Intervals Learning Objectives: To identity the different intervals within a major scale and to be able to RECOGNISE these aurally in given excerpts.

An interval is a measure of distance within music An interval is a measure of distance within music. Just like we use metres and centimetres for length, music is measured in intervals. Different musical intervals create different moods within music. Recognising an interval relies on aural perception and on an understanding of the major scale.

Lets recap: How do you construct a major scale? Tone Tone Semitone Tone Tone Tone Semitone What is a tone? A distance of two steps, for example moving from C to D is a tone. (C to C# is equal to one step, C# to D is another step) What is a semitone? A semitone is half of a tone, so this moves a distance of one step. (This would be the same as moving from C to C#)

AND like the degrees of the scale, they each have a name. Some intervals are deliberately written, others occur naturally as part of the melody writing process. Each interval is made up of a number of tones and semitone (I told you knowing about those would be useful!) AND like the degrees of the scale, they each have a name.

Task 1: I’ll help you get started: C to D (the first two notes of the scale) is a distance of 2 semitones. C to E (the first and third notes of the scale) is a distance of 4 semitones.

I’ll help you get started: Task 1: On your worksheet, work out the notes of the major scale of C. Notate this on your stave in treble clef. Then, using the keyboard and scale on your sheet, work out how many semitones (one steps) are between the first note D and EACH of the other notes. I’ll help you get started: C to D (the first two notes of the scale) is a distance of 2 semitones. C to E (the first and third notes of the scale) is a distance of 4 semitones.

So now we have some of the most common intervals labelled on your worksheet. These are the most common intervals used in music, however there are some more. Every semitone move (one step) creates and interval, so you need to have an awareness of these too.

Task 2: Watch the video clip and label your comprehensive intervals sheet with a song (from the clip) to help you to remember how to recognise these aurally. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVyzzCijXSA

Some festive help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF074CL5vjI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVyzzCijXSA

Intervals Within a Chord You have some hints to help you, however, if you are familiar with playing and hearing chords this explanation may also help you with identifying intervals. A major chord has 3 intervals in it, one between the 1st and 2nd notes of the chord and another between the 2nd and 3rd notes of the chord. There is also an interval between the 1st and 3rd notes of the chord. These always stay the same in a major chord. In every major chord the first interval (between 1st and 2nd notes) is always a major 3rd. For example C to E. The second interval (between 2nd and 3rd notes) is always a minor 3rd. For example E to G. The third interval (between 1st and 3rd notes) is always a perfect 5th. For example C to G. In a minor chord there are also 3 intervals, and these are always the same. A minor 3rd, a major 3rd and perfect 5th. The first two intervals are swapped around.

Task 3: You will hear 20 example intervals, some will just be two notes in succession, some will be a longer passage of music. Listen closely and identify the each interval. Don’t forget to state whether you think this is major or minor. Remember: half marks is a grade C, that’s our minimum aim!

Interval Identification Answers: Perfect 5th Minor 3rd Minor 2nd Perfect 8th or Octave Major 3rd Major 6th Major 7th Perfect 4th Major 3rd Major 2nd Minor 3rd Perfect 5th Perfect 4th Minor 2nd Perfect 8th or Octave