Explaining Scales and Keys
Sometimes it seems like I have to say the same thing five different ways before a student loses the glazed-over look in their eyes! And then, usually it’s still many more explanations later that the proverbial light bulb goes on in their brain and they finally get it. They’ll say something like, “I realized that to play the I, IV, and V chords, you just have to play the chord on the first, fourth, and fifth notes of the scale.” While I’m tempted to stare incredulously and make some sarcastic remark regretting that I don’t speak English fluently yet, I usually swallow my pride and exclaim over them having made such a remarkable and helpful discovery. I mean, imagine that the I, IV, and V chords would actually start on scale degrees I, IV, and V! 
But I digress. I mainly wanted to point your attention to a helpful website I found that explains succinctly what a scale is, how different scales are formed, how to identify key signatures, and more. I think these explanations would be especially helpful for adult students who really want to understand the principles behind what they are playing. They often need this mental connection in order to play accurately as well. But even for those of us looking for yet another way to communicate important theory concepts to our students…it never hurts to have another resource!
Thanks Natalie, I have found the circle of 5ths to be a big help. I have tried teaching scales with the tetrachord method, but it seems to confuse them for now. Sometimes I think I get better at explaining it the more I teach and then other times I think their brain just has to be ready to process it.
Great website! I’m excited to use it.
I’m with Atara- I get better at explaining the more I teach. The more I read other explanations, the better I can do my own explaining.
I just re-read this and I’m laughing about your first paragraph. I LOVE when the light bulb goes on, but it drives me BONKERS if it goes on AFTER I’ve been saying the exact same thing for weeks! It’s so funny, and you’re right- It’s tempting to make a sarcastic comment. Better to let them feel like a genius, though, right? =)
You’re obviously not the only who has that experience, Rebecca. Some seeds require a little more watering than others.