Sävellyksen tietopankki

Sävellyksen tietopankki

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6.

Small assignment: Invent a scale of your own with 5 to 8 notes

Everyone has played scales given by the teacher. Now it is time to come up with a scale of your own!

Assignment author
Tapio Lappalainen

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Basics

Skill level
Advanced level
Introductory level
Medium level
Specialised level
Group size
Individual tuition
Large group
Small group (2 to 8)
Minimum time required
1 lessons
2 lessons
One month

Goal and output

Pedagogical goal

Exploring the nature of scales through invention.

The purpose is to inspire students to explore the scales they play in instrument lessons.

Concrete output

Scale invented by the student

Work progress

• Invite students to come up with a scale of their own with 5 to 8 notes. Instruction: Use tones and semitones.

• Students may work on the scale at a keyboard (wearing headphones) or using their own instrument. They may also enter it directly into notation software.

• Write down the scale on music paper, either one note at a time while inventing, or all at once when the scale is finished.

• Have the students play the scales they invented.

• If you want to have the students invent another scale, they may use thirds in addition to tones and semitones.

Topics in the assignment

Musical elements
Form; dramaturgy of music
Harmony; chords
Melody
Rhythm
Tonal colour; extended playing techniques
Musical structures and analysis
Analysis
Dynamics; articulation
Intervals
Octaves, registers
Scales, keys
Texture
Playing an instrument & singing
Ensemble playing
Extended playing techniques
Interpretation
Playing by ear
Sight-reading; solfège
Solo/Tutti
Using one's own voice; singing
Listening
Active listening
Reference works
Notation & music terminology
Graphic notation
Music terminology
Score
Traditional notation
Arranging & parts
Arranging
Instrumentation; orchestration
Parts
Music technology
Music technology; music technology
Improvisation & interaction
Cooperation
Following sound and movement
Improvisation; soundscape
Reaction; taking turns
Styles & techniques
Aleatorics
Concrete music
Counterpoint
Field technique
Imitation
Minimalism
Pointillism
Polyphony
Imagination & other arts
Dance; movement
Mood; imagination
Music theatre
Narrative composition
Photo; image
Text

Tools

Classroom instruments
Computer, tablet or smartphone
Keyboard
Music paper
Music technology
Notation software
Own instrument
Own voice
Percussion instruments
Photographs; images
Recordings or sheet music
Sequencer software
Stationery for taking notes
TV, computer screen or video projector

Detailed description of tools

If this assignment is done in class, keyboards are recommended.

Further assignments

Assignment suitable for further study

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Other similar assignments
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Info

The Opus 1 composition pedagogy databank is a gateway to the wide world of musical composition. It offers all teachers and institutions providing music education an inspiring perspective on introductory composition teaching, including a wide range of composition assignments particularly suited to teaching at music institutes, whether in large or small groups or as individual tuition.

This package was designed and delivered by a working group of specialists in composition and composition pedagogy. The project was supported financially by the Foundation for Finnish Art Music and the Society of Finnish Composers.
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Contact information

Please contact us if you want to know more or to submit your own assignments for inclusion: opus1@composers.fi

© The authors
Design: Farm / Antti Kangassalo
Code: Call to Action
Photos: Markku Klami
English translation: Jaakko Mäntyjärvi

Skill levels

  • Introductory level
  • Medium level
  • Advanced level
  • Specialised level

The basics

  • Listening
  • Imagination & other arts
  • Musical elements
  • Musical structures and analysis
  • Music technology
  • Notation & music terminology
  • Playing an instrument & singing
  • Styles & techniques
  • Interaction & cooperation
  • Arrangements & parts
  • ALL ASSIGNMENTS