helps students learn a full range of notes. Children might wish to pursue vocal training as they mature, or they might express interest in a band or orchestra instrument. Encourage children to explore several options to find the right fit.