“Sing 101: Your Vocal Journey”

A Playful Journey Through Singing Exercises and

Vocal Adventures!

1. The learning and the joy of creating harmonious sounds.

“From Shower to Stage: Your Singing Journey”

Progressing to bigger stages.

From Shower to Spotlight

Vocal Playtime
From Notes to Performance
Echoes of Joy
Music Lifts Our Spirits
 INTRODUCTION
‘Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination, and life to everything.’
Plato

Welcome to this little book of singing exercises, warm-ups

and challenges to help you improve your singing. Get better
pronunciation: Your favorite songs get stuck in your head, just try
singing them in karaoke mode and you will see that your
pronunciation improves quickly. If you use this booklet during
your singing lessons and when you are practising at classes or at
home you will:
 Learn to sing more accurately, more clearly and with more
confidence;
 Have control over you voice so it does what you want it to;
 Be able to understand what the music is telling you;
 Have some experience of listening and responding, improvising
and many other things;

This voice Lessons include many significant points for example:

• Being prepared to reach the right note virtually every time - also
known as Pitch Control;
• Expanding the range of your vocals so you know how to hit
higher and lower notes;
• Many types of music and how to adapt your singing to any
single style;
• Holding notes for a longer duration;
• Singing in Harmony so that you have the ability to sound
magnificent with others, singing with Feeling;
• Studying entire songs from front to back;
• Making use of Breathing and Posture to enhance your singing;
• Helping with your natural Vibrato (Improving the Strength of
your voice);
• Applying techniques with the microfone;
• Articulating your singing by using teeth, lips, and tongue.

Taking this voice lessons will improve your singing ability

and the appeal of singing is incontestable.
Popular programs built on vocal skills are: American Idol,
The Voice, and of course the X Factor. The success of Karaoke
in local bars and restaurants draws attentions to the fact that we
love to sing.
Discover the exact secret techniques used by a lot of
singers all around the world to become pro-singers.
SUMMARY
 CHAPTER 1 – A Daily Routine

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Make sure that you take notice of what your singing

teacher tells you about breathing, standing properly, opening your
mouth in the right shape and everything else! Listen carefully to
yourself singing – make sure that it’s always in tune. You can
make recordings of yourself if you like, to make sure.
Always remember to warm up your voice before you sing.
You can use the simpler exercises from this book to get going in
the morning (especially when you know them well); and also do
the exercises which your teacher has taught you.
Warming up will clear your throat, make sure your voice
and singing muscles are ready, tune your ears up and do a whole
load of other things.
As well as the exercises in this book, it Is important that you keep
singing other songs and in other contexts.
- Sing at home.
- Sing to your friends.
- TIP There are usually places you can find to watch yourself –
mirrors, windows that reflect, shiny surfaces – to make sure that
your breathing is happening properly

TRUST YOURSELF

Some of the main rules that cannot be repeated too often are:

* Singing must always feel comfortable.

* The technique must have the intended effect right away

otherwise you are not working with it correctly.

* If an exercise hurts, feels uncomfortable or feels wrong, it IS

wrong. Only you know how it feels so trust your feelings.

Above all – HAVE FUN and enjoy your singing!

 UNIT 1 – THE ELEMENTS OF MUSIC

They represent and describe the components that are most often
present in music. The eight elements of music are defined as:

Basic Related Terms

Timbre - often referred to as “tone color, ” is the

unique quality of sound produced by a musical
instrument, voice, or combination thereof. It is what
distinguishes one instrument or voice from another,
even when they are playing or singing the same pitch
at the same volume. For example, the timber of a violin differs from that of
a trumpet due to differences in their construction and sound-producing
mechanisms. Timbre adds richness and depth to music, allowing listeners
to experience a diverse range of auditory sensations.
 Tonality is the organization of music around a central
pitch, known as the tonic. It provides a sense of stability
and direction within a piece of music, guiding listeners
through harmonic progressions and melodic phrases.
Major and minor keys are the most common tonalities
in Western music, each conveying distinct emotional
qualities. Tonality influences how we perceive and
interpret musical passages, shaping our emotional
responses and overall listening experience.

Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences in music, created by the

arrangement of beats and accents over time. It forms the foundation of
musical structure, dictating the pace, groove, and flow of a composition.
From steady pulse to intricate syncopation, rhythm adds energy and
momentum to music, driving its forward motion and engaging listeners on
a visceral level. Whether through foot-tapping beats or complex
polyrhythms, rhythm is essential for conveying emotion and expression in
music.

Dynamics refer to the variations in volume and

intensity within a piece of music. From whisper-
soft pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo,
dynamics allow composers and performers to
shape the emotional contours of their
compositions. By manipulating volume levels,
musicians can create dramatic contrasts, build tension, and evoke a wide
range of moods and atmospheres. Dynamic markings such as crescendo
and diminuendo provide performers with precise instructions for achieving
expressive nuance and impact.

Harmony is the simultaneous sounding of two or more

pitches, creating chords and chord progressions that support
and complement the melody. It adds depth, color, and texture
to music, enriching its sonic palette and enhancing its
emotional impact. Whether consonant or dissonant, harmony
plays a crucial role in shaping the overall harmonic structure
of a composition, guiding listeners through harmonic tension and
resolution. From simple triads to lush jazz voicings, harmony is a
cornerstone of musical expression across genres and styles.

Melody is the sequence of pitches that form the primary

musical theme or motif in a composition. It is the part of the
music that we often hum or whistle, the catchy tune that stays with us long
after the song has ended. Melodies can be simple or complex, lyrical or
angular, but they all share the common goal of
capturing our attention and stirring our emotions.
Whether soaring above lush harmonies or weaving
through intricate counterpoint, melodies are the heart
and soul of music, embodying its most memorable
and expressive qualities.

Form refers to the overall structure or organization of a musical

composition, including its sections, themes, and developmental processes.
It provides a framework for composers to shape their ideas and guide
listeners through a coherent musical journey. Common musical forms
include the sonata-allegro, theme and variations, rondo, and binary form,
each with its own unique characteristics and conventions. Form gives
shape and direction to music, helping to unify its various elements and
create a sense of balance and symmetry.

Texture is the interplay of melodic, harmonic, and

rhythmic elements within a piece of music,
determining its overall density and complexity. It
encompasses everything from the thick,
homophonic textures of a chorale to the intricate
contrapuntal textures of a fugue. Texture adds depth and dimension to
music, allowing composers to create layers of sound that engage listeners
on multiple levels.

In conclusion, the eight main elements of music — timbre, tonality, rhythm,

dynamics, harmony, melody, form, and texture — work together
synergistically to create the rich tapestry of musical expression. By
understanding and appreciating these elements, we can deepen our
enjoyment and understanding of music, whether as performers,
composers, or avid listeners. So, next time you listen to your favorite piece
of music, take a moment to reflect on how these elements come together
to create a truly unforgettable auditory experience.
UNIT 2 – WARM UP

 WHY DO YOU NEED TO WARM UP YOUR VOICE?

We warm up our voices so we can keep them healthy, sound our

best and protect against damage. Warming up your voice will allow you to
sing better and extend your range comfortably. IT IS ABSOLUTELY
NECESSARY ALWAYS TO WARM UP BEFORE SINGING.

VOCAL WARM-UPS FOR SINGERS

1. YAWN-SIGH TECHNIQUE - For this quick vocal

exercise, simply yawn (take in air) with your mouth closed.
Then, exhale through your nose as if you are sighing. This
will help relax your voice and improve its range.

2. HUMMING WARM-UPS - Humming is one of the best

vocal warm-ups because it doesn’t put a lot of strain on
your vocal cords. Place the tip of your tongue behind your
bottom front teeth and hum up and down the major scale
while keeping your mouth closed. Each note should sound
like “hmmm” — including the “h” sound is less taxing on your voice.

