Basic Computer Skills to Begin Keyboard Development
In order to be able to spend 'choice' time on the computer composing/arranging music along with playing piano, etc. the following must be accomplished/learned at a minimal comfortable level of the basic-beginning basics - and as ASAP!
1.  Basic 'computer keyboarding' skills:
(on/off/access online/mousing skills, saving, deleting)

2.  A working knowledge of the basic music notation:
  • A. Names of lines and spaces
    • (Treble AND Bass clefs)
  • B.  Basic note and rhythmic values  
    • (eighth, quarter, half, dotted half, whole)
  • C.  Time signatures
    • (4/4, C, 2/4)

3.  Once you are on the computer:
Our goals are to learn the following on the computer alone
and eventually, as the year progresses, also using the piano keyboard:
  • A. Create new piece title page, complete with proper instrumentation
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  • B. Open already 'saved' musical work
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  • C. Basic knowledge of:
    • Diatonic Scale
    • Chromatic Scale
    • wwhwwwh
    • Pentatonic Scale
    • Basic notation
    • Key Signatures
    • Note Names - both clefs
    • Triads
    • Chords - open, closed, primary, symbols, four part harmony
    • Progression:  I   IV   V
    • Three Basic Elements of Music: Melody / Harmony / Rhythm
    • Piano Keyboard Skills
    • Basic C Major Scale on piano keyboard - with correct fingering pattern
    • Use the keyboard to place notes onto composing a piece of music.
    • Be able to write, with melody and basic chords, Twinkle Little Star
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  • D. Advanced Beginner Piano Playing Skills Level - for advance application
    • Build on your "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" melody:
    • Melody - 8 measure minimum
    • Basic C, F, G chord harmony
    • Basic I IV V progression in root triad form
    • Expand harmonies on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Melody
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  • E. Continue to compose your 'own' composition.
    • Add your melody to the band arrangement score
    • Rewrite your various instrumental parts with harmonies
    • Add some percussion instruments
    • Finalize your own composed / arranged melody
    • If chosen, print, hand out to band/choir members, rehearse and direct your own piece at the Spring Concert.

(advanced assignment)
Blues Scale

1.  The blues scale consists of 6 different notes.

2.  They are the 5 notes of the 'minor pentatonic' scale plus one additional note.

3.  The noted added is the diminished 5th (o5) - measured up from the scale tonic.

4.  The notes of the Blues Scale is as follows:  1 - b3 - 4 - b5 (#4) - 5 - b7 (#5) - 1  (note: there is no 2 or 6 scale step)

5.  The b3, b5 and b7 notes of the scale (C scale = Eb, Gb and Bb) are the so-called blue notes of the scale.
On a blank staff...
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1.  Using quarter notes, write down the Blues Scale for the key of C.
C - Eb - F - Gb - G - Bb - C

2.  Using quarter notes, write the Blues Scale in the following two keys:
F / G
Watch this short video - remember your 'root' word.  Then your I (C), IV (F) and V (G) chord progression.  
After you watch this, try this on your personal piano keyboard.  At least give it a try.
How To Improvise on Piano Using a Blues Scale  
1.  Copy "I'm a Little Teapot' to the Finale - in basic grand staff form.

2.  Arrange the "I'm a Little Teapot" for our school band instrumentation.

a.. Give melody to Bb instruments

b.  Give bass to 'bassy' instruments

c.  Take the 'harmony' notes from the chords and give them to the 'middler' instruments.

d.  Change Teapot key from C Major to A minor.
Intervals: Number/Name
  • in C Major
  • 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th - Major
  • Minor
  • 4th, 5th, 8ve - Perfect
  • Augmented
Minor Scales
 Natural - same as 'parent' major scale, but down a third

Harmonic - same as natural minor except #7th

Melodic - same as natural minor except #7 on way up - b6b7 down