Here’s a great way to help kids learn the notes on the lines and spaces of the stave from our Music Theory Made Easy series . The Musical Hand Stave is a convenient reminder and wonderfully portable too!
Music Theory Made Easy – Musical Hand Stave
By a happy coincidence our hands have 5 fingers – just like the E G B D F lines of the stave, and in between the fingers are four spaces exactly the same as the F A C E notes on the stave. It’s even better news that we have two hands and that they go everywhere with us! So they are always there when you need to refer them, no need for theory books, pens or paper!
If you are new to music theory check out How To read Music Made Easy which explains the basics in a simple and kid friendly way. Use coloured stickers to label the child’s fingers with the notes on the lines E G B D F and they’ll soon get the idea. They find remembering the spaces much easier because it spells FACE and it won’t be long before they’ll be testing you!
This method really works for kids, it’s visual and tactile and gives them something practical to connect the theory to. Much the same as learning to read, there are lots of different ways to support the learning of musical notes. Children are always happy to accept a new way to learn, and are not confused by being introduced to different concepts especially if they are presented in a playful way that seems more like a game. All these games and methods have the one shared aim, and it’s always so rewarding when the penny finally drops and the note reading light bulb is eventually illuminated!
Thank you Sara! Appreciate your reply and thoughts on the matter. I too love using it anyway!
HI there. I am a private music instructor and I use the hand staff a fair bit. I’m struggling however with how far to take it. Am I right to think that it actually has a fairly limited purpose? (not downplaying it’s awesomeness at all). For instance, in a vocal setting, I would apply solfege syllables and while I can teach them that do, mi and so are all on lines using G-B-D and likewise spaces using F-A-C, I really can’t go much farther (like singing a whole scale) because of the lack of sharps or flats (except to show D below the staff and then using a forefinger for a ledger line for middle C and then singing a C major scale). Am I right? Or is there some way to incorporate that?
Hi, Yes you’re right the Hand stave method is really only a device to help learn and remember the lines and spaces of the treble or bass clef – it’s limited of course when it comes to sharps and flats etc. I think it’s probably more helpful for people learning by themselves at home rather than with a teacher where you are more likely to progress to more depth. But I like it because it’s so child friendly and completely portable!
Have you made up one of these for the bass clef, too??
Hi Lynn, Yes I have done this method for the bass clef too, but it’s included in my music theory eBook, you can check it out here – How To Read Music Made Easy eBook.
Hello, I am having my internship this semester as a music teacher for grade 1 and your post really hepled me a lot! thanks so much!
Awesome!!!
Thanks Kacey! Glad you like the post 🙂
This way of teaching is Awesome.
I am a new music teacher at a small private K4 through 12 school. I am not a certified teacher and welcome all input!
That’s great Lisa! You’ve come to the right place 🙂 Good luck with the new term!