There can be so much confusion for our students when we are teaching repeat signs, D.C. al Fine, and music score markings!
First, they might forget to follow the repeat sign.
Then, they get confused about first and second endings.
Finally, they whiz right past any mentions of D.C. al Fine or use D.S. al Fine to restart the entire piece.
It’s a lot to teach and a lot to learn.
In fact, you might even be a teacher out there who lacks confidence in teaching repeat signs, D.C. al Fine, and music score markings.
If so, absolutely no shame here!
In this article, I will walk through all of the main technical signs you’ll see in music scores and what they mean.
And if you’re well-versed in all of the music scores markings but you want an easy and fun way to teach them to your students, then scroll down to learn about Scarecrow Scores–I can guarantee you, you haven’t found an easier way to teach all the tricky score markings!
Your Guide to Teaching Repeat Signs, D.C. al Fine, and Music Score Markings: A Glossary
1st ending – play this portion of music only on the first play through. Repeat back to the beginning of the piece or the forward-facing repeat sign
2nd ending – skip the 1st ending (do not replay it) and play the 2nd ending. Sometimes this has a repeat, in which you will repeat back to the beginning of the piece or the forward-facing repeat sign
3rd ending – skip and 1st and 2nd endings (do not replay them) and play the 3rd ending.
8va – octave above (octave = 8 notes)
This sign can also be placed underneath the staff to indicate playing an octave below.
8vb – octave below
15ma – two octave higher
This sign can also be placed underneath the staff to indicate playing two octave below.
15mb – 2 octaves below
Bar line / bar – a vertical line that divides the staff into measures
Dal Segno – Italian meaning “from the sign.” You will return to the fancy S symbol.
D.C. al Coda – means “from head to tail.” The Coda is an added ending. You will return to the beginning of the piece, play until you see a “to coda” text, and jump to the coda.
D.C. al Fine – Italian for “da capo al fine.” It means “from head to finish.” You will return to the beginning of the piece and play until the “fine” marking.
D.S. al Coda – “from the sign to the tail.” The Coda is an added ending. You will return to the S sign, play until you see a “to coda” text, and jump to the coda.
D.S. al Fine – “from the sign to the finish.” You will return to the fancy S (Segno) and play until you reach the “fine” marking.
Fermata – a pause (usually at least 1.5x the note value)
Fine – the end (finish!)
Repeat sign – a double bar line with two dots per staff that indicates to return to either the beginning of the piece or a forward-facing repeat sign
To Coda – when you see this sign, you will skip to the “coda,” which is an added ending.
Now that you have a general working understanding of the terms, let’s review it in action!
A Music Game to Help in Teaching Repeat Signs, D.C. al Fine, and Music Score Markings
We are proud of our first-ever music score game!
This is the most practical, hands-on game that we have created to date, and we know your students will feel confident in reading scores after they play it.
A music staff is nestled in the middle of a cozy fall garden with pumpkins, radishes, and a friendly scarecrow.
Like any music staff, this one is “read” from the beginning to end.
Your students will roll a die and move forward based on the number they roll.
But! That’s only the beginning.
You can customize the game board with repeat signs, D.C. al fine, and music score markings for the exact concepts your students need!
This music theory game can be played in countless ways:
- Easy: play with the original game board for very beginning students who need to learn how to follow a basic music score
- Medium: add level 1 cards (repeats, 8va, etc.) for easy adaptations to the score.
- Hard: add level 2 cards (1st and 2nd endings, codas, segnos, etc.) for even more common score adaptations.
Here’s what you’ll get with the Scarecrow Scores music game download:
- Scarecrow Scores game in 2 sizes: US letter & A4
- Scarecrow scores game board
- Level 1 and Level 2 measure cards
- 8 crow game pieces
- Scarecrow Scores success poster
- Scarecrow Scores activity sheet in 2 sizes: US Letter & A4
- Print release
- Not included but needed: 1 die
Level 1 cards:
- Backward and forward repeat signs
- Fermata
- 8va, 8vb, 15ma, 15mb (for one hand, both hands, on repeat, etc.)
Level 2 cards
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd endings
- D.C. al Coda, D.C. al fine, D.S. al Coda, D.S. al fine
- Segno
- Coda
>>> Scarecrow Scores is available for purchase here.
How to Play Scarecrow Scores Music Theory Game
In essence, Scarecrow Scores is a very easy game to play.
You roll a die and move your crow game piece forward.
The difficulty lies in knowing how to read the actual score (which, we include a move guide in case you as the teacher need a refresher).
If the student rolls a 3, they move forward 3 measures. If they roll a 6, they move forward 6 measures.
If they reach a repeat sign, they have to return to the beginning (or to a forward-facing repeat sign, if you added that).
Whoever reaches the final bar line first wins!
There are literally dozens of ways to play this game and your students will never be confused with score reading again!
See how it’s played in the video!
- A complete breakdown of what you get in the music game download
- A step-by-step tutorial for how to play the game
- A few teaching tips and suggestions
Don’t see the video above? Watch How to Play Scarecrow Scores on YouTube here.
Play Scarecrow Scores in Group Lessons
There are 8 crow game pieces, so you can easily play Scarecrow Scores with up to 8 players.
Each player must navigate through the score and whoever reaches the final bar line first wins.
To make gameplay slightly faster, give each player their own die and have them roll at the same time.
This is a great game to play with group lessons because your students will make SURE that their opponents are following all the markings of the score and going backward as needed!
Scarecrow Scores is easily played with 2 students or 8.
Scarecrow Scores Music Game Success Poster
We believe celebrating music theory game wins with a success poster will build student rapport!
The students have a goal to work toward (taking a picture with the success poster) and you can send the picture to the parents as a way to showcase what their child has achieved during lessons.
It’s a win-win!
These also give you great material for social media posts (be sure to tag @musicgameclub so we can celebrate with your kiddos!).
Scarecrow Scores Music Theory Activity Sheet
Once the student has completed Scarecrow Scores music game, you can further help them solidify their music theory knowledge with the activity sheet.
Students have special terms to identify and draw a line to the correct answer. Plus, there are fun crows to color!
This is a great send-home activity to reinforce the theory concepts after your students have played the game.
Want Scarecrow Scores music game to help in teaching repeat signs, D.C. al Fine, and Music Score Markings?
Scarecrow Scores was Music Game Club’s October 2023 membership music theory game. Anyone can now get Scarecrow Scores in the shop here.
You’ll always receive:
- A monthly music game (formatted in 2 sizes: US Letter and A4)
- Exclusive Music Game Club membership emails
- Video tutorials
- Themed success posters to go with the monthly game
- Bonus activity review sheet
The membership is only $15/month and you did read all of the above correctly.
You’ll receive a wealth of resources that can elevate your teaching experience and keep student morale high all year.
You’ll maintain the energy and enthusiasm throughout the entire year, ensuring a consistent and engaging experience.
Your students will start asking for their new game each month and be excited to learn new music theory concepts!
Comment and share!
How have you helped students overcome score confusion? Any special tips or tricks?
Let us know in the comments below.
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