Tone Code is a visual alphabet I have adapted from Morse Code. Each letter of the English language is represented by a unique combination of light and dark tones. The difference between Morse Code and Tone Code, is that eight letters, and their corresponding characters, have been swapped so that the more frequently used letters contain fewer characters. In addition, I have created code for punctuation, again using assigned unique combinations of light and dark tones. There are three horizontal lines in which Tone Code is organised. Letters run along the middle line and punctuation is placed above and below the middle line. Letters are separated by a single, neutral coloured bead. Three neutral beads are used to separate words (spaces). Punctuation is read perpendicular and subsequently to the letters. Punctuation is never placed directly above or below a letter, unless it is portraying a capital letter. Tone Code can be read and written in any direction; left-to-right, top-to-bottom, right-to-left and bottom-to-top.

Graphic Illustration of an example of Tone Code, 2021
Please note that here, neutral blocks are represented as vertical lines.

Graphic Illustration of Tone Code with corresponding letters and punctuation, 2021

Initial Workings, 2021; ink and paper

Parallax by Don Paterson, 2021; Glass beads, thread
Beading in Tone Code


Music Code (Version One) is a visual music notation system. Rhythm and rests, ties, octaves and notes have been separated to run along four horizontal lines. Rhythm and rests, notes and octaves are read with a left alignment and are separated by a single, neutral coloured bead. Ties are placed within the gaps between rhythm and rests, octaves and notes.

Initial Workings, 2023; pencil and paper

Translated segment of the song ‘Opus No. 1’ by Tim Carleton, 2023

Graphic Illustration of an example of Music Code, 2023

Translated segment of the song ‘Opus No. 1’ by Tim Carleton in a beaded work, 2023