<P> 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 . </P>
how many pitches do musicians have to work with in the western musical system of today
12