Display the simple melody using numbers for students.

Explain the relationship between numbers and the first eight pitches in Song Maker.

Ask students to compare each and ask them what they notice.

Display the solfege pitch ladder, the numbers, and the first eight pitches of Song Maker.

In-Person – students play the melody using the number system.

– I have also had success using the melody Hot Cross Buns in past years. – In the accompanying slides, I use Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star for my musical example.

Demonstrate playing a simple known melody using numbers.

– Make comparisons using both the solfege ladder and on a barred instrument. – Discuss the relationship between numbers and the corresponding solfege pitches

Assign each of the pitches of the diatonic scale a number.

– Sing a variety of patterns using a solfege ladder. – Review hand signs that correlate with each pitch.

Review pitches in diatonic scale using solfege.

With these constraints, I was looking for interactive online software that was free, simple to operate, and did not require individual accounts – hence Song Maker. Typically, I use barred instruments to have my students explore and experiment with modes, however due to COVID, my district has been alternating between hybrid and continuous online learning. This lesson is the first part of a much larger unit on modes that I teach my fifth and sixth grade students.

Compare and Contrast Solfege Pitch relationship between traditional barred instruments and Song Maker.

Experience and Experiment with Song Maker.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

Google songmaker