3. VOCAL STRAW EXERCISE - To perform the vocal

straw exercise (also known as straw phonation), take a
straw and hum through it. Start at the bottom of your range
and slide up to the top slowly and evenly. Then, hum your
favorite song through the straw. You can also place the
straw in a partially full glass of liquid and blow controlled bubbles in the
glass.

4. LIP BUZZ VOCAL WARM-UP - As far as vocal

warm-ups go, lip buzz (or lip trill, as it is sometimes
called) is very simple. The goal is to make a motorboat
sound by making your lips vibrate as you blow air through your mouth and
nose. You can incorporate pitch slides as well.

5. TONGUE TRILL EXERCISE - The tongue trill vocal

exercise is difficult for some singers. It involves curling
your tongue and rolling your R’s as you go through your
range from low to high.

6. JAW LOOSENING EXERCISES - When singing,

you want to drop your jaw lower than when you are
just talking. With your finger, trace back along your
jawline from your chin to your ear. That curved space
between your jaw and your ear is where you want to
drop your jaw. Pretend you are yawning with your
mouth closed and feel where your jaw drops. Avoid
just dropping your chin.

7. TWO-OCTAVE PITCH GLIDE WARM-UP - For

this easy vocal warm-up, make an “eeee” or “ohhhh”
sound and gradually glide through the chromatic
notes of a two-octave range. Glide up and then back
down. This will transition from your chest voice to
your head voice.

8. VOCAL SIRENS EXERCISE - Much like the pitch

glide, the siren exercise takes an “oooo” sound and
gradually goes from the lowest note of your range to the
highest and back down, like a siren for an emergency
vehicle. The sound is continuous and covers the tones
between the notes.

9. VOCAL SLIDES TECHNIQUE - This technique is also

known as a portamento, which is Italian for “the act of
carrying. ” Much like the siren exercise, you slide from one note to the next
in your range, but you don’t sing the in-between notes.

Practice: Vocal Loudness Exercises

1. Take a deep breath and say “AH” in a loud voice.

Try projecting your voice across the room.

Hold “AH” for as long as you can.

2. Glide up and down the musical scales on “AH” or “OOO”. Listen for
changes in your pitch. If it is easier sing the notes using

“LA, LA, LA…..” or “Do Re Me Fa So La Ti Do”.

Take a deep breath before starting and sing in a loud voice.

3. Count 1-10 in a loud voice. Pause for a breath as needed to keep your
voice loud.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Try breathing (***) at different points as you count.

1 2 3 4 5 *** 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 *** 4 5 6 *** 7 8 9 10

1 2 *** 3 4 *** 5 6 *** 7 8 *** 9 10 1 2 *** 3 4 5 *** 6 7 8 9 10

4. Say the following numbers, letters and words. Start in a soft voice and
gradually increase to a very loud voice. Then repeat going from a loud to a
soft voice.

12345 10 9 8 7 6

ABCDE UVWXYZ

Name the days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,...)

Name the months of the year (January, February, March,...)

5. Practice these phrases in a loud, expressive voice:

“Shut the door.” “I want that.” “Pass the food, please.”

“Answer the phone.” “How are you?” “I’m fine, thanks.”
“I love you.” “Who is this?” “I need help.”
“Please sit down.” “No big deal.” “I am leaving.”

Say the word “BOOM” at the end of the phrase if your voice is fading.
For example: “Shut the door BOOM.”

6. Practice these sentences in a loud, strong voice. Use good breathing as

indicated to enhance vocal strength.

