Snakes & Ladders Scales – Circle of 5ths – Game 1 (up to 1 sharp & 1 flat)

Description

This game uses the original Snakes & Ladders game concept & applies it to the music context.  In this game students are given various crazy & fun tasks centred around the scales & modes related to the Circle of Fifths. This is Game 1 so you’ll see activities inspired by scales up to, & including, one sharp & one flat. I’ve also incorporated the related modes:

# C, G & F major

# A, E & D minor

# Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian & Aeolian modes in their white note forms

I recommend you play with 2 die during a lesson to speed up the game. With 2 die you can easily finish the game inside 10 minutes once the student is reasonably familiar with the scales. Keep the game moving & really ham it up with your students as this aids with mastery. They don’t realise what they’re trying until it’s done & then they’re surprised with themselves! I love that excitement with their new-found confidence!

This series of games can be played in several contexts, either individually or as a group. I recommend that you experiment to find different ways that you can apply them. As an example, I use this game as a ‘re-group’ after piano exams before I introduce new technical work. However I also use it for students who don’t prepare for piano exams at all.