5.
Small assignment: Interval sequence (by ear)
Students are taught the intervals covered in the unit and then invited to create a short interval sequence using the intervals they have just learned.
Assignment author
Tapio Lappalainen
Basics
Minimum time required
Goal and output
Pedagogical goal
Students begin to experiment with arranging intervals into interval sequences as they please (by ear) while exercising their creativity.
Concrete output
Sequence of 3 to 8 consecutive intervals
Work progress
• Teach the students the intervals covered in the unit.
• Invite students to create a sequence of 3 to 8 intervals (by ear) for an end result that pleases them. They may use keyboards, own instruments, tablets or computers.´.
• Write down the interval sequences on music paper.
• Identify the intervals and write the analysis below them.
• You may apply solfège to the notated interval sequences if you wish.
Topics in the assignment
Musical structures and analysis
Playing an instrument & singing
Notation & music terminology
Arranging & parts
Music technology
Styles & techniques
Imagination & other arts
Tools
Detailed description of tools
Keyboards, own instruments, tablets or computers, allowing students to complete the assignment by ear.
Remarks
This is an example of how to use phenomenon-based learning in teaching structural awareness of music. The point with assignments like this is that immediately once a theory item has been taught, the creative aspect is introduced and students are guided to create their own application of what they have just learned.
Further assignments
Assignment suitable for further study
