Melodic Minor Scales - Why is it necessary to repeat the top note when writing an ascending and descending Melodic Minor Scale starting on the Submediant or the Leading Note?
When I was a young teacher, I used to feel anxious when a student asked me a "Why" question.
I was scared that if I admitted, "I don't know," they would think less of me. However, now I find great joy when a student asks "Why" and I don't have the answer.
Why? Because it gives me an opportunity to learn something new! In music theory, there is always a theoretical or pedagogical reason behind every "Why." I love playing detective to uncover these reasons.
Please feel free to share your own "Why" moments or questions about Melodic Minor Scales in the comments section below.
MELODIC MINOR SCALES
Melodic minor scales - repeating the top note
C natural and C flat are distinct notes. They are played on different keys of the piano. But why do we repeat them when they are both C's? Although they share the same letter name, they have different pitches.
If your student plays a C natural instead of a C flat, you would correct them. Why? Because they are not the same note.
In all other scales, the starting note is not repeated when writing the descending scale because it is the same note.
harmonic minor scales photo
The bottom note and the top note of this scale is A flat. Since it remains the same when ascending and descending, it is not repeated.
Melodic Minor Scales - So why do we have to repeat the top note when writing an ascending and descending Melodic Minor Scale starting on the Submediant or the Leading Note? Because it is not the same note.
Have you ever encountered a "Why" question from a student and didn't know the answer? Don't worry - it's alright to say, "Good question! I'll have the answer for you at our next lesson."
I used to feel embarrassed and ashamed when I couldn't provide an immediate answer to every "Why" question. Then I realized that if I knew everything already, I would miss out on the adventure of exploring and discovering new theoretical and pedagogical concepts.
Don't be afraid or embarrassed to share your "Why" questions below. It gives me the opportunity to continue learning and growing.
