The blog category is expanding to include “General Sight Singing” and “Song-Along Song” posts.
What are shape notes? They are a special vocal notation that works with solfege to make sight singing easier. Specifically, we will use the seven-note shape note system. We will also explore Kodaly rhythmic syllables in the Shape Notes and Solfege posts.
Solfege remains one of the oldest and most reliable strategies that singing teachers have. Shape notes are newer, but still have been around since the 18th century. However, solfege is at the core of the shape note system, and the two work together for effective, statistically proven sight singing success.
This category includes posts on melodic intonation. Like the Singing in Tune Blog Category, the Shape Notes and Solfege Blog Category has sing-along songs.
In both cases, the sing-along sound tracks create sound models to train the ear. Singing in Tune deals with harmonic intonation while this blog category deals with melodic intonation.
The sing-along songs use synthetic voices rather than actual voices. Research has shown that this will help with the ability to identify and produce absolute pitch information. For more information, read Why Use a Synth Voice Instead of Real Voices.
Harmonic and melodic intonation tune in essentially different ways. Harmonic tuning focuses on the tone color of the harmonies. Conversely, melodic tuning focuses on the distance between melody notes.
The Cornerstone Category article:
More Shape Note Posts:
Sight Singing with Rhythmic Syllables:
Sight Reading Posts:
Sing-Along Song Posts:
The previous topic lists will be updated periodically. See the post grid below for the full list and full descriptions with featured images.
– Geoffrey Keith
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
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“What on earth exactly is vibrato?” It’s a pulsating sound that musicians use to make their music more engaging. Views on vibrato have varied through the centuries. However, currently it’s felt that it adds warmth to the notes, and by extension, it adds more emotion to your playing. Keep reading to learn what it is and how it works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
What on Earth Exactly Is Vibrato? Read More »
Are you confused about what all the conductor’s hand gestures mean? Do you want to learn how to conduct a musical ensemble? Conducting isn’t just brandishing a stick. The conductor is the coach of an ensemble. Also, they interpret the musical score, making it so that each ensemble has its own unique sound. Keep reading “A How to Guide to Learning Conducting with Musicality” to learn what it is and how it works. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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Do you want to enjoy the bold song “Battle Hymn of the Republic?” In this article, you’ll get three essentials: 1) a video of the song, 2) the complete words to the song, and 3) free easy-to-read lead sheet style sheet music using shape notes, including a sing along soundtrack. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Enjoy the Bold Song: Battle Hymn of the Republic Read More »
Do you want to enjoy the elegant hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing?” In this article, you’ll get these three essentials: 1) a sing along video of the hymn, 2) the complete hymn lyrics, and 3) free easy-to-read lead sheet style sheet music using shape notes, including a sing along soundtrack. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Enjoy the Elegant Hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing Read More »
Do you want to enjoy the heavenly hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus?” In this post, you’ll get three essentials: 1) a sing along video of the song featuring Alan Jackson, 2) the complete lyrics to the hymn, and 3) easy-to-read free sheet music using shape notes including a sing along soundtrack. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Enjoy the Heavenly Hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus Read More »
Do you want to enjoy the popular song “Oh My Darling Clementine?” In this post, you’ll get these three essentials: 1) a sing along song video, 2) the words to the song, and 3) an easy-to-read shape note score with a sing along soundtrack. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Enjoy the Popular Song Oh My Darling Clementine Read More »
Do you want to know what voice type you are? All the voice types discussed in this post are from the pool of male singers used in chorus, opera, musical theatre, and pop music. Some of these male vocalists can sing very high, while others can sing very low. However, it’s the quality of his voice that makes a male singer one voice type versus another. Keep reading “What’s the Key Difference Between Countertenor, Baritone, etc?” to learn what makes a singer a countertenor, tenor, baritone, or bass and how to tell them apart. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
What’s the Key Difference Between Countertenor, Baritone, etc? Read More »
Do you want to sing the charming song “London Bridge Is Falling Down?” In this article, you’ll get these essentials: 1) a sing along video of “London Bridge Is Falling Down,” 2) a lead sheet version of the lyrics, 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along soundtrack. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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“What’s the difference between an alto and a true contralto?” While they may seem to be superficially similar, they have their own individual ranges and vocal tone qualities. Keep reading to find out what’re the key differences between contralto and alto voice. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
What’re the Key Differences Between Contralto and Alto Voice? Read More »
Are you looking for the beautiful song “Ode to Joy?” In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) a sing-along video of the song, 2) a popular version of the lyrics in English, 3) and sheet music with easy-to-read shape notes and a sing along soundtrack. Keep reading “Singing Beethoven’s Beautiful Ode to Joy” to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Singing Beethoven’s Beautiful Ode to Joy Read More »