Piano One Octave Major Scales Song + Reminder Videos

Learning scales in music lessons is like learning sight words in reading. When you can easily recognize the repeating patterns in music, you can learn pieces more quickly, and also open the door to the fun freedom of improvising. 

Major Scale Pattern Song - Hear It!

Since the pattern of half and whole steps is the same for every  one-octave major scale, I created a piece with lyrics to help students remember this simple "formula."

Major Scale Song Lyrics:

"The pattern of the major scale starts with the Tonic - Whole Whole Half -Whole Whole Whole Half. That's a major scale!"

Free Printable Major Scale Pattern Sheet Music

The simple melody including both a pentascale and one-octave scale can be transposed to other keys by students for a challenge.

Major Scale Song Actions - Feel It!

This approach is great for auditory learners and can be even more memorable if you introduce it with the following actions that students can use hand actions for as they sing. Later they can play the melody on the piano which includes a major scale.

Tonic- Make a Capital T with your hands (Time Out sign)

Whole - Hold up fingers 2, 3, and 4 (sign language for "W")

Half - Make an "H" by holding both hands up with thumbs extended touching in the middle

Major Scale Pattern Game and Groups - See It!

I've used Susan Paradis's Whole Half Step Game for many years to help students construct major scales before they play them. Using manipulatives and having to repeat the phrase "We Were Happy When We Were Home" throughout the game to check the pattern is another great way to help students solidify their half and whole-step knowledge and apply it to building scales.