Intervals, Scales, and Triads

by Angie Cox

Grade Level: High School

I. Objectives:

A. Understand intervals in terms of musical notes including whole and half steps, major, minor and perfect.

B. build a major scale on any given whole tone

C. Build a major triad on any given whole tone

II. Materials needed:

A. staff paper

B. pencil with eraser

III. Procedure:

A. Introduction Anticipatory set- C major scale written out on the board. Ask the students what they think a major scale is composed of.

B. Review previous material including sharps, flats, and harmonics.

C. Explain what the objectives are for the day.

IV. Enabling Activities:

A. Instructional Input – What are intervals? What makes up a major and minor interval? How do sharps and flats relate? What intervals make up a major scale? Use this pattern to show how to build a major scale- w=whole step – 1/2=half step – major scale is made of w-w-1/2-w-w-w-1/2. Starting on C, build a major scale using the formula. Incorporate a major triad into the lesson as well

B. Modeling and Demonstrating – Use the staff on the board to show the notes so students can count the lines and spaces between the intervals. Let them try on the board to build a major scale and a major triad on a note that you give them.

C. Practice / Group Work – Give each group 2 notes to build a major scale and major triad on.

D. Comprehension – Go over the group work in class. Ask each student to explain a certain part about the activity.

V. Follow-up activities:

A. Apply this lesson to their playing. In band have them play the major scales, but don’t use the same one every day. A concert in B-flat can get boring.

E-Mail

Angie

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