Procedure

Vocal Warm-ups:

Begin each session with a series of vocal warm-ups. Repeat each pattern, changing the starting tone by a half-step with each repetition. Warm-ups can move both up and down the scale. Experiment with adjusting the starting pitch and direction across sessions. (See worksheet)

Rounds:

Rounds are an excellent tool for introductory singing. Since each student learns the exact same vocal line, teaching the music moves quickly and efficiently. For each round, the next part enters at the marked letters in the score. (See worksheet)

• By the Waters of Babylon (William Billings)
• C-O-F-F-E-E (German Folk Song)
• Dona Nobis Pacem (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina)
• Heigh Ho (Folk Song)
• Music Alone Shall Live (German Folk Song)
• To the Greenwood (English Folk Song)
• Viva la Musica! (Michael Praetorius)

Two Part Singing:

These songs, written for two part singing, expand students’ knowledge of harmony. There is music sung both a cappella and with piano accompaniment. While slightly more challenging and time consuming to learn, these melodies will prove rewarding to sing and perform. (See worksheet)

• Humming Chorus (Giacomo Puccini)
• Song XIV (Orlando Gibbons)
• Tum Balalaika (Russian Folk Song)