Go to Dave Hardee's video module on Curwen Hand Signs. You may also wish to examine Curwen Hand Signs 1, Curwen Hand Signs 2, and Curwen hand signs 3. Use these resources to review hand positions for the following scales:



      Major Scale: (ascending): Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do
      (descending): Do, Ti, La, So, Fa, Mi, Re, Do.
      Remember that in the major scale, halfsteps occur between Mi-Fa, Do-Ti.



      Natural minor scale: (ascending): La, Ti, Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La
      (descending):La, So, Fa, Mi, Re, Do, Ti, La.
      Remember that in the natural (or pure) form of the minor scale, halfsteps occur between Mi-Fa, Do-Ti (just as in the Major scale).



      Harmonic minor scale: (ascending): La, Ti, Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Si, La
      (descending): La, Si, Fa, Mi, Re, Do, Ti, La
      Remember that in the harmonic minor scale, halfsteps occur not only between Mi-Fa and Ti-Do, but also between Si-La. There is a step and a half between Fa and Si.
      The natural minor is the same both ascending and descending



      Melodic minor scale: (ascending): La, Ti, Do, Re, Mi, Fi, Si, La
      (descending): La, So, Fa, Mi, Re, Do, Ti, La
      The descending melodic minor scale is the same as the descending natural minor scale.
      The melodic minor scale has two differing forms: ascending, descending.



      To receive credit: Practice all four scales, ascending and descending, using the Curwen hand signs. Work for continuity and flow. (Hint: once you start a scale, it's best you sing at a regular tempo and don't stop or pause; you will find that the momentum is beneficial). Then arrange a time with Dr. Daugherty either before or after class, or at another mutually convenient time, to sing your scales. You may do this at any time during this semester.



      To review or learn more about scale theory, explore the theory links at Resource Links from the Choir web page.