Dr. Chuck Neufeld Lander University CHILD VOICE

 We Learn to Sing by Doing  Much More Than Talent: Vocal Development is a Process  We Work Through Developmental Problems HOW DO WE LEARN TO SING?

WE LEARN TO SING BY DOING

 Learning to sing is a process of trial and error An arduous way to learn Learning that has the longest lasting results Once learned, singing is with you forever WE LEARN TO SING BY DOING

 Give children immediate feedback and encouragement  Give children good models to see and to hear WE LEARN TO SING BY DOING

 Give children a classroom culture that values and affirms singing without spectacle--a culture where: Singing is fun Singing is a natural expression of our lives Singing is not reserved only for performance Performance is healthy and considers context, style, and repertoire WE LEARN TO SING BY DOING

MUCH MORE THAN TALENT: VOCAL DEVELOPMENT IS A PROCESS

 Pre-singer Chanting (no designated pitch) Rhythmic chanting and repetition of words and rhymes Pitch is of no concern VOCAL DEVELOPMENT IS A PROCESS

 Speaking Range Singer Range from A3 to C4 Rhythmic chanting may persist Pitch recognition begins (high vs. low) VOCAL DEVELOPMENT IS A PROCESS

 Limited Range Singer Range from D4 to F#4 Rhythmic chanting may be present Pitch contrast (high vs. low) may or may not be present Head voice is not present  Needs encouragement  Needs head voice modeling VOCAL DEVELOPMENT IS A PROCESS

 Initial Range Singer Range from C4 to A4 Refinement of technique is beginning Range can begin to expand VOCAL DEVELOPMENT IS A PROCESS

 Singer Range from A3 to D5 Refinement of technique continues Pitch matching becomes more definite Confidence may build VOCAL DEVELOPMENT IS A PROCESS

WE WORK THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

 Out of Tune Singer Does not follow melodic direction Needs to recognize high vs. low contrast WE WORK THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

 Directional Singer Direction of melody is correct, pitch matching is incorrect Needs modeling and repetition Solfege and interval recognition can help WE WORK THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

 Transposing Singer Intervals are correct, but begins on wrong pitch (often P4 off) Needs to be met in key of transposition and taken up or down slowly WE WORK THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

 Pattern Singer Only short patterns of 2-3 pitches are correct Needs modeling and repetition Take up or down slowly as needed WE WORK THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

 Accurate Singer Sings steps and skips with accuracy Encourage them like crazy (Yeah! Keep going!) WE WORK THROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

TIPS TO HELP THE VOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

 Sing every day  Sing together, in small groups, and individually  Find songs for everyday expressions  Assess informally TIPS TO HELP THE VOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

 Hum, use kazoos  Use other instruments  Be a vocal model (what kind will you be?)  Men must sing in falsetto  Do Siren activities TIPS TO HELP THE VOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

 Build a repertoire of songs in your classroom TIPS TO HELP THE VOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Dr. Chuck Neufeld Lander University CHILD VOICE