Learning Outcomes

• To profoundly understand the role that scales play in the function of music, both melodically and harmonically. .
• To expand your visio-spatial awareness of the piano keyboard.
• To develop your aural comprehension by expand your conception and perception of pitches in functional terms.
• To develop Relative Pitch (RP), the ability to comprehend and perceive pitch relationships in functional terms with respect to a key center.

Links to Lessons

The Basics of Scales

1. Why Study Scales?
2. What is a Scale?
3. Scale Structure: The Number System
4. Scale Structure: The Solfege System
5. Number System or Solfege?
6. Solfege and the Notion of Keys
7. Melodic Analysis: The Beauty of Solfege
8. Analysis of Familiar Melodies Using Solfege

Scale Types: Theory & Ear Training

1. C Major
2. C Natural Minor || C Melodic Minor || C Harmonic Minor
3. C Mixolydian || C Dorian
4. C Major Pentatonic || C Minor Pentatonic
5. C Minor Blues || C Major Blues
6. C Middle Eastern || C Japanese

How to Study-Practice Scales

1. Introduction
2. Literacy
3. Keyboard Awareness
4. Solfege Ear Training
5. Performance
6. Scales as Chords
7. Modes

Special Topics

• Scales: A Harmonic View
• Scales: A Non-Linear View
• A Video Tour of The Major Scale in 12 Keys
• A Video Tour of The Natural Minor Scale in 12 Keys

Study Aids

Commonly-Used Scales in 12 Keys

• The Major Scale in 12 Keys
• The Natural Minor Scale in 12 Keys
• The Mixolydian Scale in 12 Keys
• The Dorian Scale in 12 Keys