Over the past three centuries, hundreds of music notation systems have been proposed as alternatives to traditional western music notation. Many of these systems seek to improve upon traditional notation by using a "chromatic staff '' in which each of the 12 pitch classes has its own unique place on the staff. Examples are the Ailler - Brennink notation, Jacques - Daniel Rochat 's Dodeka music notation, Tom Reed 's Twinline notation, Russell Ambrose 's Ambrose Piano Tabs, Paul Morris ' Clairnote, John Keller 's Express Stave, and José A. Sotorrio 's Bilinear Music Notation. These notation systems do not require the use of standard key signatures, accidentals, or clef signs. They also represent interval relationships more consistently and accurately than traditional notation. The Music Notation Project (formerly known as the Music Notation Modernization Association) has a website with information on many of these notation systems.
how many pitches do musicians have to work with in the western musical system of today
12