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:
For a full description see the posts below.
– Geoffrey Keith
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
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Have you ever wanted to sing Mediterranean music or ancient melodies? Do you want to know how to perform modal music? Modes create the feel of exotic music from around the world and from ancient times. “Singing Shape Note Solfege Phrygian Melodies” will help you discover the world of modes. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Having trouble singing 6-8 rhythms? Do you find compound meter (such as 6-8, 9-8, and 12-8) confusing? The sing-along soundtracks will help! Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 6-8 time. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Have you ever wanted to sing exotic music from long ago or far away? Do you have trouble performing modal music? Modes can create the feel of mysterious sounding mediaeval chants, some old timey folk and roots music, and exotic types of ethic and world music. Every other month we will explore a new mode. “Singing Shape Note Solfege Dorian Melodies” will start you down your path of discovery.
Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Do you have difficulty singing dotted half notes? The sing-along song tracks can help! Read more to learn about singing dotted half note rhythm syllables.
Estimated reading time 9 minutes.
Are you confused about how to chant the Kodaly rhythm syllables in cut time? Do you wonder if it’s like chanting 2/4 or 4/4 syllables? Don’t worry, this post has you covered! Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in cut time.
Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Do you have a hard time sight singing rhythm in time signatures other than 4-4? 2-4 gets used a lot in marches, so you often find it used in patriotic songs, making it worth learning. Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 2-4 time.
Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Have you gotten the hang of reading rhythm in 4-4 time and want to get a handle on 3-4 time too? 3-4 has a much different feel than 4-4 and expands the types of music you can perform. Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 3-4 time.
Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Do you get confused about the different types of solfege? Which is better for sight singing music? Fixed or moveable Do solfege? Read “Singing Chromatic Solfege Using Shapes Notes” for practical suggestions on how to sing music with lots of sharp and flats.
Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Have you learned how to sightread relative minor melodies, but want to be able to sing parallel minor too? We’ve already learned about La based shape note solfege minor melodies. In this post, you’ll learn about Do based shape note solfege as well. Read more to find out about singing shape note parallel minor melodies. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Have you mastered reading basic sixteenth notes rhythmic syllables and want to be able to perform dotted eight note/sixteenth note pairs? The more complex the rhythm becomes, the more fun you’ll have with the melodies. Read more to learn about singing dotted eighth note rhythm. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.