introduction to modes

authors

daniel lee

abstract

this lesson will introduce the lydian, mixolydian, and dorian modes, as well as connect the major and minor scales/keys to the terms of ionian and aeolian. students will need to know the wt/ht sequence within major and minor scales before receiving this lesson, and the visuals in this lesson include examples in treble, bass, and alto clefs. also, musical excerpts and review/assessment examples are given in various keys.

this lesson is appropriate for undergraduate or high school theory students, or for anyone desiring a review of modes. during the lesson an acknowledgement of the system of assigning modes to specific white-key groups on the piano may be made (dorian as d to d, lydian as f to f, and mixolydian as g to g), but the lesson focuses more on the altered pitches compared to the nearest major or minor scale, so students will be able to identify modes on any tonic/key center. this lesson was originally delivered via zoom, and a copy of the slideshow used is included.

recommended citation

lee, daniel (2022) "introduction to modes," journal of music theory pedagogy: vol. 36, article 11.
available at: https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/jmtp/vol36/iss1/11