Half Steps, Whole Steps and Pentascales

My student, C, had already learnt some of the five-finger major pentascale positions and was eager to complete the technique chart on my wall.

So out came the half step and whole step cards. I used the materials from http://www.susanparadis.com/whole-step-half-step-game/

By analysing the notes in the few pentascales that he had already learnt by rote, he figured out for himself that the pentascale pattern is Whole-Whole-Half-Whole.

Which meant that he could construct a pentascale in any key. Which also meant that he completed all the major key pentascales on the technique chart today. ;)

Happy Labour Day!

Wishing everyone a Happy Labour Day! Have a good rest!

5th Performers' Festival

2 more days till registration closes for Singapore's 5th Performers' Festival. Hurry if you haven't already registered. Register online at www.smtasingapore.com.

Happy Monday!

This business of training little humans for life is a mind-boggling process.

Toys as Teaching Aids

My students are often amused when I produce toys from my cupboard to use a as teaching aids.

A few days ago, I used play-dough to teach singing tone.

Today, it was these little fellas. Guess what we did with these?

Technique Achievement Chart - AWARDS!

What's a Technique Challenge without Awards?

Finally got down to getting the prizes I promised for completing the Technique Achievement Chart! :)

Scales - Technique Achievement Chart

As of today, Irvin has completed the pentascales of all the major and minors (red stars).

Cindy has completed the 4 octave scales of all the major and harmonic minor keys (gold stars).

Noel has completed the 4 octave scales of all the major, melodic minor and harmonic minor keys (gold stars).

Congrats! ;)