*~*~*poof*~*~* asked:


My youngest his been graced with natural ability, and has expressed sincere desire to learn. He doesn’t want to be another “Kidz Bop” casualty. I can train him on technique (diaphragm breathing, vocal range, note accuracy, music theory, etc.), but have never been good where reading sheet music (sight singing) is concerned.

Are there any online resources that:

1) can assist me in better reading of sheet music, and

2) have a decent selection of secular children’s songs beyond nursery rhyme and playground fare?

Thanks in advance. My son and I appreciate your help.
Thanks to all who’ve answered thus far. It seems a little additional info is needed. I am an experienced singer who’s performed solo, in choirs, chamber groups, in musicals, and done both stage and studio work for various bands. Some of the more notable places I’ve sung are DAR Constitution Hall and the Kennedy Center.

My only challenges in teaching my six y/o to sing are those listed in the initial inquiry. For voice coaches, I am well aware of the inherent risks of misuse and outright abuse of one’s vocal cords (nodes, etc.). Seen it happen to too many others and wouldn’t risk anyone’s gifts in such a manner. ;oD

We are very rural (Ozarks). Online resources are presently this family’s only viable option. Thanks again. Namaste.

Learn How to Sight Read Music

hello asked:


I can understand notes on the music scale, and how to read them, but i have a test tomorrow over sight reading in choir and i need to be able to simply look at a note and know what it is. Is there any way I can practice this? I need a lot of help.
(do re me fa so la ti do)

How to Sight Read Music

. asked:


I am in seventh grade, and about 3 1/2 weeks ago I moved into a new school. A few days after I had joined choir, one of my friends told me about regional choir. I found it interesting, so I joined–and now….i has questions. It is not the sight reading kind of regionals. They give you 5 pieces of music and you have to sing certain part of the music in each piece. They give you a CD, so yah. The choir I am apart of is in Texas.

Kayz, here we go.
If I use vibrato, will it count towards or against my score(or whatever they base it on)?
When I’m counting, does my timing have to be EXACTLY at the point it is supposed to? (Like, how is it supposed to work out?)
What are some things that the judges take away points from?
What are some things that the judges look for?

I am a soprano 2, so how am I supposed to make sure I don’t go into Soprano 1 or alto, because my teacher says that I go into soprano 1 too much, and I do practice with the CD, but I forget how to sing the note I’m supposed to sing. If you know what I mean.

Some tips on nervousness?

Am I able to use my lyrics, or am I supposed to memorize my lyrics….I need my notes, so if they take my notes away, what do you recommend?

Please no dumb answers!

How to Sight Read Music Hub

Sara asked:


Hey guys, I am auditioning for northern regionals, an honors chorus, band, and orchestra this Saturday for voice. I have to sing scales, Alma Del Corre, and sight read. i would like to know how to prepare. I have the music for the song, and I have practiced the scales, and I have done sight reading in chorus class. But my teacher gave me a cd of the song in the wrong key, and I have been practicing with it. So now I think I am screwed. CRAP>PLEASE HELP!!!

Sight Reading Secrets Revealed

Katya asked:


What would be the best way to self-teach how to sight-read and be able to sing pitch to sheet music?

I’ve been doing choir for a couple of years now and I’m missing out on the opportunity to be promoted to a higher level because I’m unable to sight-read and sing pitch from sheet music. I really want to move up, and everyone else in the class has taken singing lessons and things as children or when they were younger so we don’t cover much in class of that. (Weird to me I think, since we don’t learn that in class but are expected to learn! D: I’m willing to work for it though)

What Top Musicians Know About Sight Reading Music