Crossword Genius

Observed how music is written (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noted

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'observed' is the definition.
('note' can be a synonym of 'observe')

'music is written' is the wordplay.
'music' becomes 'note' (synonyms).
'is written' becomes 'd' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'note'+'d'='NOTED'

'how' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for noted that I've seen before include "Observed - famous" , "Illustrious" , "Having renown" , "Significant" , "Recorded in writing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app