Minor melodies and the minor pentachord
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can read, sing and play the minor pentachord and know it uses the first five notes of the minor scale.
Key learning points
- The minor pentachord uses the notes la, ti, do, re and mi.
- Many folk songs are based around the minor pentachord. We can sing and play them on a pitched percussion instrument.
- We can sing and pay a new rhythm: Taa-di.
- Melodies can ascend and descend, and use leaps and steps.
Keywords
Minor pentachord - the first 5 notes of a minor scale - la, ti, do, re, mi
Scale - a group of notes used to create melodies
Ascending and descending - a melody could ascend (go up) or descend (go down)
Steps and leaps - melodies can move up or down one note at a time (steps) or jump up or down several notes (leaps)
Common misconception
A scale always starts on the note do.
We are used to using the Solfège note names in the order - do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do. This is only correct for major scales. A minor scale starts on the note la.
Teacher tip
When students play melodies on pitched percussion instruments they could work individually or in pairs. Students should be encouraged to sing the songs while they are playing them.
Equipment
Class set of pitched percussion instruments.
Licence
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