Scale & Key Signature
Fake Book Keys
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to buying a “key of C” fake book vs. just a generic fake book? The one I am looking at is not the “easy” fake book series, it just says “for C instruments”. For C instruments does not mean…
Key signature question about August (TFMM) – Neil Moore
I really encourage my students to ask questions. Tonight while learning August she wanted to know about flats as accidentals turning up in a # key signature, such as in measure 15. “Why is it not written as a D#?” she said. Does anyone know…
I, IV, V and minor keys
Here’s a theory question from a student that has me stumped: are songs in minor keys (like Scarborough Fair) still built on a I, IV, V foundation? Which major chords would one expect to find in a minor key, and why? Intuitively, it seems like…
Understanding Chord Structure – Laurie Richards (Webinar)
In this interactive teacher webinar, Laurie walks through the ‘rules’ of how chords are built. Using slides for visual reinforcement of the concepts, the following topics are clearly covered: Major Scale How Triads are Built Other Chord Tones 7th Chords Extended Chords Chord Voicing Chord…
Introduction of chord inversions, use of scales
I’m still a relative newbie, trying to wrap my head around fitting all the pieces together. Can someone further down the path give some insight on the following please? I’ve done the Composition and Improv as well as Accompaniment training (and Supplemental Programs for these),…
Circle of Fifths
When does the circle of fifths get introduced? How do you introduce/use this concept as a teaching tool? I don’t think it’s in the curriculum. But when introducing key signatures, I introduce it. In Accompaniment 2 there is a fantastic diagram/shortcut explaining how many sharps…
Naturally Occurring 3s and 4s
Would someone please explain exactly what “naturally occurring 3’s and 4’s” means? I’ve watched videos in which this concept is mentioned, but maybe I’ve missed something along the way. Is it breaking down a scale into groups of three and four notes? Do you start…
Teaching key signature
I’m working my way through Accompaniment 2 and have a question. One of the lectures talks about naturally-occurring chords in various keys, and assumes knowledge of keys. The example given is that the key of F has one flat. I know that in Time for…
Circle of 5ths
Hello fellow teachers, How and when do you incorporate the circle of fifths in your lessons? I am open to any and all suggestions! Jessica, The circle of 5ths is usually introduced later on in the foundation program, in conjunction with Jazz and Acc Level…
Learning Scale and Key Signature
Is there a simple way to learn key signatures? Time for Music and Accompaniment Level 2 detail our approach to addressing a playing-based relationship to scale, scale formula, key signature, scale-tone chords and their scale-based transposition. Naturally you need to have done the Reading Program…
