subject: Learning From Sight Singing DVDs [print this page] There are many sight singing DVDs and videos available online. This involves using the voice as a musical instrument. People that develop this skill can perform vocals from reading any sheet music. Here are some things about the process that you may look forward to.
Listening to the voice
One aspect that you will cover is training to reproduce a particular note. For example, it does no good to recognize an "a", if you cannot produce one with your voice. This may take a great deal of practice, but is absolutely essential. You must be able to reproduce a given note on demand. It has to become automatic.
Some courses may offer different techniques for this. However, they are basically the same. You listen and then reproduce what you hear. You must then commit it to memory.
Music theory
You must be very familiar with music theory. If not, you may need to start at the beginning. One place you might start is with understanding music staffs.
Staffs
You will learn about the five lines that are called staffs or staves. Some courses compare the lines of the staff to a ladder. The bottom line is low in pitch. As you progress upward, the pitch becomes higher. You will also learn that the space between the lines is very important.
Scales
You will also need to learn about scales. Music comes in eight parts or octaves. After that, the notes repeat themselves. Some courses may have you practice scales with your voice. You may practice them upward or downward. You will learn about key signatures. This basically tells you where to start on the scale. This will get you used to the natural flow of music.
Rhythm and timing
Timing and rhythm are very important. You will need to know what the many signs mean. They may be compared to road signs when driving. Some will tell you to stop. However there are many types of stop or pause signs. Each one tells you to stop for a different amount of time.
Beats will also be a part of your course. You need to know how to properly count music. This can take a lot of practice. You will have to look at time signatures and know how to apply them.
Exercises
You may have a variety of voice exercises to consider. There may be a line of music notes to reproduce. They may be in a scale or not. Practice them until you perform them perfectly.
Difference in courses
Some courses may take you through music theory to learn the fundamentals. Others may have you focus more on the pitch and timing of the notes. The effectiveness of the course may have a great deal to do with the desire of the pupil.
Summary
Sight singing DVDs and videos contain a great deal of information. One of the things you may cover, involves listening to and reproducing notes. You will need to have a good understanding of music theory, also. This can only come with study and practice. Some courses will approach things differently than others. Your desire to achieve success may be the most important factor.
