Scales Aren’t Just a Fish Thing™
A concept connecting how we learn
and our how our brains process information
with the study of music,
developed for over thirty years
To touch lives with a calm and gentle spirit…
Scales Aren’t Just a Fish Thing is a back door method of teaching just about anything
(I am using music and music theory as an example)
We can avoid short circuits and mental roadblocks by working with the unique wiring and learning styles of each individual.
Let’s Talk
Here’s what I think.
All learning comes
based on previous growth,
The mind does not grow
like an onion with layers.
It grows by weaving unimaginably complex patterns
that correspond to the multiplicities of the world
and people who make up the world of the individual.
A quiet easy student or child isn’t always better.
Once the child reaches 13 years old, they choose one of two paths.
Compliant or
Cooperative ….maybe. (sometimes misunderstood as resistant)
One is easier but once they reach maturity they say….
“Who am I- I’ve pleased everyone else but what would I have liked?’
Mom and Dad think they have done a great job and launch the compliant new adult into a world where life requires more than compliance if they don’t want to be eaten by the ‘sharks’.
Resistance and sorting out what they accept as their worldview,
while in the protection of the home,
is actually a bit of a good thing if done with respect for everyone.
| Compliant Obedient Child | Responsible, Cooperative Child |
 1. Externally motivated. Needs to please and win approval 2.Is obedient – follows orders 3. Feels helplessness without support person 4. Self esteem is on the ‘reputation’ 5. Waits for orders, lacks initiative 6. “I am my actions” 7. Lets others make choices for them leading to consequences 8. Has difficulty projecting what the result of their behavior may be 9. External value system 10. Blindly obeys, possible he may think 11. Has no internal red flags 12. Self-defeating tendency to ignore personal needs, ‘walk-on-me’ mentality 13. Win-lose mentality 14. No personal achievement goals 15. Avoids punishment 16. Self exonerating behavior due to guilt over their desires |  1. Internally motivated by choices and consequences 2. Makes decisions 3. Confident, empowered since choices have been confirmed 4. Self esteem is on the private self 5. Assertive 6. “I am responsible for my actions 7. Makes own choices and takes responsibility for consequences 8. Confident to make choices, aware of possible results 9. Internal value system 10. Thinks, may possibly obey 11. Has an established internal siren to establish boundaries 12. Aware of personal needs has a healthy acceptance of needs 13. Win-Win mentality 14. Focused, centered, with a mission 15. Seeks results 16. Balance between internal and external needs and desires versus others requests. |
Scales Aren’t Just a Fish Thing
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Be sure to get your email on it so you can follow the ‘Scales Aren’t Just a Fish thing’ concept from start to finish.
Teaching Tools including
color-coded notes
for all the Suzuki literature
through Book 4 plus lots
gypsy, fiddle and canons.
Play-along music
and music theory card games
to maintain interest.
Gum Drop Note Sheet Music
Circles are the color the note is moving toward. Subtly the student is learning complex music theory without knowing it. When they play the music theory games, it stamps the ideas and embeds them into their thinking. Try them.
Remember: a note that is sharp or flat is notated with a circle the color of the note it is moving toward. Just a little help while we are learning.
The Brain and how we process information
Tools to teach
Violin Sheet Music – Paperbacks
Book One
Big Book of Gum Drop Notes
Tools to teach
Violin Sheet Music – Paperbacks
Pretwinkle books
tutorial videos on computer and iPhone/iPad
and music theory games
digital books
Book One
Big Book of Gum Drop Notes
Violin Book
two
Big Book of Gum Drop Notes
Violin Book three
Big Book of Gum Drop Notes
Violin Great Extra
Books
Big Book of Gum Drop Notes
carolanderson@scalesarentjustafishthing.com
The ’10 Minute Music Theory Card Games’ ™ is a year long series of card games intended to be played at the end of each lesson. This slowly builds understanding from the simplest concept until it is intrinsically understood. Students want to come to lessons because they are motivated and excited about learning. Their progress is solid and steady. They understand intervals and otherwise difficult music theory concepts by playing games until they are at lightning speed. All games include ‘clue cards‘ with all the answers ‘nurture don’t test’.
‘The Magnificent Fingerboard ™’ is the basis for reference. Students become familiar with the notes and the patterns. Combined with listening to the music, the understanding of the notes and their relationship to the notes around them, is a great musical foundation.