Image of original music score Image of Modified Stave Notation Some basic parameters to consider are outlined in the UKAAF document. This document expands these. Instrumental and vocal grade examination boards (such as ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall) and GCSE and GCE examinations boards (namely AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC) present stave notation in their Modified Print papers as MSN. Basically, in MSN, smaller symbols are made proportionately larger than large symbols. Gaps between symbols left to right are reduced to the workable minimum. Symbols around the stave are placed wherever possible in the same position relative to the stave so the reader knows where to look for them (as in page numbers, bar numbers, dynamic markings always above/below stave etc.). Verbal descriptions are given at the opening of the score about any unusual, or any unusually, small symbols, stating where the symbols appear. Who uses MSN? Musicians who find ordinary stave notation, in all its hugely varied layouts, very hard to read and use efficiently. Musicians who have dyslexia or are partially sighted will be in this group. Using MSN is one part of accessibility for musicians. Other factors include the following considerations. The variables beyond the music notation itself include quality of lighting, how far and at what angles the music has to be from the reader's eyes and what else needs to be seen such as a conductor or fellow performers.
Image of original music score Image of Modified Stave Notation Some basic parameters to consider are outlined in the UKAAF document. This document expands these. Instrumental and vocal grade examination boards (such as ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall) and GCSE and GCE examinations boards (namely AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC) present stave notation in their Modified Print papers as MSN. Basically, in MSN, smaller symbols are made proportionately larger than large symbols. Gaps between symbols left to right are reduced to the workable minimum. Symbols around the stave are placed wherever possible in the same position relative to the stave so the reader knows where to look for them (as in page numbers, bar numbers, dynamic markings always above/below stave etc.). Verbal descriptions are given at the opening of the score about any unusual, or any unusually, small symbols, stating where the symbols appear. Who uses MSN? Musicians who find ordinary stave notation, in all its hugely varied layouts, very hard to read and use efficiently. Musicians who have dyslexia or are partially sighted will be in this group. Using MSN is one part of accessibility for musicians. Other factors include the following considerations. The variables beyond the music notation itself include quality of lighting, how far and at what angles the music has to be from the reader's eyes and what else needs to be seen such as a conductor or fellow performers.
G009-UKAAF-Modified-Stave-Notation-meeting-individual-needs-for-large-print-music.docx