A Capella and Tessitura

Did you write your own a cappella song after reading my blogspot from March 22? If so, please share it with us by sending your music to me at: Catherines.Music.Notes@gmail.com

Let me tell you about the different singing voices.

The large groups are soprano, contralto, tenor, and bass. The soprano is the high voice. The contralto (called alto) is lower then the soprano and usually harmonizes to the melody that the soprano usually sings. These are mostly women's voice, or unchanged male voices. The two men's voice groups are tenor and bass. The tenor is the higher and the bass is low. Sometimes women with a lower sound quality to their voice are considered being tenor.

Tessitura is the range in which a given voice has it's best timbre and texture. In other words, where the sound of that voice sounds it's best. Some people sound better higher and others sound better lower. So, the tessitura helps a conductor or teacher decide what part of the music you would sound better singing.

Parents should be aware that often times music teachers in school will put your child who sings soprano in the alto section if they have a quick ear or know how to read music. This can be a good thing because then your child learns to hear a part other then melody. But many times it can hurt your child's voice and also their confidence in singing. Many times adults who sang alto as a child will just say they can't sing high. So please talk to your girl if the teacher puts her in the alto section. If she gets sore throats, have her stop singing alto. Remember that the music teacher is looking out for the sound and good of the group, not always each individual child. If you have a question about this you can email me, or talk with someone in your town who can help you assess you child's voice.

Learn about the word "tessitura".

If you have a question you would like me to answer about learning music, please email me at Catherines.Music.Notes@gmail.com or Music.By.Catherine@gmail.com

Catherine

"Music lessons should be about the student. Each student learns in different ways, and at different speeds. Music is a journey, and on that journey we will work and learn together - Catherine

Books with CDs include:

Impressions Volume One and Two

Marches

CDs include:
Wedding Bells

Lullabies

http://sites.google.com/site/musicbycatherine

www.ShoutLife.com/ClassyKeys

http://catherinesmusicnotes.blogspot.com

April's Questions and Answers

1. How many people are in an orchestra?
The numbers vary depending on the work that is being played. There can be up to 100 people in an orchestra. A chamber orchestra has up to 50 people. The full size orchestra is called a symphony orchestra or Philharmonic Orchestra.

When I was a little girl, I thought that Phil owned that harmonic orchestra up in Boston. I was very glad it was harmonic too. And I thought that Phil only owned one, so I was quite confused when I found out that there was one in London too.

2. What is Classical Music?
It is a particular period of time in the history of music. This time period is from 1750 to 1820. A few composers of the time period are Hayden, Mozart, and Beethoven. It was melodic and elegant music, and written oftentimes for dances. Music prior to the Classical Era was of a more heavy, formal nature. Today many composers will compose in Classical Style, even though the Classical Era is over.

If you have a question you would like me to answer about learning music or about music please email me at Catherines.Music.Notes@gmail.com or Music.By.Catherine@gmail.com


Catherine

"Music lessons should be about the student. Each student learns in different ways, and at different speeds. Music is a journey, and on that journey, we will work and learn together." - Catherine

Books with CDs include:
Impressions Volume One and Two
Marches

CDs include:
Wedding Bells
Lullabies

http://sites.google.com/site/musicbycatherine
www.ShoutLife.com/ClassyKeys
http://catherinesmusicnotes.blogspot.com

April's Discovery Page

"April showers bring May Flowers" is a saying that has been around for centuries.

Find out the answers to these questions and then see how many of your family and friends know the answers. (Answers can be found at the bottom of this page.)

1. What year was this saying first said?

2. Who first wrote the poem "April showers bring May flowers?

More Discovery

Tempo in Music is the speed of the of a composition. The tempo is measured according to beats per minute.

3. If the month of April was to be put to a tempo, what tempo do you think it would be and why?

4. The word shower is used in the saying for the rain. Does that make you feel like the rain is coming down hard or soft?

5. Write your own poem about April Showers bringing May Flowers. Then set it to music. You may submit your song to Catherines.Music.Notes@gmail.com

If you have a question or questions you would like me to answer about learning music please email me at Catherines.Music.Notes@gmail.com or Music.By.Catherine@gmail.com

Catherine

"Music lessons should be about the student. Each student learns in different ways, and at different speeds. Music is a journey, and on that journey, we will work and learn together." - Catherine

Books with CDs include:
Impressions Volume One and Two
Marches
CDs include:
Wedding Bells
Lullabies

http://sites.google.com/site/musicbycatherine
www.ShoutLife.com/ClassyKeys
http://catherinesmusicnotes.blogspot.com


Answers
1. 1557 - it was a poem.
2. Thomas Tusser

April's Notes For Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Use pots and pans and other kitchen items to make a rhythm band with your young child. Then listen to this march music and play your rhythm instruments (pots and pans) with the music. You can even march around as you play.

Click here to listen and play along with the march.

Have your young child draw pictures of drums. Perhaps look online to find out about different types of drums.

Remember to go to my website http://sites.google.com/site/musicbycatherine for musical activities to do with your preschooler. Look under Preschool Music.

Have Fun!!!

If you have a question you would like me to answer about learning music please email me at Catherines.Music.Notes@gmail.com or Music.By.Catherine@gmail.com

Catherine
"Music lessons should be about the student. Each student learns in different ways, and at different speeds. Music is a journey, and on that journey, we will work and learn together." - Catherine

Books with CDs include:
Impressions Volume One and Two
Marches
CDs include:
Wedding Bells
Lullabies

http://sites.google.com/site/musicbycatherine
www.ShoutLife.com/ClassyKeys
http://catherinesmusicnotes.blogspot.com