Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Teaching Scales - part 2 (Beginner/Intermediate Students)



Here are a few techniques that have worked for me.  Most of them, like every good teacher, I’ve stolen from other teachers.  I’ll give credit where I can.




4-3-2-1
Play each note for four beats each, ascending then descending.

Play each note for 3 beats.  Then 2.  Then 1.  Quavers.  Semis.

Try this at crotchet = 60, then increase to 64, 68, etc. until slightly faster than the desired speed.  

For example, if you need a semiquaver scale passage to be played at crotchet = 120, get it up to 132, then 120 will be easy.



Duet/Canon

I learned this one from a Suzuki Method training course I did years ago.  Your student starts the scale.  When they get to mi, you start on do.
S:  do   re   mi   fa   so   la  ti   do   ti   la   so   fa   mi   re   do
T:              do   re   mi   fa   so   la  ti   do   ti   la  so   fa   mi   re   do

It sounds even better with three groups!



Everyone starts at the same time, but on different notes
Group 1:       do   re   mi   fa   so   la   ti   do  ti   la   so   fa   mi   re   do
Group 2:       mi   fa   so    la   ti    do  re   mi re  do  ti   la    so   fa    mi



One group starts ascending to descending, the other goes descending to ascending

Group 1:       do   re   mi   fa   so   la   ti  do   ti   la   so   fa   mi   re   do
Group 2:       do   ti   la    so   fa   mi   re do   re  mi  fa   so   la    ti    do

Experiment with different octaves.



The Singing Classic 1   1-2-1   1-2-3-2-1

Do   do-re-do   do-re-mi-re-do   do-re-mi-fa-mi-re-do   do-re-mi-fa-so-fa-mi-re-do


Start at the top.

Do   do-ti-do  do-ti-la-ti-do etc.


Try one group ascending to descending and the other vice versa.



Sing the Note Names

Pretty self-explanatory…


Write Before You Play

Grab a piece of manuscript paper and a pencil and write out the notes of the scale, both with key signature and with accidentals.

Make a set of cards A – G and 7 sharps and 7 flats.  Great visual for younger learners.


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