Learning to read notes on the staff can be a huge leap for students. They go from primer method books with named notes to having to work out the note names themselves from the staff. The cherry on top has to be that the bass clef staff and treble clef staff are note the same, but are read differently. So they have to work out the note name from the staff AND locate it on the keyboard. Using a blank staff in lessons is a great way to reinforce note learning.

I like to upload staff pdfs to my iPad for students to use there. There are endless possibilities, especially with Notability (which I love), where they also get to select pencil color and size 😀🎼

You can use the staffs to practice drawing clefs, to learn note names, or to learn how and where stem direction changes. It is also great to use for basic compositions. Even if a student only knows the notes C, E and G… let’s make a CEG Song! They really enjoy forming the notes and also having their own composition. Once composed, have them practice it and showcase it at their next recital.

If you or your students don’t use ipads, then you can print, laminate, and use dry erase markers to reinforce new notes and concepts.

Below you will find free downloadable printables featuring the staff with and without clefs available as jpeg and pdf. Have fun!