My blocks came out again today. I am teaching and we're reviewing scales, chords, and arpeggios for our upcoming exams and guild auditions. I love the lightbulb moments when students "get it". And today there was another one-did you feel a disturbance in the force?
She knew D Major. We have worked out Db Major before. But today, spelling them out with blocks was when it hit her-they are photo negatives of each other! I like to refer to this as the "Magic 7" rule-the number of sharps and flats will always add up to seven! The scales also mirror each other in color on the piano keyboard.
C=0 plus Cb=7
D=2 plus Db=5
E=4 plus Eb=3
F=1 plus F#=6
G=1 plus Gb=6
A=3 plus Ab=4
B=5 plus Bb=2
I loved figuring that out one day when I was a kid. I sat there, "Doh!" Why hadn't anyone told me this sooner-it makes it so much easier! Well, now you know...
I don't know that much about the intricacies of music, but seeing the visual even I get the photo negative deal.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris! Your blocks are so cool, like musical scrabble.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing the new sculpture come together.
Happy spring!