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How to use this tutorial The modules are designed to be completed sequentially. Each module has a brief review of concepts followed by a practice session. Once you have completed the modules, complete the quiz. The difficulty of the quiz questions will increase while the time shortens. The quiz and modules can be repeated as needed.

Music Theory Tutorials: Intervals This tutorial is designed to help music theory students become more fluent in identifying music intervals. Music Theory Tutorials is designed and developed by E. J. Jones

Choose a module or quiz to begin. Module 1: What is an interval? Module 2: Types of Intervals Timed Quiz Practice Quiz Glossary Notations Keyboard

What is an interval? An interval is the distance between two notes. Module 1: What is an interval?

Intervals are based on how many steps the notes are from one another. Steps are measured as whole steps and half steps. Half step Whole step An interval is the distance between two notes. Module 1: What is an interval?

Half step Whole step Module 1: What is an interval?

A simple interval is an interval that occurs within an octave. This is a simple interval because it occurs within an octave. (sound) Module 1: What is an interval?

A compound interval is larger than an octave. (sound) Module 1: What is an interval?

Compound intervals are related to simple intervals. You can determine the simple interval by subtracting 7. E to F# is a major 9th. When you subtract 7 from 9, the answer is 2; so your relative simple interval is a major 2nd. (sound) A compound interval is larger than an octave Module 1: What is an interval?

When the second note of an interval is higher than the first note, the interval is ascending. When the second note of an interval is lower than the first note, the interval is descending. (sound) Module 1: What is an interval?

Melodic intervals are notes played in succession (one after the other). Harmonic intervals are notes played together. (sound) Module 1: What is an interval?

To determine what an interval is, measure the steps from the do (bottom) note to the top note. There are three steps from E-flat to G. Therefore the interval is a third. (sound) Module 1: What is an interval?

Interval Identification: Unison 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 th 6 th 7 th 8 th or Octave (sound) and graphic of notation Module 1: What is an interval?

Module 2: Types of Intervals Intervals that have different note names, but the same pitch are called enharmonics. (sound)

Module 1: What is an interval? Practice Practice question 1: Identify the following interval: MelodicHarmonic AscendingDescending Students will mark their answers in the box, then mark all the other correct answers. (sound)

Module 2: Types of Intervals Types of Intervals Intervals fall into two main categories: Major and Perfect. MajorPerfect 2 nd 3 rd 6 th 7 th 4 th 5 th 8 th

Module 2: Types of Intervals Major intervals occur when there are 2, 4, 9 or 11 half steps between the two notes.

Module 2: Types of Intervals Perfect intervals occur when there are 5, 7, or 12 half steps between the two notes.

Module 2: Types of Intervals Major intervals can be changed into three different types of intervals: augmented, minor, and diminished. Augmented intervals are one half step larger than the major interval. M6 A6 (Sound)

Module 2: Types of Intervals Minor Intervals are one half step lower than the major interval. M6 (Sound) m6

Module 2: Types of Intervals Diminished intervals are 2 half steps lower than the major interval. M6 (Sound) d6 (Sound)

Module 2: Types of Intervals Perfect intervals can only be augmented or diminished. Augmented intervals are one half step larger than the perfect interval. Perfect intervals are never minor. P5 (Sound) A5 (Sound)

Module 2: Types of Intervals Diminished intervals are one half step smaller than the perfect interval. Note that the diminished interval is different for perfect and major intervals. P5 (Sound) d5 (Sound)

Module 1: What is an interval? Practice Practice question 1: Identify the following interval: MelodicHarmonic AscendingDescending Students will mark their answers in the box, then mark all the other correct answers. (sound)

Glossary Ascending: When the second note of an interval is higher than the first note Augmented intervals are one half step larger than the major or perfect interval. compound interval is an interval larger than an octave Descending: When the second note of an interval is lower than the first note. Diminished intervals are 2 half steps lower than the major interval and one half step smaller than the perfect interval.

Glossary Enharmonics: an interval that has different note names, but the same pitch. Interval: the distance between two notes Harmonic intervals: notes in an interval played together. Major intervals occur when there are 2, 4, 9 or 11 half steps between the two notes. Major intervals can be augmented, minor, or diminished. Melodic intervals: notes in an interval played in succession. Minor Intervals are one half step lower than the major interval (perfect intervals cannot be minor).

Glossary Perfect intervals occur when there are 5, 7, or 12 half steps between the two notes. Perfect intervals can be augmented or diminished. Simple interval: an interval that occurs within an octave.

Notations M – major m – minor 8va or 8ve – octave P – perfect A– augmented d– diminished

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