Methods, systems, and apparatus for teaching students to read and play music, particularly on a keyboard. Musical notations having upper level letter charts and lower level letter charts for playing with right and left hand playing, respectively, in combination with a tab strip for easy and quick learning and playing of the upper and lower level letter charts. The tab strip has alignment markings and letter notes whereby the alignment markings are aligned with the black keys so that the letter notes align with their respective white keys and black keys. The tab strip may be removable and transportable for playing on various different instruments.