The introduction of staff lines undoubtedly represents an important step in the history of musical notation concerning the readability of written music. However, it came at a certain price. There were aspects that musical notation had to give up as it made way for new concepts like staff lines.

Having worked through the preceding steps take a minute to weigh up what was gained through the introduction of staff lines against what had to be given up. Try then to argue for one of the following three positions:

1. Was it progress?

2. Was it a decline?

3. Was this an evolution that entails both progress and decline?

We suggest that you note your reflections down.

License