(inhale) “Did I take my medication yet?” (exhale)

(inhale) “I would love a cup of coffee.” (exhale)

(inhale) “Where are you going?” (exhale)

(inhale) “I need to go to the bathroom.” (exhale)

(inhale) “It’s a beautiful day.” (exhale)

(inhale) “It’s good to see you.” (exhale)

(inhale) “How are you today?” (exhale)

(inhale) “I went to the doctor last week.” (exhale)

(inhale) “Where is the remote control?” (exhale)

(inhale) “Would you like to go out to eat?” (exhale)

7. Practice singing a familiar or favorite song. Use a loud voice and pay
attention to your breathing.
UNIT 3 - POSTURE

 POSTURE AND MOVEMENT

Part of being able to sing well includes the ability to be aware of

your body, identify and correct problems that arise due to incorrect
posture. This does not mean that your posture needs to be perfect!
Standing naturally ensuring the head, neck and shoulders are
relaxed is the correct posture for singing. Whilst most people do this
automatically, there are others whose posture has become lazy, or who
have developed bad habits that can inhibit their singing.

Be relaxed and natural Keep your movements fluid

Keep your chin level Keep your knees loose
Keep your head up Keep your back muscles relaxed
Keep your shoulders relaxed
Keep weight on heels and soles
Keep the front of your neck loose - don't st retch it
Keep abdominal muscles relaxed Smile!
 UNIT 4 - BREATHING EXERCISES

The following exercise may make you feel tired at first, do

keep at it as you will begin to notice that it takes less effort to
breath, less energy is used when breathing plus it helps you learn to
co-ordinate the diaphragm and abdominal muscles when breat hing.

To find out if you are breathing correctly, place a hand on

your belly button. This area should expand first when you breat he in
and then spread upwards until your chest is expanded (don't lift t he
shoulders or push the stomach out). If you feel you are not breathing
properly, practice the following exercise:
1. Lay flat on your back.
2. Place your hands on your waist, fingers pointing towards your belly
button.
3. Focus on filling up your stomach from the bottom to the top taking a
slow deep breath. (The aim is not to fill yourself to bursting but to
inhale enough air so that you can feel the difference between a shallow
breath taken when breathing from the chest). You should feel your
stomach rise and your hands being raised gently up and outward until you
feel your chest expanding. The expansion is not only at the
front of the body but also to the sides and back as well.
4. Breath out slowly to a count of 5
5. Repeat the exercise 10 times

Practice daily before you rise in the morning and prior to

sleeping at night for 5 - 10 minutes gradually increasing this to 3 or 4
times a day.

Once you get it right , practice as often as possible, sitting, st

anding and whilst at work until you are breathing nat urally from
your abdomen. Try the following exercise to help increase breath
control:

6. Count on one breath singing each number out loud, using one breath at
any comfortable pitch. Start with a small number like 5 or 10 and
increase this gradually until you can manage 25 or more without
straining, tensing or running out of breath.
 UNIT 5 – COOLING DOWN YOUR VOICE

By now, you likely have a better understanding of why warming up

your voice is so important. Taking care of your voice involves more than
just warming up. There are still plenty of other things you can do to help
take care of your voice, from hydration to proper rest and avoidance of
vocal abuse behavior. When thinking about effective cool-downs,
remember the three R’s: Relax, Recover, and Reflect.

RELAX: During a voice acting session, you’re using

your vocal system in a way that is challenging and
energyintensive - and after the session is over, it’s
important to give your voice time to relax. To do this,
you might find it helpful to try some of the same
techniques you used to warm up, like lip trills,
shoulder rolls, body stretches, jaw loosening
exercises, and deep breathing. Gently stretching your vocal muscles will
help them to relax and keep things from tightening up.

RECOVER: Another important part of cooling down

is giving your voice time to rest. By resting your
voice after you’ve exerted it, you’re doing more
than just allowing your muscles to recover - you’re
also setting up your vocal system for your next
session. Important parts of vocal recovery include
getting proper sleep, drinking plenty of water and
fluids, and avoiding vocal abuse behavior like
yelling or talking too loudly during the time period directly after a recording
session.

REFLECT: Finally, many voice actors find it helpful

to use their cool-down routine to reflect. As you’re
cooling down your voice, you might take a few
moments to think about how your session went,
what you liked the most about it, and what you think
you might be able to work on for next time.

