Music Intervals and Theory

by Brad Chidester
(Castle Pines North, CO, USA)

The teaching of intervals in music theory is often only position learning. What lacks is a full understanding of the position relationships, sounds and modifications that support the development of the other music elements.

Teaching of music intervals is typically based on position as a note by note concept. Yes, you will get some ear training in simply being told to listen to the sound. What seems to be glossed over is relationship between the major and minor intervals.

Advanced intervals, the jazz extensions, are often left until they show up in a song and then don't have enough context for the student. They then have a tendency to struggle with retaining the concept.

Elements Of Music Theory Intervals

The basic definition of an interval in music is simply defined as "the distance between two notes". Intervals are then easily determined and shown by the number of half steps from a starting note.

The steps then provide different pitches and when taken together produce a unique sound. Places such as Wikipedia.com will give you an in depth understanding of pitch.

Interval Name and What's a Minor Interval

The names of an intervals are stated in such terms as a second, third, fourth, fifth, and continue into the second octave with ninths up to fifteenths. They are based on what is known as the major scale interval. Thus the name may often be referred to as a major interval.

Major intervals are taught initially, but the minor intervals are not explored until later. They are often talked about in a piece meal fashion. Although they get understood eventually the big picture of minor intervals is assumed to be understood by the student.

I've seen many a student get hung up because not enough time is spent on how minor and majors are related for the intervals.

Interval Sound

Reexamine the sound of intervals. One of the best things I was taught when I learned intervals was a two fold process.

It consisted of visually laying them out on a staff and connecting the type of sounds with a lines to show similar sound types and then labeling them with a word to describe that sound.

This type of visual is great for those that are more visual learns than auditory. Of course listening and learning is an essential part of the process. Using these combination of visual and auditory and then finding songs with the sound qualities can improve recognition of the intervals and the associated sounds..

Minor Intervals

This same process can be used with minor intervals. Taking just the minor intervals shows patterns that are similar but slight different sound qualities. Combining them with the major intervals after this process provides a greater picture and a quicker way of learning the intervals.

The question is are we spending enough time to be sure that we are getting enough of the big picture with music intervals. Examine how you are learning or teaching this musical element and see what ways you might improve your experience.

Find additional ideas on teaching or learning intervals at the MusicLearningWorkshop - Intervals and explore further the concept of making sure you are on the right track to success with music.

About the author...

Brad Chidester writes and develops ideas and resources at the MusicLearningWorkshop.com where you will discover other resources for accelerating your skill set such as the Getting It Down Cold Workshop series.