The Notes on the Staff: YouTube Lesson

Topic:  This lesson, designed for beginning students, introduces the clefs and the notes on them. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to identify the Treble and Bass clefs, as well as the notes on them. Additionally, students should have an understanding of the Grand Staff and Middle C. The lesson should progress, with the first video,  as follows:

First, this video should be viewed as a class to ensure proper comprehension and initiate good discussion. This video outlines the Treble clef and the names of the corresponding lines and spaces. Following this video should be a short review to clarify any questions.

This second video, which should be viewed next in the lesson, outlines the Bass clef and the names of the corresponding lines and spaces. After viewing, a jeopardy-style game may be played in class to identify notes on both Treble and Bass clefs.

At this time, it is appropriate to discuss Middle C and it's relevance to the Treble and Bass clefs. Using Middle C, introduce the Grand Staff. Demonstrate by playing on the piano.

You may have your students review the clefs as well as the Grand Staff by using the lesson at http://www.musictheory.net/lessons/10

By next class, your students may also be expected to play notes given on both Treble and Bass clefs on piano.

For educational, fun review at home, as an additional tool you may have the students visit http://www.musictechteacher.com/quiz_music_note_name_invaders.htm for more practice.

NAfME Standards Addressed:
    2. Performing on instruments, alone or with others, a varied repertoire of music.
    5. Reading and notating music

Massachusetts Arts Frameworks Addressed:
    2.2 Use a system to read and sing at sight simple pitch notation in the treble clef
    5.3 Use appropriate terminology in describing music, music notation, music instruments and voices, and music performance.