Abstract: A method is disclosed to aid beginning students of stringed musical instruments learn to play sheet music through the use of colored notes, with a separate, identifiable color being assigned to each finger to be used on the fingerboard. This method will help students learn which finger to use as they play instrumental music. With this method, the position of the colored note on the staff gives a reasonably clear indication of which string to place the finger on. Accompanying graphics illustrate the names of the notes and placement of fingers on the strings. The method is mainly intended for use in the first position, but could be adapted to other hand positions. Colored dots or bands of self-adhering paper or tape can be applied to the fingerboard longitudinally to mark where fingers should be placed.

Abstract: An interlocking, load-bearing panel assembly which prevents thermal energy from being transferred thereacross is disclosed. Each panel assembly (15) includes a first load-bearing panel (20) and an identically constructed second load-bearing panel (20'). The panels are inverted with respect to each other and secured together at respective top and bottom portions with thermal insulating spacers (30, 30') inserted therebetween. A thermally insulating void space (32) is created between the secured panels (20, 20'). To interlock the panel assembly (15) with like panel assemblies in the construction of a building, vertical, load-bearing, split-member connectors (35, 35') are secured at opposite ends of the assembly (15). Each connector (35, 35') has two slotted members (31, 36) and a thermal insulating spacer (48) positioned therebetween to prevent transfer of thermal energy across the connector members.