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 Description | Download |
|---|---|
| 1-line staff patterns |  |
| 2-line staff patterns | |
Do to So above: Stepwise Motion & Skips within the Tonic Triad
| Set Description | Do up to So only | Expanded 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 Description | Original | Expanded |
|---|---|---|
| I-V progression patterns | | |
| I-V7 progression patterns | | |
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
Hi John,
Yes, I can still print the flashcards and they’re printed on heavy weight paper.
Mike
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.
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