Solfège Systems

Objectives

• Student will understand the difference between fixed do and moveable do
• Student will understand the difference between moveable do-based and (la)-based systems
• Students will be able to label diatonic melodies (major, minor, and modal) with various solfège systems
• Students will be able to label chromatic melodies with moveable do-based solfege
• Students will learn Kodaly/Curwen handsignals for solmization
• Students will comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of each system
• Students will be introduced to Indian and Maqam solmization

Resources

Readings

• Tobey, A Feeling for Harmony: Chapter 1K - Singing with Solfege
• Kaulkin, "The Case for Moveable Do in Classroom Musicianship."
• Handout: Solfege Systems
• Music Theory Tutor: Solfege Hand Signs
• Clark County Children's Choir: Chromatic Solfege Handsigns
• Vandergraff, Dynamic Music Room: "What is the purpose of Solfege Hand Signs?"
• Sadhana, Raag Hindustani: "Demystifying Indian Classical Music: The Notes in an Octave."

Instructor References

• McNaught, "The History and Uses of Sol-Fa Syllables." (Proceedings of the Musical Association 19, 1893: 35-51).
  

Class Activities

• Explanation of fixed and moveable do systems using major scales and melodies
• Explanation of fixed, moveable do-based and la-based minor systems with a minor scale/melody
• Explanation of systems using modal melodies
• Singing of short melodic excerpts with different solmizations
• Singing of melodies from solfege (no notation)
• Demonstration/contrast of tonal systems using Indian and Maqam solmizations

Assignments

• Labeling of melodic segments with solfège