Reading Music

This KS2 Music quiz takes a look at reading music. Reading music is knowing the symbols used in written music.

People have been singing and making music for much longer than they have been writing music down. Many musicians learn to play instruments without ever learning to read music. Having a special way to write music down on paper helped musicians to share new songs and was the only way to preserve music before sound recording equipment was invented.

Playing a tune without reading music is called 'playing by ear'. If you know how the tune goes, such as the song Happy Birthday To You, then you may be able to play it by recognising the next note - why not give it a go?!

See what you have learned about reading music by trying this quiz.