The Origin of Musical Notation > Page 1, 2, 3, 4

The Hand of Music
Guido d'Arezzo also made other significant contributions to musical notation and theory. Around 1025 he created a system of musical notation using a 4-line staff which has evolved into the system used today, and was the author of a major theoretical work, Micrologus.

Guido even created a method to teach the musical syllables by pointing to sections of the hand that was used widely as a teaching tool. He assigned different pitches to the knuckles and curves in the hand and pointed to the spot and had the singers sing that note. In the illustration of the "Guidonian Hand" each Latin symbol represents a different pitch. Guido's innovative teaching methods garnered attention from the Papacy in Rome where he gave a demonstration of his teaching techniques to Pope John XIX in 1028.

Sing Along With Guido
So, if you purchase the new DVD version of the movie "The Sound of Music," watch the re-release of the video, or take the Salzburg Sound of Music Tour, don't forget that an Italian monk originally came up with the words to that "Do-Re-Mi" ditty. Better yet, for authenticity, when attending the Sing-A-Long Sound of Music, dress up as a medieval monk and tattoo Latin musical notations on your hand. Then, when the audience starts that immortal first line: "Doe, a deer, a female deer..." jump up and lead them in a raucous cheer that will have Guido d'Arezzo spinning in his grave.

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