Name an early form of music notation.

Neumes represent one of the earliest forms of music notation, originating in the Gregorian chant tradition during the medieval period. This system used simple symbols placed above the text to indicate pitch and melodic contours, providing a guide for singers about how to approach the melody. Unlike more modern notation systems that delineate specific pitches and rhythms precisely, neumes primarily indicated the general movement of the melody, such as whether the pitch went up or down.

This early notation laid the groundwork for the development of more sophisticated systems, such as staff notation, which emerged later to provide a clearer and more detailed representation of musical notes, rhythms, and harmonies. Therefore, neumes are significant in the history of music notation as they mark an important evolution in how music was documented and communicated, facilitating the preservation and performance of chants long before the advent of modern sheet music.