C-centred notation: A conservative modernisation of traditional piano notation

Abstract

Version 1.0 is the first public specification of C-centred notation, a conservative redesign of traditional piano notation developed by Philip Bennetts. C-centred notation retains the conventional five-line diatonic staff and standard rhythmic, expressive and notational symbols, but replaces the separate treble- and bass-clef note-name maps with one fixed C-clef map in which the middle line is C. Octave-displaced C clefs identify register without changing the line-and-space note identities. The default piano pair places C5 on the middle line of the upper stave and C3 on the middle line of the lower stave, creating a symmetrical two-octave architecture. The paper defines the system and its conversion rules, compares it with a treble-map or B-centred alternative, illustrates structural consequences in schematic and repertoire examples, and describes the optional Register Extension Staff for selected wide-register gestures. It distinguishes properties that follow directly from the specification from learning and performance claims that require empirical testing. This record provides a dated, citable public specification intended to support attribution, implementation and future research.