Do you need an online tutor to help you sing in tune? The archive contains posts with sing-along songs.
Right now the posts in the archive focus more on sing-along singing example tracks than songs. However, many posts now contain full sing-along videos, especially in the Shape Notes and Solfege category.
The archive pulls from two main categories: Singing in Tune and Shape Notes and Solfege. The Singing in Tune category focuses on teaching how to sing, with a strong emphasis on how to harmonize in tune. I geared the posts toward singers. However, flexible pitch instrumentalists (such as violin, brass, and woodwinds) will find the posts helpful too.
The Shape Notes and Solfege category focuses on sight singing and melodic tuning. The Singing in Tune and Shape Notes and Sight Singing categories both have sing-along songs. Moreover, they serve as sound models for well-tuned harmonies and melodies in each category respectively.
I have crafted all of the examples using a special tuning system. This system is not the tuning system, SET, described in the Intonation blog category.
Rather, the system used for the post examples reflects how singers and flexible pitch instrumentalists actually tune their instruments as they perform. In other words, the examples balance the tuning needs of the melody against the tuning needs of the harmony.
This remains an important point, because melody and harmony do not tune the same way. When tuning harmony, the musician needs to focus on the three main aspects of the chord’s tone color. However, when tuning melody, they need to focus on what Ron Gorow calls span.
Nevertheless, the sing-along songs provide good sound models for both harmonic and melodic intonation.
© 2021 Geoffrey Keith
Back to the Successful Music Student Blogs page
“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.
“How do I match my pitch to another singer?” Pitch matching is the starting place for ear training. If you can’t match your pitch to the same note another vocalist sings, you won’t be ready to learn how to harmonize. Don’t worry, the sing-long soundtracks will help! Keep reading to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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.
“Is it possible to learn to sing harmony by ear?” Yes, it takes some practice, but the sing-along soundtracks will help you do it. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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.
Do people tell you that you sing out of tune? Do you want to be able to sing like your favorite vocal artist? Some people just seem to naturally sing in tune. Don’t panic! The skill of harmonizing in tune can be learned. Read more to learn the tips for people who can’t sing in tune. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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.
Want to be able to sing in tune every time you sing? Do you wonder what a touch instrument is? These instruments play a central role in establishing the tuning for a society. Keep reading to learn how to sing perfectly in tune all the time with touchstone instruments. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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.
“Please explain vowel modification to me like I’m a 5 year old.” Vowel modification helps you get a good vocal tone, so you can raise your singing to the next level. It’s an essential technique to master if you want to reach your full potential, because singing is all about vowels. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.