Music theory worksheet · The staff and music symbols

Count the Measures

Bar lines split music into measures. Count the measures in each line and write the number.

Share:
Preview of the Count the Measures music theory worksheet
Grade level
Grades 1–2
Time
About 10 minutes
Answer key
Yes, page 2 of the PDF
Kids practice
Naming the five lines and four spaces, Telling line notes from space notes, Recognizing clefs, bar lines and measures, Counting from the bottom up

What kids do

Printed on the sheet:

  1. A measure is the space between two bar lines. The thick final bar line ends the last measure.
  2. How many measures are in each line?

Teacher tip

Have kids tap each bar line with a pencil as they count. Remind them that the double bar line at the end closes the last measure and does not start a new one.

How to use it

  • Hold up a hand sideways: five fingers are the five lines and the gaps between them are the four spaces.
  • Always count lines and spaces from the bottom, the way notes climb.
  • Make the sound first. Clap, sing or play the idea before kids see it on paper.

Watch for

Counting the lines from the top down. The bottom line is always line 1.

Talk about it

  • Which line is line 1?
  • Where have you seen or heard this in a song we know?

Take it further

Toss a beanbag onto a floor staff and name the line or space where it lands.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.

More the staff and music symbols worksheets

See all 50 music theory worksheets

Share this with a friend or teacher

Free for teachers

Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit

12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.

Keep creating with Kevin

New book announcements and free drawing and coloring activity pages, delivered by newsletter.