- Components of a Singing Cool Down Routine

A singing cool down routine comprises several essential

components that work together to promote vocal recovery, relaxation and
they are essential for releasing tension in the body, which can directly
impact vocal ease and performance.

Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle stretches that target areas prone to

tension, such as the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Roll your shoulders in
circular motions, gently tilt your head from side to side, and stretch your
arms overhead to alleviate any accumulated muscle tightness.
 Deep Breathing: Take a few moments to focus on deep breathing
exercises. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to
expand, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Deep breathing promotes
relaxation, helps release any residual tension, and restores a sense of
calm.
Shoulder Rolls: Perform shoulder rolls by lifting your shoulders up
towards your ears, rolling them back, and then down in a circular motion.
This exercise helps release tension in the neck and shoulder area, which
often holds stress and strain during singing.
Jaw and Tongue Relaxation: Gently massage your jaw muscles
using circular motions with your fingertips. Open and close your mouth
several times to release any tension. Additionally, perform simple tongue
exercises, such as sticking your tongue out and rolling it in different
directions, to relax the tongue muscles.

The connection between physical relaxation and vocal ease is

significant. Remember, each person's body is unique, so listen to your
body's needs and adapt these exercises accordingly. Let's continue our
journey toward a well-rounded cool down routine that nurtures both the
body and the voice.

Descending Scale Patterns: Begin with simple descending scale

patterns, gradually moving through your vocal range from high to low
notes. This exercise helps relax the vocal folds and encourages smooth
transitions between registers. Focus on maintaining a steady breath flow
and releasing any residual tension as you descend.
Light Articulation Exercises: Perform light articulation exercises,
such as vowel combinations, at a relaxed pace. These exercises
encourage precise articulation, promote flexibility in the vocal muscles, and
gently engage the vocal mechanism without strain.

Let's explore the significance of mindfulness and mental relaxation in

a cool down routine:

Meditation: Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind, reducing

stress, and cultivating inner peace. After a singing session, take a few
moments to sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath.
Allow thoughts to come and go, returning your attention to the present
moment. Meditation helps you let go of any performance-related stress,
promoting mental clarity and relaxation.
Visualisation: Visualisation involves creating mental images that evoke
positive emotions and enhance the mind-body connection. As part of your
cool down routine, visualise yourself singing effortlessly, with a relaxed and
resonant voice. Imagine yourself in a peaceful environment, surrounded by
supportive energy. Visualising positive outcomes and sensations can help
shift your mindset and promote a sense of calm and confidence.

Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your cool

down routine by repeating uplifting statements about your singing abilities
and vocal health. Examples: "My voice is strong and healthy," "I am
grateful for the gift of singing," or "I trust in my vocal capabilities." By
affirming positive beliefs, you cultivate a positive mindset, which can have
a profound impact on your vocal performance and overall wellbeing.

Sample Singing Cool Down Routine

Here's a routine that combines physical relaxation exercises, singing

exercises, and mindfulness techniques.

Step 1: Physical Relaxation Exercises

- Begin by standing or sitting in a comfortable position.
- Take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling
through your mouth, releasing any tension in your body.
 - Perform gentle stretches, such as rolling your shoulders, tilting your head
from side to side, and stretching your arms overhead.
- Massage your jaw muscles using circular motions with your fingertips,
and gently open and close your mouth to release tension.
- Focus on relaxing your neck, shoulders, and jaw, allowing any residual
tension to melt away.

Step 2: Singing Exercises

- Start with descending scale patterns, gradually moving through your
vocal range from high to low notes. Focus on maintaining a steady breath
flow and releasing any tension as you descend.
- Perform light articulation exercises, such as vowel combinations, at a
relaxed pace to promote flexibility in the vocal muscles.

