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Table of Contents
Finding the Answer for the Question, "Can I Learn Sight-Singing if I Haven’t Learned an Instrument?
Do you want to learn how to sight-sing? Have you ever wondered, “Can I learn sight-singing if I haven’t learned an instrument?” You’ve come to the right place! Read more to find out whether it’s possible to learn sight-singing without having learned an instrument first.
This article uses technical musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
Can I Learn Sight-Singing if I Haven’t Learned an Instrument: The Components of Sight Singing
Learning an instrument before you learn to sight-sing can be valuable. However, you don’t have to play an instrument to learn how to sight-sing. The two main components to sight-singing consist of:
- Reading the score
- Singing in tune
Shape notes and Kolday rhythm syllables will help you to sight read. For info on singing with shape notes and rhythm syllables read:
Singing in tune also has two components:
- Melodic tuning
- Harmonizing in tune
The following two posts have sing-along song tracks that help you to learn how to sing in tune. The first link helps you with singing melodies in tune. The second link helps you to harmonize in tune.
Concluding Thoughts to “Can I Learn Sight-Singing if I Haven’t Learned an Instrument?”
At the beginning of this post, we asked the question, “Can I learn sight-singing if I haven’t learned an instrument?” The quick answer is “yes.”
However, when working on sight singing, knowing some piano helps, because you can bang out the notes on the piano as you sing the melody. Thus, piano works fine as a melodic sound model, helping you sing your melodies in tune. This means that knowing how to play some piano will be useful. Though really any instrument will do in a pinch.
While the piano makes a good melodic sound model, it doesn’t make a good harmonic sound model. For more on melodic vs harmonic tuning read:
To learn how to harmonize in tune, you either need to sing in an a cappella group or sing with The Intonation Flight Simulator posts on this website:
However, many vocalists learn how to sight sing in ensembles likes choirs and choruses. If you have this sort of sight-singing and ear training support on hand, you’ll find it’s possible to learn sight-singing without having learned an instrument first.
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
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Glossary
How to Play the Frustrating B Minor Guitar Chord
Do you have a tough time playing the B minor guitar chord? Are you frustrated and need some help? B minor is one of the most awkward guitar chords to play. However, there are some tricks that can help you master it. Keep reading “How to Play the Frustrating B Minor Guitar Chord” to learn how to best play the three most popular versions. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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Jam Like a Rock Star with Open E Tuning
Are you tired of your band sounding out of tune? Can’t get the classic rock sound when jamming with your group? Read more to learn how to jam like a rock star with open E tuning. You will also learn the song “Gimme Shelter.” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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How to Color Code Musical Diagrams
Do you get confused by musical diagrams? Do you want to learn how to turbocharge the learning process? Look no further, I can help. Read more to learn about color coding musical diagrams. Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
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Learn the Secret of How to Play Guitar Trills
Do you want to learn the secret of how to play guitar trills? Trills add excitement and flash to your playing. However, if you want to know how to master guitar trills, you must first become proficient at two other guitar techniques. Keep reading to learn what these techniques are and how to best perform them. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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