Lesson 4
WHAT YOU ARE EXPECTED TO MASTER
Performance Standard(s)
MIEGPS 1 - Student will learn to read and notate music.
MIEGPS 2 - Student will develop an understanding of music in relation to history and culture
Element 2.1 – Student will demonstrate the understanding of music notation as it developed throughout history.
Element 2.1 – Student will demonstrate the understanding of correlating historical events as it relates to music notation
MIEGPS 5 - Student will learn to play the instrument with proper physical and technical skills through a varied repertoire.
Element 5.1– Performance of the C scale with correct technique
5.1.1 - C scale right hand, 1 octave, up and down
5.1.2 - C scale left hand, 1 octave, up and down
5.1.3 - C scale both hands 1, octave, up and down in parallel motion
5.1.4 - Medieval church modes with the right or left hand
Cross-curricular Standard(s)
ELA6R1 / ELA7R1 / ELA8R1 - The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible
explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts.
ELA6RC3 / ELA7RC3 / ELA8RC3 - The student acquires new vocabulary in each content area and uses it correctly.
ELA6RC4 / ELA7RC4 / ELA8RC4 - The student establishes a context for information acquired by reading across subject areas.
AND NOW WE BEGIN TO PLAY THE PIANO
Our first playing exercise will involve learning the church modes. The first one happens
to be called a C major scale. The 6th one is called the A natural (or pure) minor scale.
We will initially learn the notes by their original names. Luckily for us, the same
technique used on every scale comprised of all white notes.
Each mode is played one note at a time from the lowest to the highest (left to right), then
back down again (right to left)
Ionian I (do re mi fa sol la ti do)
Dorian ii (re mi fa sol la ti do re)
Phrygian iii (mi fa sol la ti do re mi)
Lydian IV (fa sol la ti do re mi fa)
Mixolydian V (sol la ti do re mi fa sol)
Aeolian VI (la ti do re mi fa sol la)
Locrian VII (ti do re mi fa sol la ti)
Exercise 1 for Lesson 4
1) This must be played for Mr. Satterfield for a grade
2) A grade of 100 will be earned once it is played off
3) The Ionian scale (also called the C major scale) has to be played from the
first note “do” (thumb) up to the highest note “do” (pinky), then back down
using the correct fingers.
4) This must be played from memory.
5) If you need help, raise your hand and quietly wait for Mr. Satterfield
Exercise 2 for Lesson 4
(Exercise 1 for lesson 4 must be played first)
1) This must be played for Mr. Satterfield for a grade
2) A grade of 100 will be earned once it is played off
3) The Ionian scale (also called the C major scale) has to be played from the
first note “do” (pinky) up to the highest note “do” (thumb), then back down
using the correct fingers.
4) This must be played from memory.
5) If you need help, raise your hand and quietly wait for Mr. Satterfield
Exercise 3 for Lesson 4
(Exercises 1 and 2 for lesson 4 must be played first)
1) This must be played for Mr. Satterfield for a grade
2) A grade of 100 will be earned once it is played off
3) The Ionian scale (also called the C major scale) has to be played WITH
BOTH HANDS exactly like exercises 1 and 2.
4) This must be played from memory.
5) The scale is on the next page.
6) If you need help, raise your hand and quietly wait for Mr. Satterfield
AND NOW FOR PART 2 OF LESSON 4
At this point you can play off the first mode three different ways. The rest of the modes
are EXACTLY the same. They just start on different notes.
Ionian starts on “do” moves up 8 keys and back down.
Dorian starts on “re” moves up 8 keys and back down
Just keep the pattern going
Ionian starts on do
Dorian starts on re
Phrygian starts on mi
Lydian starts on fa
Mixolydian starts on sol
Aeolian starts on la
Locrian starts on ti
Modes died out of favor until the early 20th century. One of the most popular uses of the
Auolian mode is the chant Dies Arae. The Dies Area is the chant for the dead and has
become familiar in moves such as The Omen, Alien Resurrection, Hunt fort Red October,
Madagascar, Black Hawk Down, and countless others. The movie / TV composer Hans
Zimmer uses it in every thing he writes for. So far he has composed the soundtrack to
over 111 movies.
Some familiar Christmas songs are written in modes:
Deck the Halls - Dorian
We Three Kings - Phrygian
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Phrygian
Good King Wenceslas - Ionian
Lyrics written around the time of the civil war, but the original melody was taken from the 13th century song Tempus Adest Floridum.
Exercise 4 for Lesson 4
(Exercises 1, 2, and 3 for lesson 4 must be played first)
MIEGPS 5 - Student will learn to play the instrument with proper physical and technical skills through a varied repertoire.
Element 5.1– Performance of the C scale with correct technique
5.1.4 - Medieval church modes with the right or left hand
1) This must be played for Mr. Satterfield for a grade
2) A grade of 100 will be earned once it is played off
3) You will draw (choose) a mode (at random). The mode will also list
which hand you music play in (left or right – not both).
4) This must be played from memory.
The scale will be played exactly like the Ionian (C scale) mode, but will start
on a different note. (see part 2 of Lesson 4 for help)
5) This will test your recognition of a mode and the technique to play it.
6) You will play the mode you draw from a “hat” (or box or bowl, etc).
7) If you need help, raise your hand and quietly wait for Mr. Satterfield
Assessment for Lesson 4
This is to be turned in for a grade
FIRST NAME___________________ LAST NAME_____________________________
DATE____________PERIOD________________
WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU JUST READ?
Unless you had a general idea what was happening in history, much of what you just read
might not have made much sense. To help clear up what you just read, answer the
following questions.
1) What solfège syllable does the Ionian mode start on?
2) What solfège syllable does the Phrygian mode start on?
3) What solfège syllable does the Mixolydian mode start on?
4) What solfège syllable does the Aeolian mode start on?
5) What solfège syllable does the Lydian mode start on?
(YOU NEED TO SERIOUSLY MEMORIZE THESE FOR THE FIRST TEST)