Step 3: Mindfulness Techniques

- Take a few moments for meditation. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and
focus on your breath. Allow thoughts to come and go without judgment,
returning your attention to the present moment. Visualise releasing any
remaining tension and cultivating inner peace.
- Use visualisation techniques to imagine yourself singing effortlessly with
a relaxed and resonant voice. Picture yourself in a peaceful environment,
surrounded by supportive energy. Visualise positive outcomes and
sensations.
- Incorporate positive affirmations into your cool down routine. Repeat
uplifting statements about your singing abilities and vocal health, such as
"My voice is strong and healthy" or "I trust in my vocal capabilities." Affirm
positive beliefs about yourself as a singer.

Here are some practical tips to help you seamlessly incorporate a

cool down routine into your practice:
1. Determine the Ideal Duration and Frequency: The duration of your cool
down routine will depend on factors such as the intensity and duration of
your singing session. As a general guideline, aim for a cool down period of
10 to 15 minutes. However, feel free to adjust the duration based on your
needs. Regarding frequency, consider incorporating a cool down routine
after every singing session or performance. Consistency is key for reaping
the benefits of vocal recovery.
2. Set Aside Dedicated Time: Allocate a specific time slot for your cool
down routine within your practice session. Treating it as an essential part
of your vocal care will help you prioritise and commit to it consistently.
Whether it's immediately after singing or at the end of your practice
session, create a designated space for cool down that allows you to focus
solely on relaxation and recovery.
3. Create a Conducive Environment: Choose a quiet and comfortable
space for your cool down routine where you can unwind without
distractions. Dim the lights or light candles to create a serene atmosphere.
Consider playing soft instrumental music or nature sounds to further
enhance relaxation. Set the stage for a peaceful environment that
promotes introspection and reflection.
4. Personalise Your Routine: Tailor your cool down routine to suit your
specific needs and preferences. Experiment with different exercises,
mindfulness techniques, and singing exercises to find what works best for
you. Modify the routine based on the demands of your singing session or
any particular areas of tension or strain you may have experienced. Make
the cool down routine a personal ritual that nurtures both your body and
mind.
5. Be Mindful of Your Body's Signals: Pay attention to your body's signals
during the cool down routine. Notice areas of tension or discomfort and
adjust your exercises accordingly. Respect your body's limits and avoid
pushing yourself beyond what feels comfortable. Listen to your body's
needs and allow for proper rest and recovery.
6. Embrace Mindfulness and Reflection: Use the cool down routine as an
opportunity for mindfulness and reflection. Engage in meditation,
visualisation, or positive affirmations to foster a calm and focused mindset.
Take the time to acknowledge your progress, set intentions for future
practice sessions, or simply express gratitude for your voice and the joy of
singing. Embrace the mental and emotional aspects of your singing
journey.
By incorporating these tips into your practice, you'll seamlessly integrate a
cool down routine that supports your vocal health, enhances your
performance, and nurtures your overall wellbeing.

UNIT 6 – PRONUNCIATION – CONNECCTED – SPEECH –

ACCENT REDUCTION

Most of the time, words that rhyme fall on the same beat (or
pulse) of the song and this certainly helps you identify patterns on how
to pronounce such words.
It's also helpful for you to learn how to actually pronounce a
word.
Sometimes we learn words by reading and don't know how to
pronounce them. Or worse, get bad habits of pronouncing them
incorrectly! Songs will help you with that in a natural and enjoyable
way.
Another thing is that songs are enriched with is connected
speech and they will help you notice when and which words are
commonly reduced and linked.
One of the benefits of using songs to study is accent reduction.
Have you ever noticed how singers with a very strong British accent
like Adele or Ed Sheeran sound kind of American when they sing?
This happens because accents are distinguished based on the use
of intonation, vowel length, articulation, and so on. However, when a
person sings, these aspects are neutralized, as the air flows and the
articulation and length of syllables to project the voice of a particular
genre, let's say pop music, tend to share the same features of a neutral
American accent.
So singing can sort of take your mouth to the gym because it
uses all the parts of your body that produce sound and helps you
exaggerate the difficult phonemes in English that don't exist in your
native tongue.

