Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
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?”
For a review of how shape notes and solfege work:
This post uses music terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the article.
Chromatic Solfege Syllables and Switching from Shaped Notes to Standard Notation
“How do I switch from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation?” Basically, you figure out what sharps or flats will be part of the key.
- Once, you’ve done that, any other sharps, flats, or naturals not in the key will need chromatic solfege syllables.
- When figuring out the key, you’ll need the strategies that we discussed in part 1.
Use the key signature to figure out the solfege syllables for the key. These two sections of the part 1 post will show you how to do it:
- How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Sharps Section
- How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Flats Section
Once you know what sharps or flats you have in the song’s key, any sharps or flats outside of the key will need special solfege syllables. These posts tell you what they are:
Carolina in the Morning and Switching from Chromatic Shaped Notes to Standard Notation
“How do I switch from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation?” I have provided an excerpt from the song Carolina in the Morning.
- The example uses shape notes and has the solfege syllables below the staff.
- I’ve included a soundtrack of the excerpt so you can hear what it sounds like.
- Also, I’ve provided a video so you can hear the whole song.
- Use the information at the above links to work out why those are the solfege syllables you’d need for this excerpt.
- Once you can do that, you can try to figure out the solfege syllables for the quiz below.
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
Carolina in the Morning:
Video: Carolina in the Morning
How Do I Switch from Chromatic Shaped Notes to Standard Notation: Quiz
Summary for “How Do I Switch from Chromatic Shaped Notes to Standard Notation”
Here’s a summary of the steps for switching from chromatic shaped notes to standard notation:
- Figure out the song’s key.
- The first note of the key, the tonic, will always be the solfege syllable Do.
- From there you can work out the other solfege syllables by following the notes of the key.
- Once you know what sharps or flats you have in the key, any sharps or flats outside the key will need special solfege syllables.
Singers new of solfege can write the syllables in the sheet music. Having said that, always work toward memorizing the solfege syllables for each key.
Have fun singing!
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Glossary
How to Best Use Family Chords
Do you need to know what family chords are and how they work? It doesn’t matter if you’re writing songs, or playing piano, guitar, or accordion, understanding how harmonies relate to each other within a key is your first step toward unlocking the secret of how music works. Click to learn how to best use family chords to expand your mastery of music. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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Piano Major Scales (Basic Fingering Concepts)
Do you want to understand piano scale fingering concepts better? At their core, all piano scales are based upon a central concept that helps simplify the fingering. Keep reading for piano major scales - basic fingering concepts. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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How to Sing Powerful Vowels and Consonants
Your performance isn’t just about hitting your notes. It’s also about performing with precision: so that your vowels are powerful and resonant, and your consonants are clean and crisp. This in turn will impact your ability to add emotion to your performance. Keep reading “How to Sing Powerful Vowels and Consonants” to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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What’s the Difference Between Just Intonation and Equal Temperament?
What’s the difference between just intonation and equal temperament? They differ in terms of how they sound, the number of notes, and their user friendliness. Click to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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