Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Shape Notes and Singing Dotted Eighth Note Rhythms
Have you mastered reading basic sixteenth notes rhythmic syllables and want to be able to perform dotted eighth 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.
For a detailed discussion of shape notes, read:
The song track uses a synthetic voice 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:
This article uses music terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
The Rhythmic Table for Singing Dotted Eighth Note Rhythm
- Before we can start singing dotted eighth note rhythms, we need to cover the general rhythmic syllables. The table below shows the Kodaly syllables: the rhythmic value, the rhythmic symbol, and the rhythmic syllable linked with each rhythmic value.
- For a general description of how sixteenth notes work see: Singing Sixteenth Note Rhythmic Syllables: Rhythmic Table.
- Since we’ll be focusing on dotted eighth note/sixteenth note pairs, The Battle Hymn of the Republic will be a good choice for our song.
- The sing-along song track creates a sound model for the dotted eighth note/sixteenth note pairs. In addition, I specifically chose the track’s tuning with the goal in mind of developing your melodic intonation. As you listen to the distance between the notes, this helps foster your mental pitch template for melodic intervals.
- Want to hear the rhythmic syllables? The video below teaches them, including how to perform the dotted eight note/sixteenth note rhythmic pairs.
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
Rhythmic Table
Kodaly Rhythmic Syllables Video
The Battle Hymn of the Republic and Singing Dotted Eighth Note Rhythm
The Battle Hymn of the Republic:
- Sing the syllables below the sheet music as you sing with the song track. Breathe at the rests. Otherwise, if you run out of breath, your pitch will sink, making you go out of tune.
- After you’ve sung through the song track with the solfege syllables, try singing the dotted eighth note rhythms. (The rhythmic syllables appear above the sheet music, while the solfege syllables appear below it.)
- Just for fun, the following video of The Battle Hymn of the Republic has the full song and includes lyrics.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic Video
Singing Dotted Eighth Note Rhythm: Quiz
When you’ve mastered The Battle Hymn of the Republic, try the quiz. Sing the dotted eighth note rhythms, then the solfege syllables (not provided).
Concluion
Shape notes create a multisensory experience. They not only help typical learners sight sing better, but they also provide an access point to music for special needs, LD, ADD, and autistic vocalists.
Practice every day singing the dotted eighth note rhythms with the song track. In no time at all you’ll be able to chant them effortlessly.
© 2021 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Glossary
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