The idea, method or system came about through teaching. When students got interested, I kept getting questions on how to get into Berklee or GIT. Also at the time, I couldn't read very well, or at all. I had to come up with something to pass the college courses, especially sight singing. Analyzing Renaissance, Bach, to Stockhausen makes one find a way and not to look too horribly dumb or stupid. And the luck of working with a truly kind and gifted group of people. Everyone has a view. Honest people have valid views. I had to find a way to understand, very fast. The trick and tricks came about just helping folks to get into school. Getting in is hard. Getting through can sometimes be more difficult. This gave most an edge. Just through the years, I've refined the method.
Pentatonics are amazing little tools, not just ours. To one degree or another, they are the vocal equivalents to any culture.