Note reading games

We’re all about play-based learning here at Songbird Music! 

Here are three of my favourite games to practice note reading:

Dice

You’ll need to purchase or make your own musical alphabet dice. I made two so that all letters from A-G are covered. Simply roll the dice and either find the corresponding note on a piece of music you’re learning, or write it on a blank staff. I like to include lots of Bass F clef practice!

Link to print and assemble your own dice from Color In My Piano: https://colorinmypiano.com/2011/02/07/just-added-printable-musical-dice/

Link to ready-made musical alphabet dice: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1331383568/musical-alphabet-dice-set-of-8-16mm?click_key=6f97a446d522e93ce208f89d4160e414e3e17054%3A1331383568&click_sum=0e172bd2&ref=shop_home_recs_4

Word cards 

Print or write out words using the musical alphabet and have your student spell the words on a wipe-off staff with dry erase marker. You could also use glass gems placed on a large printed staff.

Printable word card PDF download, also from Color In My Piano: https://colorinmypiano.com/wp-content/files/Musical_Alphabet_Word_Cards.pdf

Online games

Dr. Musik https://www.doctormusik.com/ has a selection of free staff note reading games that can be adjusted to the level of the student. One of our favourites is “Apple Picking” https://www.doctormusik.com/apps-and-games/apple-picking/ You can even narrow the game’s parameters to practice lines only or spaces only.

Bonus: App

Note Rush  https://www.noterushapp.com/ is a reasonably priced app that doesn’t require a subscription. From the website: Note Rush is like a virtual flash card deck for all ages that listens to you play each note, giving instant feedback and awarding stars based on speed and accuracy.