Learn Intervals on the Fingerboard

Intervals Teaching point 1 – Music Alphabet

Before doing this activity, students should know the music alphabet well. And they should be able to move forwards and backwards in the music alphabet from any letter. Filling in the little kernels of corn with the letters helps teachers know if students understand stepping in the music alphabet. Be sure to have them write in the letters. (Studies show concepts are remembered better when the student writes them with pen and paper.) 

You can always try this activity, without them writing in the letters on the page. They will need to navigate the steps in their mind.

Intervals Teaching Point 2 – Fingerboard

After filling the letters in all the kernels, have students play the letters in each kernel following the path. They will only use the A string so, there are no string crossings. Have the student say what they are doing as they play, “step up to [fill-in the letter]” or “step down to [fill in the letter].” This reinforce in their muscle memory with a verbal cue how the fingers are moving. They are learning that to “step up” on the fingerboard means to place a finger down. And to “step down” on the fingerboard means to  lift a finger up! 

Bonus

Ear training is the other side benefit of playing and saying “step up” or “step down.” This is prep for ear training and dictation exercises in the future.