Student Music Annotation-Worth Every Minute!

Every new piece of music is annotated by students before we begin working. Students have a study sheet for each piece of music. One side is this checklist. The other side has space for vocabulary, symbols and class notes.
Try it with your group for one piece and see if the reading and rehearsal is improved!

1. First and Last Name printed at top of each page  
2. Number each measure (small and neat)
3. Key Signature
   1. Circle and identify notes in the key
   2. Mark all notes affected by the key as they occur in the music
      1. Flats, Sharps & Naturals are placed before the note head.
      2. Mark fingerings of these notes as needed
      3. Highlight frequently missed notes
   3. Repeat this process when the key signature changes in the selection.
4. Time Signature
   1. Draw a square around the top number of the key signature.
   2. Repeat this process when the time signature changes in the selection.
5. Accidentals
   1. Locate accidentals and mark the note if it returns in the same measure
   2. Mark fingerings of these notes as needed
   3. Highlight frequently missed notes
6. Rhythms
   1. Circle any rhythms which are new or unfamiliar to you
   2. Write as many counts in on that measure as you are able to
7. Signs & Symbols
   1. Write the English translation of all tempi and style indicators
   2. Highlight all dynamic indicators including crescendos and decrescendos
      1. mf-f-ff in warm highlighter colors
      2. mp-p-pp in cool highlighter colors
   3. Find, identify and highlight any special directions: repeats, D.C. al fine, etc.
8. General Technique
   1. Locate any notes you are not familiar with
   2. Look up the note in your fingering chart.
   3. Write the note name in and confirm the fingering
9. Star sections which you have questions about.
10. Silently practice and finger through different passages as the group works.