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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Do you want to sing Deck the Halls? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) a video of Deck the Halls, 2) the full lyrics, and 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along song track. Keep reading “Deck the Halls – A Jubilant Christmas Carol” to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Deck the Halls – A Jubilant Christmas Carol Read More »
Do you want to know the words to the spectacular US Star Spangled Banner? Would you like to learn how to sing or play it? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) all four verses for The Star Spangled Banner song lyrics, 2) a video of Whitney Houston’s version of the song, and 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along song track. Keep reading to learn the American national anthem lyrics and music. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
The Spectacular US Star Spangled Banner [Lyrics, Song, & Video] Read More »
Do you want to sing Silent Night? In this post, you’ll get the essentials: 1) three videos, 2) the full lyrics, and 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along song track. Keep reading The Beautiful Silent Night Carol [Videos] to learn more. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
The Beautiful Silent Night Carol [Videos] Read More »
Do you have a hard time singing rhythm? Would you like to be able to keep time? Music has many aspects, but none so fundamental as notes and rhythms. Without them, the music doesn’t go. However, many vocalists struggle with singing in time. In “Singing Rhythm” we’ll look at different ways to help train you to perform accurately. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
“What precisely is the purpose of solfege?” Solfege has an important role in music education, allowing vocalists to develop sight singing skills. A solfege syllable acts as a mnemonic device to help you sight read sheet music. Read more to learn why they invented solfege and how the syllables work. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
What Precisely Is the Purpose of Solfege? Read More »
Want to be able to sing modes? I can help. You’ll see the Ionian mode more often than any other type of mode. It’s used extensively in pop, jazz, classical, and even folk music. In “Singing Shape Notes Solfege Ionian Melodies,” you’ll be singing the last mode we’ll look at in the modes series. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Singing Shape Notes Solfege Ionian Melodies Read More »
Do you want to be able to sing advanced modes? Are you confused about how the Lydian mode works? Modes are a feature of folk music around the world but are also both in jazz and 20th/21st century classical. Singing Shape Notes Solfege Lydian Melodies will help you master advanced modes. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Singing Shape Notes Solfege Lydian Melodies Read More »
Do you want to learn how to transition from shape notes to standard notation? Have you ever wondered when you should use the special solfege syllables for sharp and flat notes? Standard notation gives you clues on when to use the diatonic solfege syllables versus the chromatic syllables. Read more to learn the answer to the question, “How do I switch from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
How Do I Switch from Chromatic Shaped Notes to Standard Notation – Part 3 Read More »
How do I switch from minor key shaped notes to standard notation?” Sight singing minor keys in standard notation can be challenging. Because it can be difficult to figure out if you’re in a major key or the relative minor. Read more to learn how to transition from shaped notes to standard notation for minor keys. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How Do I Switch from Minor Key Shaped Notes to Standard Notation – Part 2 Read More »
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.
Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies Read More »