Constructing Major Scales

Dave DiValentino
divaledm@npenn.org
Pennbrook Middle School

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Electronic Musical Instruments

Level:

Middle School

Class:

Instrumental

Equipment:

Keyboards

Duration:

30 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Students should have a basic understanding of whole and half steps and the chromatic scale.
STudents should have basic keyboard skills

NAfME Standards of 1994 Addressed:

NAfME Standards of 1994: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

NAfME 2014: Performing 

NAfME Standards of 1994: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
NAfME Standards of 1994: Reading and notating music.

NAfME 2014: Creating 

Materials:

keyboards, copy of chromatic scale (if needed), major scale worksheet

Objectives:

Students will be able to construct a major scale starting on any note using the WWHWWWH pattern.
Students will be able to check scale by playing them on the keyboard.
Students will be able to listen to and identify a major scale

Procedures:

Review what a scale is and how different scales are constructed.
PLay examples of what different scales sound like and have students identify major scale sound.
Teacher Demonstrate process to construct a major scale on the board
Teacher leads student in process in front of class
Students complete major scale worksheet, checking scales by playing them on keyboard

Evaluation:

Students will check their own work by playing them on the keyboard
hand in completed worksheet at end of lesson for completion grade

Follow Up:

Same procedure with all types of minor scales.

Items to Purchase:

When budget should be submitted: