Author: Chris Gray

A joint research project between East Ayrshire Council, Drake Music Scotland, and the RSAMD’s (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) Musicworks programme.

The programme was designed as a pilot programme to evaluate two different yet interrelated learning and teaching concepts:

  • Try out a full class approach to string tuition using Figurenotes notation and gauge its effectiveness in accelerating the process of learning to play and read music with larger groups
  • Work with educators and string teachers experienced in orchestral tuition with young people to develop an approach combining other proven methods with Figurenotes

Quotes taken from a follow up article in TES:

‘One Greenmill P3 class was taught using Figurenotes and the other using conventional notation. Six months later the benefits of the former were apparent, says Mr Gray. “The class using it were months ahead in their reading and understanding of rhythm. When it came to bowing they could immediately see how long a stroke should be from the shape of the note.”

“We converted them to conventional notation in a 40-minute lesson, where I explained it was like different languages and from now on they would be using this new one. They’ve never looked back. So when it came to starting the P1s and P2s a few weeks ago, we had no hesitation in using it with them.”

“When Paul first came to me and suggested trying Figurenotes with young children in the mainstream, I was very sceptical. But there is no doubt that it works.”‘

 

Author: Matthew Breaden

Abstract: Figurenotes was found to be an effective tool that allows children with autism to engage successfully in music-making independently, with peers, and with family members. The action research approach allowed novel interventions using Figurenotes which facilitated the development of participants’ music-making skills and also their creativity. Participation in musical interactions was found to be associated with improved social interactions with peers and family members. Development of music-making skills was also associated with improvements in participants’ self-concept through positive changes in participants’ self-perception of their competence. Additionally, action research was found in this study to be an effective methodology in facilitating reflective practice when working with children with autism. The multiple beneficial outcomes demonstrated in this research warrant the further use and development of Figurenotes, and point to the value of further research in the development of music-making skills and creativity in children with autism.

Author: Sanna Kivijärvi

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of an applied music notation system, Figurenotes, by using the concept of educational method as theoretical lens. Figurenotes is examined through this lens at two levels: the micro level of music educational practice and the macro level of advancement of educational policies. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with experts in music education, special and general education, educational policy, music therapy, voluntary work, and music business as well as with students, clients, parents, and the developers of Figurenotes. The findings emphasise that the application of Figurenotes lowers the threshold for learning and teaching music, and is especially applicable in educational situations where the student’s cognitive load needs to be lessened. It is concluded that Figurenotes can be seen both as a pedagogical approach and as a method for advancing educational equity.

Authors: Matthew Breaden, Christine Johnston

Abstract: Introduction: Contemporary music therapy interventions involving autistic children frequently take family-centred approaches, which seek to situate and inform the therapeutic process within a child’s wider family life and environment. Despite this, there is limited research into how music therapy can facilitate the development of relationships between family members. This paper presents an interpretative case study of a series of music therapy sessions with the family of a 9-year-old autistic girl (“Anna”). An adapted music notation, Figurenotes, using symbols employing colour and shape to represent pitch and duration, was used to facilitate music-making by family members on piano keyboard and tuned percussion instruments. Method: Qualitative data was collected, consisting of transcriptions of video recordings from sessions, researcher notes, and a parent interview. Reflexive thematic analysis, an approach that highlights the researcher’s active role in knowledge production, was conducted with these data. Results: Four themes emerged: (a) Shared music-making, providing a new way for the siblings to relate to each other; (b) Anna’s leadership in family music-making; (c) Independence of the family in playing music together; and (d) Usefulness of Figurenotes as a shared resource. Discussion: The themes offer insights into the mechanisms of change within family music therapy and the utility of Figurenotes as a therapeutic tool for facilitating musical engagement and social interaction. This study demonstrates how shared re-creative music-making can improve relationships within families involving autistic and non-autistic members, expanding the scope of family-centred music therapy interventions beyond individual client goals.

Authors: Liza Lee; Han-Ju Ho; Xing-Dai Liao; Yi-Xiang Liao; Hung-Chi Chu

Abstract: Over the past 10 years, the research results of “Holistic Music Educational Approach for Young Children” (HMEAYC) have found that music is a good learning medium for improving the development of children with special needs. Figurenotes is a music teaching method that advocates the usage of music with visual graphics to promote the individual performance of pitches or rhythmic melody. It is obvious that HMEAYC and Figurenotes are both learning modes that expect learners to be able to achieve goal orientation through music expression. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between HMEAYC and Figurenotes for children’s learning behaviour. A non-profit early intervention centre in central Taiwan was used as a research site. There were 132 children with developmental delay aged 40-63 months selected as research subjects, and HMEAYC was combined with Figurenotes for the curriculum design. It was a 16-week study, with 40-minute sessions once per week in a group setting. The research results showed that HMEAYC combined with the Figurenotes method can promote the development of the social interactions and the physical movements of children with developmental delay.

What do our users say?

Figurenotes is the best thing I've come across in over 40 years of teaching music

Nothing translates as easily as Figurenotes.
It's just so obvious that it works!

Simple cartoon person

I am loving Figurenotes and so are my pupils. They completely get the rhythms because they are intuitive

Simple cartoon person

A huge hit with the students! They didn’t need any explanation as to how it worked. They could straight away just start following the music and playing on the keyboards!

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Figurenotes has been a game-changer for me

Simple cartoon person

Figurenotes is the best way to go. It's very inclusive. I haven't come across anything else that comes near it.

Simple cartoon person

I am so impressed with Figurenotes. Such a simple concept, yet so effective. Thank you!

Simple cartoon person

Figurenotes is not just a good notation system, it is life-changing.

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