When it comes to the modes, it’s very helpful to associate different moods, personalities or themes with each, in order to distinguish them from each other. This activity takes a quasi “memory palace” approach to the modes using poems about each mode and asking students to complete the stories and put their own spin on … Read more
If you’ve been nervous to incorporate solfa (or are just unsure how to fit it into your teaching) this activity will give you a great starting spot – and beyond. Each of the five levels includes just one extra tone. This gives you and your students a gradual and logical progression towards the pentatonic scale and … Read more
Do your students struggle to really think in a key signature? Then Signature Sprint is the perfect game for you! In this game students have to make their way up the piano stepping on the correct piano keys for the key signature card in their hand. Plus, you can easily adapt this to different levels … Read more
This twist on the old classic “pig” familiarises students with pentatonic scales while having heaps of fun. While the pentatonics are not often practiced with the same regularity as major or minor scales, they are fantastic tools for improvising and composing and this game can act as a springboard for more creative projects. How to … Read more
In this fabulous card game, students must match together notes which fit into a particular minor scale…as quickly as possible! Because if they don’t move fast they may look up to find all the other players are already “as blind as bats” and before they know it they’ll be out. How to Play Create a … Read more
Major Elephant is all about thinking of scales and key signatures more fluidly – these are sets of notes that fit together, not just a sequence that goes from C to C. Of course our students don’t need to know that’s what we’re doing! They can just enjoy this fun, competitive and silly card game … Read more