Scale Notation

Sean G. Donaldson
donaldsons@duq.edu
Duquesne University (student)

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Notation Software

Level:

High School

Class:

Equipment:

Sibelius Notation Software and the computer(s) to run it

Duration:

40 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

The students will need a rather firm knowledge of at least 4 major scales, and basic computer maneuverability.

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 5: Reading and notating music.
MENC 6: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.

Materials:

You will need the following two files available on the computer(s):
Sibelius Scale Notation Example
Sibelius Scale Notation Template

Objectives:

When the students have finished this lesson, they will have learned the basics of point-and-click note entry. They will also be familiar with note durations, key signatures, and accidentals.

Procedures:

This can be done either upon learning new scales, or once there is already a level of comfort with the scales. The example given is C Major. With each additional key, have the students notate the scale both in the staff in the key of C Major, and in the staff of it own key. In order for them to do that, they will need to set the 2nd empty staff to the correct key signature. Have the students use the playback function to check their submissions, to make sure that they sound correct. Choose 3 keys for the students to experiment with and submit.
~10 min: Explanation
~10 min: for Each Scale being Notated

Evaluation:

Create a chart of all of the things you are specifically looking for, and trying to get out of the lesson.
Ex)
Starting Pitch CORRECT INCORRECT
All accidentals correct: YES NO
Set up key signature correctly: YES NO

That will give you a tangible idea of everyone’s abilities.

Follow Up:

Continue the exercise until all the Major scales have been covered, then experiment with other tonalities.

Items to Purchase:

Computers
Sibelius

When budget should be submitted:

Probably at least a year in advance.