Lecture 04
Major Scales and Key Signatures
The pattern behind the sound
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, learners will be able to: (1) build a major scale from the whole–whole–half pattern; (2) identify the key signature of any major key up to four sharps and four flats; (3) sing a major scale in tune using solfège.
Lesson Discussion
A scale is a recipe, not a mystery. Learners construct major scales on the staff using the whole–whole–half pattern, then check their work by singing the scale in solfège. We connect the pattern to key signatures so that learners can look at the beginning of a piece and predict the notes they will need. The lesson closes with a short melody that learners transpose into a new key by ear and by rule.
Instructional Materials
Slide deck · Scale-building worksheet · Key signature chart · Solfège hand signs · Short transposition exercise