Lets try some exercises now. The exercises given below are based on a movable "Do". For example, if it is in the key of G major, your first note G would be named as "Do".
Learning to do Hand Signals
Learning to do hand signals help to identify scales but it needs lots and lots of practice too!
Step 1:
First of all, we will sing the C major scale together with hand signals.
This is Do. Make it into a fist in put it in front of your chest.This is the starting position for the middle C.
This is Re. Slant your hand upwards.
This is Mi. Your hand is straight.
This is Fa. Its thumbs down.
This is Sol. Hand is flat, with your palm facing you.
This is La. Your hand is relaxed and faced down.
This is Ti. Your finger pointing upwards.Back to Do, only this time your fist is at the eye level.Step 2:
As your pitches go higher, your hand should also go upwards. Likewise, if your pitches go lower, your hand should go downwards.
Step 3:
Once you are used to using hand signals, take simple pieces such as Hot Cross Buns, and sing while using your hand signals.
Listening
This exercise helps you to improve your listening and your awareness.
Step 1:
Ask your teacher/friend to play a simple piece in C major.
Step 2:
Listen closely to the piece, and once the piece is finished, repeat the piece using only your hand signals.
Step 3:
Once you've mastered it, ask your teacher/friend to play in different keys and see if you can identify the pitches.
Whole Steps and Half Steps
Many people still do not understand the basis of whole steps and half steps and this exercise helps to understand the basic of the idea. This exercise needs at least 5 people to execute, so you can learn and have fun with your friends at the same time. It also helps with the listening too!
Step 1:
Ask 5 people to stand in line. The gap between person number 1, 2 and 3 has to be an arm length away. The same goes for person number 4 and 5. Person number 3 and 4 stands next to each other shoulder to shoulder. The gaps indicates whole step and shoulder to shoulder indicates half step.
Step 2:
Ask your teacher/friend to play the five degrees of a C major scale and change one note up or down a semitone.
Step 3:
Listen to the changes, and move according to what you hear. For example, the note E is played down a semitone, therefore, person number 3 moves towards to person number 2 so that they are standing next to each other, shoulder to shoulder.
Step 4:
Next, sing the newly changed five degree scale and listen to the whole steps and the half steps.
Step 5:
Repeat from step 2, changing another note and move and sing the newly changed scale.
Step 6:
Try playing up to 8 people as it makes up the whole scale. Play a major, harmonic minor or a melodic minor and move towards the change of pitch. That way you can learn the scales regardless of major or minor.