I am searching everywhere for a template for individual progress charts and a master to keep in the studio so all my students can see how everyone stands up. Any ideas?
Probably one of the most valuable skills I have learned on the computer is how to use tables to create forms and worksheets of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s fully-customized assignment books (like I create for all the practice incentive themes), piano scale fingering diagrams, or simple charts (like these key signature charts), a good working knowledge of tables will help you get the job done!
Here’s a free scale and chord progress chart that you can download for use in your studio.
For those who are interested in having an editable template to start with to create their own charts, you can download the MS Word version of the scale and chord progress chart. The symbols may not render correctly (unless you have the Bach Musicological font installed on your computer), but it will at least give you a start with the table layout. Here are a few tips to help you along the way (for PC users):
- To merge multiple cells into one cell, just highlight all the cells, right click the mouse, and select the “merge cells” option.
- To change the type or thickness of the border (or to remove the border) around specific cells, highlight the cell, right click the mouse, and select the Borders and Shading option.
- To change the size of the cells, just hover the mouse above the line you want to move until it has the double arrows and then click the left mouse button and drag the line to make the cell/row/column as big or small as you want it. You can also specify exact dimensions using the Table Properties option when you right click the mouse while hovering over the highlighted cells.
- All of the table options are also accessible by clicking on the Table option at the top of the screen when you have highlighted the table or a portion of the table. Experimentation is often the best way to figure out how to best utilize all the options!
If you’ve never worked with tables before, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but every minute you spend to experiment, learn, and create, is well worth it. Consider it an investment with guaranteed returns as you find yourself creating all sorts of great-looking and well-designed materials for use in your studio!
Remember, if you have a question you’d like to contribute to next week’s Monday Mailbag, leave it in the comments below or send me an e-mail sometime this week with Monday Mailbag in the subject line!
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