Traditional Western notation.
Though there is nothing wrong with graphic notation, when you pass your graphic score over to someone else, it probably won't sound how you expect it to. Without your very detailed explanation of each symbol's meaning, they will be guessing as to your intention, especially when it comes to the timing of events. Though notation of music goes back to the very beginnings of civilisation,[*1 ], the roots of our western system began in Europe in the 800's A.D. Composers who worked for the biggest institution of its day, the Roman Catholic Church had a uniform Liturgy, (manner of ritual), so it was thought fitting that choirs should sing their religious songs (Chants) in a uniform way. What was required was a system that reminded the singers as to what to sing and when to sing it. That is, which syllable or word to sing at what pitch (how high or low); and when to sing that sound, (its duration). This is what they looked and sounded like:
*1. For survey of notation history see the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_notation#History
The earliest notated score known to us is from around 1300 b.c., and a performance of this work can be found at this link: http://128.97.6.202/urkeshpublic/music.htm
Another historical survey of notation can be found on the 'Musical Innovations to study' page on this website, in which Howard Goodhall includes notation as one of Music's 'big-bangs', or most important innovations.
The earliest notated score known to us is from around 1300 b.c., and a performance of this work can be found at this link: http://128.97.6.202/urkeshpublic/music.htm
Another historical survey of notation can be found on the 'Musical Innovations to study' page on this website, in which Howard Goodhall includes notation as one of Music's 'big-bangs', or most important innovations.
After hundreds of years the 5 lines and symbols that we use today were agreed upon, and that is the system that we will learn.
Please look at blogs page 2 more of... for links to notation tutes. If you get musescore (use this link: Musescore), you will learn lots about notation by trying to use the software.