Estimated reading time 2 minutes
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
Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies
Do you want to sing Eastern European folk melodies and mediaeval chants? Are you puzzled about how the aeolian mode works? Modes have been a feature of music from ancient times to today. Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies lets you explore the exotic sound of the aeolian mode. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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A Harmony’s Length Impacts Singing in Tune
Does singing in tune seem like a mystery with no clues? Knowledge is power. Read more to find out how a harmony’s length impacts singing in tune. Estimated reading time 7 minutes.
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Music Therapy vs Music Lessons
Do you have a special needs child who loves music? Are you confused about the difference between music therapy and music lessons? The goals for music therapy won’t be the same as for music lessons. Keep reading “Music Therapy vs Music Lessons” to help you decide which is best for your child. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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How to Set Up a Music Teacher’s Percussion Bag
Have you been thinking about keeping percussion instruments on hand for your music lessons? Do you want an idea of what should go into your bag? A percussion bag or box is useful for any music instructor. It can make the difference between happy, engaged students and pandemonium. Click “How to Set Up a Music Teacher’s Percussion Bag” for some tips to get you started. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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