Abstract
Music students often encounter problems in reading sheet music, because of the complexity of Traditional Music Notation (TMN). Klavar is an alternative music notation system that is simple, intuitive, and easy to learn. Thousands of compositions from many composers are available in Klavar. In its original form, Klavar can be considered as tablature for keyboard instruments. The present paper compares advantages and disadvantages of Klavar and TMN. Subsequently, the author proposes an innovative extension of the Klavar music notation, such that enharmonic notes can be discriminated, and harmonic and melodic lines can be identified. The resulting Klavar20 notation is complete, since it contains all the composer’s information and is therefore useful for all instruments. Further, it is comprehensible—since the score is easy to read—and compatible with all music already published in Klavar. Music educators should familiarize themselves with Klavar20 and stimulate teaching of this notation to students who might otherwise stop taking music lessons.
Recommended Citation
van Zoelen, E. Joop
(2023)
"Klavar: From Tablature to Comprehensive Music Notation System,"
Research & Issues in Music Education: Vol. 17:
No.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/rime/vol17/iss1/5