A music notation system uses a grid with vertical columns representing musical notes and horizontal rows representing time intervals. Each note of a musical piece is indicated by a selected note symbol in the appropriate column, and extending across multiple rows if intended to be sounded for more than one time interval. Different note symbol shapes are used to indicate different tone qualities or playing styles. Note symbols are colored or graphically textured to indicate different sound intensities. Suggested fingerings may be indicated by numbers marked the note symbols, or by lines connecting notes to be played with the same finger. Other graphical design elements may be used to display rhythmic or harmonic context and, in computerized applications, to show or hide selected musical information, or to activate and listen to a sound recording of a piece of music or individually selected notes.