In the Atlanta
Youth Choir, practice includes, but is not limited to, any of the
following strategies:
- Singing the
music, with or without an mp3 file
- Chanting the
rhythm of the music
- Playing vocal
parts on the piano or any other instrument
- Clapping the
rhythm of vocal parts
- Listening to an
mp3 or CD while following the musical score
- Pronouncing the
words
- Memorizing vocal
parts through repetition
- Studying the
music silently while hearing it in your head (Audiation)
- Writing
solfegé, rhythm syllables, or other markings on the score
- Numbering the
measures of a musical score (Only counts with music that is brand new.)
- Translating
songs from a foreign language to English
- Researching the
history behind a song’s composition
Repetition is an important component of practicing. It is only through
extensive repetition that young artists can transfer new concepts into
habitual behavior. When practicing, repeat “small passages” of music
many times and use critical thinking/hearing skills to make
improvements. Successful choirs are filled with singers who have become
musicians through consistent practice.
