Download Introduction to Scales

LESSON PLAN: INTRODUCTION TO SCALES
TIME: 45 minutes
LESSON TOPIC: Introduction to Scales
RESOURCES: Piano, board, manuscript paper
INTRODUCTION:
Sing “Do-Re-Mi” from the musical “The Sound of Music” in C Major. Repeat it in G Major
and again in F Major. Do this to demonstrate the effect of different keys on songs (i.e. they
sound the same but they start on different notes).
MAIN BODY:
Beginning with C Major: Describe the relationship of Tones and Semi-tones within the
major scale. Write the 8 notes beginning and ending on C in the treble clef and work out
the relationship between each of the notes with the class.
Let the class write down C Major scale with the semi-tones marked by a slur.
Move onto G Major: Write the 8 notes beginning and ending on G in the treble clef and
work out the relationship between each of the notes with the class. When you get to the E
– F they will say the relationship is a semi-tone, where it should be (according to the
formula) a tone. Describe the necessity for a # in order to make this formula true.
Let the class write down G Major scale with F# as an accidental and with semi-tones marked
by a slur.
Ask them to see exactly which notes have semi-tones in each of these two scales. (3-4; 7-8)
Describe the difference between accidentals and a key signature.
CONCLUSION:
Scales worksheet (which can easily be created): Write C Major and G Major in the treble
and bass clefs, showing semi-tones and using accidentals. Repeat the same exercise for G
Major, using a key signature. Complete for homework.