Why is the ABC Music Alphabet System the Best Choice for My Child’s Music Education?

As a parent, you want your child’s music education to be clear, effective, and inspiring. One of the first building blocks in learning music is understanding how pitches are named and organized. In the United States, the ABC music alphabet system (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) is by far the most efficient and widely used method—and it gives your child the best foundation for success in music. While some programs use the Fixed Do solfège system (Do, Re, Mi, etc.), this method often adds confusion, especially for students learning to play instruments. Here’s why the ABC system is a better choice for your child’s musical journey.

The ABC system matches what students actually see in their music books, play on their instruments, and hear in lessons. A note on the page labeled “C” is the exact same note they’ll play on the keyboard, guitar, clarinet, or any other instrument. It’s direct, consistent, and translates easily across all musical activities—scales, chords, note reading, music theory, and ensemble playing. Fixed Do, by contrast, assigns unfamiliar syllables (like “Do” for C, “Re” for D, etc.) that don’t appear anywhere on their instrument or in standard written music. This disconnect can make it harder for students to make meaningful progress, especially when they’re trying to remember what “Sol” or “Ti” means while also finding the right key to play.

Consider this: when your child plays in a school band or orchestra, the conductor will say, “Let’s start on E-flat” or “Check your B-natural.” They won’t say “Let’s start on Mi-flat” or “Check your Ti-natural.” The ABC system is the universal language of American music education, and it’s the one your child will encounter in real-life musical settings—rehearsals, competitions, theory exams, digital apps, and more.

The ABC system makes learning chords, key signatures, and music theory much easier. For example, if your child is learning a C major chord, they instantly know it includes the notes C, E, and G. But in Fixed Do, those notes are Do, Mi, and Sol—which sound nice when sung but don’t help your child find the actual keys on the piano or the correct fingering on their instrument. The translation adds a layer of complexity that slows learning and can lead to frustration.

The ABC system directly supports music theory, which is essential for long-term growth. Whether it’s learning intervals, writing melodies, improvising, or transposing, the alphabet system makes everything more intuitive. It’s used in sheet music, digital apps, school music tests, and competitions. When your child learns using this system, they’re set up for success not just in private lessons, but in school ensembles, college auditions, and even professional settings.

The ABC system matches what students see and hear in the real world. From chord symbols in pop music (like “Cmaj7” or “F#m”) to piano keys, guitar tabs, and music software—every tool your child will encounter as a musician is built on the alphabet system. By learning to read and play music using the actual note names, your child gains confidence, accuracy, and the freedom to explore all kinds of music with ease.

In today’s musical world—where students are using apps, composing on computers, reading chord charts, and watching online tutorials—the ABC system is everywhere. Whether they’re jamming with friends, playing in a recital, or preparing for a college audition, students who use the ABC system are better equipped to succeed in any setting. It’s the same system used by professional musicians, school music programs, and virtually all published sheet music in the U.S.

In short, the ABC music alphabet is practical, universal, and learner-friendly. It helps students make faster connections, build stronger foundations, and enjoy music without unnecessary roadblocks. By choosing a music program that uses the ABC system, you're giving your child a clear and confident path forward—and the tools they need to make music a lifelong joy.

We hope you enjoy learning music!

Best wishes from all of us at Dennis Frayne Music Studios, the Laguna Niguel School of Music, and the Lake Forest School of Music!