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Scale run to the final note

The end of a phrase – third, second, root – then a quick major-scale run through the whole octave to a held top note. A classic ending of a musical theatre number: the last note on top.

ahahahah
One repetition of the pattern. In the app it is transposed to your vocal range and scored note by note.

The end of a musical theatre phrase. You sing the third, second and root, then pause for half a beat. A quick major-scale run follows: seven eighth notes from the root up to the seventh, then the octave held for three beats. It's a classic way to finish a number, with a clean ascending run and one big last note. “Ah” is open and easy for the final note.

How to do it

  1. Listen to the piano play the whole phrase, then sing it back alone on “ah”.
  2. Sing the opening three notes down, third, second, root, and hold the root for two beats.
  3. Breathe quickly in the rest, then run up the scale evenly, as one light wave.
  4. Open the octave and hold it for three beats. Don't press on it.
  5. Watch the roll. Each repetition starts a semitone higher, then the pattern steps back down.

Coach's tip: Sing the run evenly and lightly, as one wave – don’t accent every note. Don’t push on the octave: the note should open, not press.

What to watch out for

Runs get uneven when you accent every note, so keep each step the same size and weight. Fast eighth notes also tend to rush, which makes the middle degrees blur. Slow the tempo and speed up later. On the octave, many singers push and go sharp; open the vowel and let the note arrive. Don't shout. If the high note strains, lower the starting point or stop.

Who it's for

Level 2, for singers who have the major scale under control and want to practice a stage-style ending. Use it in the main block, after Major scale (octave) or Long run 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. Because the piano plays first and you answer alone, it also tests your memory of the line. It's tagged Musical theatre, so choosing that style makes it come up more often in the daily training.

Practice this exercise

Opens the app in your browser. Free to start, no account needed. Put on headphones first.

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