Research project From music sheets to groove. Didactical notation to support students participation in musical activities

In this practice-based research project, we examine how different forms of written musical representation, such as lyrics, chord symbols, and chord analyses, are used in teaching and how they influence students’ opportunities to participate in ensemble performance.

The project is carried out in collaboration with music teachers at two lower secondary schools that use different ways of representing music. Over a two-year period, recurring teaching cycles, in which students learn to play a song together, are documented through video recordings. By analysing students’ interaction, their use of musical materials, and the resulting musical performance, we investigate how teaching can be organised to strengthen participation, particularly for students with limited prior experience of playing instruments and receiving music instruction.