A Method for Studying Sightsinging Melodies

 

  1. Make as many observations about the melody as you possibly can. Even the most basic observation will serve you.
    1. Key signature
    2. Time signature
    3. Number of measures
    4. Conjunct or disjunct motion
    5. Range of the melody
    6. Starting and ending notes
    7. Basic shape of the melody
    8. Repeated notes
    9. Accidentals

What else?

 

  1. Clap the rhythm.
  2. Sing the melody using solfeggio syllables.
  3. Copy the melody down on manuscript paper.
  4. Sing the melody again (reading off of your manuscript paper).
  5. Dictation. Have someone play or sing the melody and, without looking at the music, write down what you hear on a new sheet of manuscript paper.
  6. Sing the melody again.