Pitch Year 1 Notations - Step by step

"Step by Step" is a charming and straightforward action song tailored for Year 1 students, designed to introduce them to the concept of musical scales in an engaging and interactive manner. The song's notation is uncomplicated, consisting of a series of notes that the children are encouraged to sing along to as they perform a simple hand-over-hand motion, reminiscent of building a house. This physical activity is not only fun but also helps the children to internalise the musical pulse. When they reach the word 'slide' within the song, the children enact a glissando by rolling their hands from a high position to a low one, mimicking the descending motion of a playground slide.

The educational aim of "Step by Step" is to develop the children's auditory skills by exposing them to the ascending and descending steps of the musical scale. Many young children find it challenging to sing a complete scale in tune, and this song serves as a playful demonstration of the difficulty. It sets the stage for a gradual learning process, where after attempting the full scale, the children are then introduced to simpler two-note songs and games. This step-by-step approach allows them to gain confidence and skill in pitch recognition and vocal control, laying the foundation for more advanced musical education.