Week 6 – Oct 22
Homework – Due Oct 29
1. 🎧 Solfège Practice: “Do Ti Do” and 3’s
- Continue practicing “Do Ti Do” using the video on the website.
- Add the “3’s” exercise video (Do Re Mi, Re Mi Fa, etc.) to your routine.
- New: Use the solfège chart to practice. Point at each word in the scale with your finger while you sing. You’ll be surprised how well this helps you learn quickly!
2. 🎶 Lean on Me – Chorus & Bridge
Use the MIDI and vocal tracks to practice Major 3rd and Perfect 5th harmonies. Start applying the same technique to the bridge.
CHORUS
SEE WEEK 7
BRIDGE
Follow the step-by-step practice instructions: break down the song into parts, switch between harmonies, and sing along with the melody track for better blending.
SEE WEEK 7
BTW The bridge is sung alternating between the Melody (in unison) and Harmony.
- (Melody) You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
- (3 Part Harmony) We all need somebody to lean on
- (Melody) I just might have a problem, that you’ll understand.
- (3 Part Harmony) We all need somebody to lean on
How to Practice “Lean on Me” at Home
Learning each part of the song is easy when you break it down into simple steps. Whether you’re practicing the melody, the Major 3rd harmony, or the Perfect 5th harmony, use this method to master your part:
Step 1: Start Small
- Sing the First Line with the Backing Track:
- “Lean on me, when you’re not strong.”
- Repeat this line 3 times (or more if needed).
- Sing the Same Line Acappella (Without the Backing Track):
- Repeat 3 times.
- Go Back and Repeat Step 1:
- Practice until it feels comfortable. Small, steady steps make it easy!
Step 2: Move to the Next Line
- Sing the Next Line with the Backing Track:
- “And I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on.”
- Repeat 3 times.
- Sing the Same Line Acappella:
- Repeat 3 times.
- Repeat Step 2 Until You’re Confident with It.
Step 3: Put It Together
- Merge the First and Second Lines:
- Sing, “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on,” using the backing track.
- Repeat 3 times.
- Sing Both Lines Acappella:
- Repeat 3 times.
- Go Back to Step 1 and Repeat the Whole Process:
- The repetition helps it stick, and you’ll be surprised how easy it can be!
Continue with the Same Approach for the Rest of the Chorus and Bridge:
- 3rd Line: “For, it won’t be long,”
- 4th Line: “Till I’m gonna need, somebody to lean on.”
- Bridge Lines: Follow the same steps to practice the bridge section until it feels smooth.
Practice Your Harmony Along with the Melody Track
- When practicing your Major 3rd or Perfect 5th harmony, try singing it along with the melody vocal track on the website.
- This will help you hear how your harmony fits with the melody, making it easier to blend when we sing together as a group.
What to Expect When You Finish Practicing:
- You’ll be able to sing the full chorus and bridge confidently, both with and without the backing track.
- Each line will feel natural, making it easier to blend and harmonize during group practice.
- This practice will build muscle memory, so whether you’re singing the melody or harmonies, it’ll come naturally the next time we sing together.
Tip: Take It One Step at a Time!
No matter which part you’re learning, follow these steps, and you’ll see how quickly everything falls into place. This technique works with any song or warmup exercise!
3. 🎄 New Song: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
- We are approaching the halfway mark, so we will start working on a Christmas song.
- “My Lord What a Morning” will have to wait, and we’ll squeeze it in later if there’s time.
- Listen to the melody and sing along. We’ll start working on it next session.
4. 🎯 Interval Practice with Apps
- Continue practicing Unison, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, and Octave intervals on Earpeggio (Musicate) or The Ear Gym.
5. 🎤 How to Stand When Singing
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands by your side, palms on your thighs.
- Stand straight but relaxed, with soft hands, knees, and shoulders.
- Why It Matters:
- Proper posture improves tone, clarity, pitch, and energy.
- Fidgeting or awkward hand placement can distract from your performance.
6. Vocal Vocabulary
- Harmony: Notes sung together to create a richer, fuller sound.
- Interval: The distance between two notes (e.g., Major 3rd or Perfect 5th).
- Bridge: A section of a song that contrasts with the main verses and chorus.
- Solfège: A method of teaching pitch using syllables (Do, Re, Mi, etc.).
- Posture: The way you hold your body while singing, affecting tone and clarity.