- A good exercise to practice pronunciation, inspired by the Mimic

Method, is to first try to imitate the sounds your hear in the song without
caring about the lyrics.

Gibberish Mumbling

Just say random, invented words (also known as gibberish) in

the same rhythm and melody of the song, if possible. Identify when a
word is emphasized, when a sound rises, and how many sounds there
are in a sentence.

This will help warm up the muscles so when you actually

pronounce the real words of the lyrics, they fall into place more
comfortably.
 Sometimes it's hard to sing a certain note because the vowel you
need to sing it with stays "anchored" to the lower part of your range.
You can remedy this by starting with another vowel that, by its
acoustical nature, makes it easier to sing that note without activating
your outer muscles. After you use that vowel to start the problem note,
you can substitute the original vowel for the temporary one, keeping it
in the same "place."

If the problem vowel is:

a (as in "may") ee (as in "we")

a (as in "cat" ) eh (as in "let")
ih (as in "sit") ee (as in "we")
eh (as in "let") ee (as in "wet")
uh (as in "mother") oo (asin "foot")
ah (as in "father") uh (as in "mother")
oo (as in "foot") oo (as in "toot")

Because each human voice is unique and singing is not as tangible as

playing an instrument, voice lessons can cover a wide spectrum of
elements depending on the age, the natural ability, the experience, and
the goals of each student. Typical areas of focus include:

 breathing and breath support for singing

 posture for singing
 pitch matching and learning to comfortably sing intervals
 identification of and extension of vocal range
 development of consistent vocal production, tone and
resonance/projection
 performance skills and practices

CHAPTER 2 - NOTATION

UNIT1: Learning “Do-Re-Mi”

Aim: How can we explore a musical scale while learning about singing?
Summary: Students learn to sing expressively to “Do-Re-Mi”
Vocabulary: musical, pitch, solfège, scale, high/low, up/down

Sing “Do-Re-Mi”

o Warm up your voices and bodies.

o Listen to “Do-Re-Mi”
o Describe what you hear in the music.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

“Do-Re-Mi” comes from a musical called The Sound of Music

by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. A musical is a
performance that combines songs, spoken words, acting, and dancing.
The Sound of Music is a musical about a nun who becomes a
governess (nanny) and takes care of seven children. She teaches the
children to sing and they learn to love her.
o Listen again to “Do-Re-Mi” and try to sing along and tap the
steady beat on your body along with the music.
o
o

Meeting the Musical Notes

Music is a language, a form of communication with great power.

 As you go up a staff from note to note (by step) without skipping any
notes (going line-space-line-space, etc.), the notes are in alphabetical order as
they ascend by step like this. After “G”, you must start the musical alphabet
over again with “A”. Here are two examples of this, in treble clef and in bass
clef:

TREBLE CLEF (G clef): BASS CLEF (F clef):

WHO AM I? GUIDE:

SOLFEGE

Each member of the scale can be assigned a solfege

syllable. Major scale degree 1 (the tonic) is “Do”, degree 2 is
“Re” and so on.
 In the minor mode, scale degree 1 (the tonic) starts on
“La” and follows the same order as established in major. When
comparing the relative minor to its parent major scale, the
solfege syllables represent the exact same notes. Here is A
minor. Notice that La is still A and Do is still C:

When a note needs to be chromatically raised a half

step, an “i” (sounde like “eee”) is added to the end of the
solfege syllable, such as in harmonic minor with its raised 7th:

This represents a Fixed-Do System: Do is always the

tonic of ANY major scale and La is Always the tonic of ANY
minor scale.
Fixed do solfège: In Fixed “do”, each syllable always
corresponds to the same pitch; when the music changes keys,
each syllable continues to refer to the same sound (in the
absolute sense) as it did before.

Chapter Three - Repertoire and Beyond