Chapter 6: The First Five Notes

  • Next, hero, you will learn to read ancient music script.  Only one who can decipher music will conquer the mighty dragon.
  • Music notes are written on a set of five lines called a "staff".  Notice that there are four spaces in between these lines.
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A Musical Staff - Not the kind a wizard carries, but equally useful!
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The staff with a bass clef.
  • Trombone music is usually written using a symbol called the "bass clef".  (Shown on the left)
  • The bass clef is also sometimes called the "F Clef" because the two dots are on either side of the F line.  The note marked on that line is F.

"Great Big Dragon Fly Away!" and "Always Carry Extra Grease"

  • Notes are written on the lines and spaces of the staff. 
  • You can remember which notes go on the lines with the phrase: "Great Big Dragon Fly Away!"  If only he would!
  • You can remember which notes go on the spaces with the phrase: "Always Carry Extra Grease."  It's also good advice, young hero!
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Notes are written on lines or in spaces.
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Example: 
This note is on a line.  It's on the third line from the bottom.  In "Great Big Dragon Fly Away", the third word starts with D, so this note is a "D".
tqnotenaming.pdf
File Size: 28 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
To practice, download and print the file on the left.  Label each note underneath the staff.  Have a friend or family member time you!  The greatest of heroes can finish this sheet in under four minutes!
  • On the right are the first five notes you will learn.  In fact, you have already learned them!  These are the same notes you played to earn your last Gem of Mastery!
  • The flat signs (Bb, Eb, etc.) lower that note slightly.  For now, just be aware that Bb and B are not the same note!
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Your first five notes! Learn them well!
Practice your first five notes with the audio clip below!

To earn your fifth Gem of Mastery:

These ancient symbols are called a quarter note and a quarter rest.  The quarter note means that you play that note for one count.  The quarter rest means that you do not play for one count.  Sometimes the line (or "stem") on a quarter note goes down instead of up. 
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A Quarter Note
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A Quarter Rest
Learn to play the song below by following with the audio clip.  This song has been learned by generations of trombone heroes before you.  When you feel comfortable with this song, you will have mastered a new skill!

Ye Olde Hot Cross Buns

When you have mastered the skill, click below: