Step 1: What to Do When We Make a Mistake
Sometimes, when we compose, we get distracted because somebody said something or there is a phone call. So what happens if we record a blue note into a white ring? Well, we made a mistake.
If that happens, we have two choices:
- Start over by pressing the COMPOSE button again.
- Finish the composition and fix it when we are done recording.
Today's lesson is all about fixing notes that are wrong or that we don't like.
Assignment 1:
Press the PRACTICE button and make a new composition that accidentally plays a C note in the first white ring. The 3 rules of composition say that blue rings must be filled with blue notes and white rings with white notes, except if the blue note is a G. Go ahead and make this wrong composition now, then press STEP 2 to learn how to fix it.
Step 2: How to Fix a Wrong Note
To fix a wrong note, simply touch it or click on it. You'll notice that the note starts blinking. Then, press a key which belongs to the correct note group. Any time you feel that a key isn't quite right, although it belongs to the correct note family, you can replace it. So remember:
- Touch to select.
- Play a key to correct.
Assignment 2:
Press the PRACTICE button and then the SHOW ME button to listen to the melody. Watch out for the wrong note. When the melody has finished playing, touch the first note in the white group and it will start blinking. Then, play a different key.
If you don't like that new key, you can repeat and record a different one. When done, press STEP 3.
Step 3: Don't Overdo It
In the previous lesson, you learned that individual keys are not that important, but keys that belong to the right note family are more important. And that is true. Still, as you make better compositions, you might find that a note isn't quite sounding right.
This can even happen to notes that are from the correct note group. Sometimes we want a higher sound and sometimes, we want a lower sound. Fixing notes is a great advantage, but don't let it take over your thinking. Some people spend a lot of time fixing compositions and never finish. The reason why you are learning how to fix a composition is simply that once in a while, a melody sounds better if just one note would be different. In those cases, we fix. In all other cases, it is best to finish a composition, then take a break, and once your mind has rested a bit, make a new one.
Assignment 3:
Spend 10 minutes making new compositions, and as you listen, try to find a note or two that might need fixing, and fix them. Once you remember how to do this, press STEP 4 to finish up.
Step 4: What We Learned Today
Life is about making changes. Sometimes, changes are small, sometimes they are huge. It depends. But everybody is always fixing something to make something better or work again. Music is a great teacher that teaches this skill early and well.
But with the ability to choose, comes the temptation to get stuck. To focus too much on something that doesn't need a big fix. Because of that, it is important to think if it is better to let it go or give it one more try.
As a rule of thumb, I recommend that if a note bugs you, replace it. Fix it. If you listen and the fix isn't good, you can revert it by playing the old note name. To do this, it is a good idea to remember which note you fixed.
Fixing something is a powerful skill to have, and knowing when to move on is wisdom.
Come back tomorrow for Module 5.
Mentor Note
Dear mentor. Today your child learned to fix a wrong note: touch it, and play the right one. And just as important, when not to keep fixing.