Musical Scales and Intervals

Scales structure music. Major scale = whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. The bells are the control — wrong step sounds wrong. Indirect aim: musical literacy, composition preparation, mathematical ratio awareness.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Sensorial
• Learning area: Auditory Sense
• Level: Ages 8-10

Objectives

• Play and identify major and minor scales
• Name intervals: 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 8ve
• Sing solfege: do-re-mi
• Transcribe simple melodies

Materials

• Montessori bells or piano keyboard
• Solfege hand signs chart
• Staff paper
• Interval reference chart

Instructions

1. Play C major scale on bells/keyboard: C D E F G A B C. 2. Identify whole and half steps. 3. Play minor scale: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C. 4. Hear the mood difference. 5. Sing with solfege: do re mi fa sol la ti do. 6. Interval names: 1-2 is 2nd, 1-3 is 3rd, etc. 7. Play a familiar song on bells by ear. 8. Transcribe to staff.

Educator tip

Solfege's universal language helps children hear structure. Use hand signs.

Assessment

Observe scale playing, interval identification, and transcription accuracy.

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