Modern Modes

The term "mode" translates from the Latin meaning "manner" or "method. However, musical modes began in Greece which is why they still bear Greek names: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. A mode is a type of scale developed before major and minor scales, consisting of seven notes: two of which are half steps apart, and five which are whole steps apart. Although modes were used exclusively in music beginning in the late thirteenth century, they are still incorporated in some modern Western music and especially, in Japanese music. Aeolian is the mode beginning on A or the sixth step of a major scale and it contains the (minor) scale notes: A B C D E F G A Dorian mode begins on D or the second step of a major scale and contains the notes D E F G A B C D This composition was chose to be be read at the 2025 ASTA National Conference.