Identifying major and minor triads
We often hear that introducing concepts using multiple sensory modes (sight, sound, touch, etc.) can help cement long-term learning. When you pair games that work on ear training with worksheets that involve writing things out and identifying what they see, students really get a chance to build comprehension.
These games and worksheets can help you music students really understand major and minor triads.
Game IDs #3263G and #2570G - Major and Minor Triads
Once students have learned the definitions of major and minor, these games help music students connect the terms to what they sound like.
How are these games played?
Game #3263G – Students click on one of seven play buttons to listen to a major or minor melodic chord, followed by the harmonic chord. Then they drag that circle to the cute animals at the bottom labeled “minor” and “major”.
Game #2570G – This game looks different, using a honeycomb and honeybee theme, but functions almost the same. When clicking on one of the honeycomb, students hear the blocked version first, then the triad broken apart, and then drag it to the honeypot labeled “minor” or “major”.
Who is this game a good fit for?
It is helpful if students can read so they can tell which choice at the bottom is major or minor. But teachers and parents can easily explain to readers who struggle.
These games align very well to method levels that cover melodic and harmonic major and minor triads, such as Piano Adventures 2A and 2B.
How do I find these games?
To find these games and assign them to your students, use the search icon in the top left of the app site and search for either 3263G or 2570G.
Worksheet IDs #3256W , #1621W, #1622W
In these worksheets, students break down major and minor root-position chords into their individual parts.
What concepts are covered?
In Worksheet #3256W, students compare several piano keyboard positions and identify if the marked keys comprise a major or minor triad.
In Worksheets #1621W and #1622W, only the notation for the chord is provided, and students then identify if the notes shown represent a major or minor triad.
What do students need to know before using these worksheets?
The first worksheet (3256W) is great for students who are playing the triads by ear, since no reading on the staff is required.
The second and third worksheets, however, do require students to be able to read root position triads in melodic form on the Treble Staff (1621W) and Bass Staff (1622W).
How do I find these worksheets?
As with the games, just type in the Worksheet ID# into the search bar on the top-right corner of the web app.
Enjoy!
