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Tonal Resources

Tonal Learning Sequence

I introduce rhythm skills approximately in the order listed in this Tonal Learning Sequence document.

Flashcards

The flashcards below should be printed out on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. You can then enlarge them (129%) onto 11″ x 17″ heavy weight paper using a photocopier. After cutting the paper in half, the new and bigger flashcards should be 5.5″ tall. You may want to trim off the extra paper on the right hand margin.

I also have all of these cards in a format where they can be printed directly onto 11″ x 17″ and thus use the full 17″ width of the page. Please contact me if you would like to purchase flashcards in this format. The cost is $0.25 per card ($0.50 per page, which includes two cards) plus shipping. For example, a file that is 10 pages long will contain 20 individual cards for a total cost of $5.00 ($0.50 x 10 pages) plus shipping.

NOTE: The square note indicates the location of the tonic.  For major scales, this would be do. However, for minor (la-based), you can make the square be la. This also works for modes (dorian mode: square is re, etc.).

One and Two-Line Staves

These cards are designed for young students who may find it easier to understand the concept of line vs. space notes when presented with fewer staff lines.

Set DescriptionDownload
1-line staff patterns
2-line staff patterns

Do to So above: Stepwise Motion & Skips within the Tonic Triad

Set DescriptionDo up to So onlyExpanded to include low So
do = second space
do = second line
do = first space
do = first line
do = space below the staff

Patterns Based on Harmonic Progressions

Set DescriptionOriginalExpanded
I-V progression patterns
I-V7 progression patterns

4 thoughts on “Tonal Resources”

  1. Hi Mr. Driscoll,   
     I was searching and I found your wonderful melody and rhythm flashcards! I am interested in purchasing them, are you still selling them and if so, will they be printed on heavy weight paper?  Is your price still the same?

    Thank you,
    John Gallagher

  2. Thank-you so much for making this resource available! I’m certain I will use the tonic triad flashcards frequently in my high school music rudiments class this year.

  3. Mike, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done here. I am back teaching general music k-5 as well as 6th-8th grade choir after being in the regular classroom for 16 years. I need to reload my skills and these tools will help me. I only wish I’d found them at the beginning of the school year. No matter, I will begin at the beginning when we return from winter break.

    Thanks again!!!!
    Anna

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