Scales

Whole Steps and Half Steps

Before we can understand scales, we have to learn about whole steps and half steps. A good way to begin that process is to look at Whole Steps and Half Steps.

Exercises and Assignments

  • Read pp. 47-53 in the textbook.
  • Do the Written Exercises on pp. 54-55.
  • Do the Computer Exercises 47-52 (see below for details). 
    CHAPTER 4 COMPUTER EXERCISES: Whole Steps and Half Steps

Whole & Half Steps on the Keyboard - Drill # 47
Whole & Half Step Recognition - Drill # 48
Whole & Half Step Spelling
        Whole Steps and Chromatic Half-steps - Drill # 49
        Whole Steps and Diatonic Half-steps - Drill # 50
        Whole Steps and All Half-steps - Drill # 51
Enharmonics - Drill # 52

    Terms and Concepts

    The terms and concepts we will learn are:
  • interval(s)
  • half step(s) and whole step(s)

  • Whole Steps and Half Steps Quiz
    Do the Half Steps and Whole Steps Quiz (on the MCO Blackboard) when you've read pp. 158-160 of the textbook, and done Computer Exercises # 47-52.

    Major Scales:

    Once you understand whole steps and half steps, you may want to look at How to Build a Major Scale.

    Exercises and Assignments:

  • Read pp. 55-64 in the textbook.
  • Do the Written Exercises on pp. 59-60 and pp. 64-65.
  • Do the Computer Exercises 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 (see below for details). 
    CHAPTER 4 COMPUTER EXERCISES: Scales

Major Scale Writing-Up to Three Sharps or Flats - Drill # 53
Major Scale Spelling-Up to Three Sharps or Flats - Drill # 55
Major Scale Recognition
        Scale Order - Up to Three Sharps or Flats -Drill # 57
        Random Order - Up to Three Sharps or Flats - Drill # 59
	Key Signature Spelling - Up to Three Sharps or Flats - Drill # 61
        Keys up to Three Sharps or Flats - Drill # 63

    Terms and Concepts

    The terms and concepts we will learn are:
  • scale(s) (major and minor)
  • key(s) (major and minor)
  • key signature(s) (major and minor)

  • Online Scales Quiz
    Do the Scales Quiz (on MCO Blackboard) when you've read pp. 45-64 in the textbook, done the Written Exercises on pp. 57-58, and done the Computer Exercises 47-53, 55, 57, 59, 63.

    Scale FAQS

    To make sure what types of scales we will learn about (we won't be able to learn about them all in this course), see Scales FAQS.
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