Students who really know the key signatures of their scales play them much better than those who just set off and hope for the best! Some years ago I was inspired by Paul Harris when he suggested encouraging pupils to know their scales "as they would get to know characteristics of friends or relations". Over the years this has resulted in the scales of a particular grade having a theme or a story, making them easier to remember. I like to get students to make up their own but here is an example using the ABRSM grade one piano scales.

(Bigger version on the main website by clicking here. Quote from The Music Teacher's Companion by Paul Harris and Richard Crozier)

Can you match the famous composers to the correct works?

Some excellent music theory work from my students in the games classroom this month. Special mentions to Jack, Abbie and Zara who played for the first time this week and earned lots of zollars to put towards red squares and house points. Abbie in particular has made it into third place on my student leaderboard so congratulations!

Students can check how many points or "zollars" you have earned by logging in with your username and password at www.zondle.com. You can also personalise your zondle with different colours and fancy hats (like Hugo's in first place below).

In my efforts to join the 21st century (including joining twitter last year) I've decided to make a blog. Will be posting all kinds of musically related things, as well as hopefully useful information for my music students.