After years of family singing in private, we found ourselves performing for others in various situations. Our youngest, TJ, was 6. Mostly these opportunities were small: singing a blessing as “thanks” to a family with whom we had spent the night on a road-trip or singing a before-dinner prayer around a table. Other requests were larger, like singing for 200 people who had gathered to fill Thanksgiving baskets in our community or for the congregation at church on Christmas Eve – where we sang this favorite Norwegian carol, Wonderful Peace.
No matter the occasion, we discovered something wonderful. People from all walks of life respond to a family who has invested the time together to learn to sing in harmony! Just last week I chuckled with glee to listen (on You Tube) to an English family of 6 (kids from age 6-16) sing a Les Mis ensemble piece with a hysterical CV-19 quarantine text! Some close family friends years ago chose to sing in gospel style when they developed their family’s repertoire. I’ve recently seen posts from a few Millikin University alums of their younger families singing together, with all sorts of joy and personality. Because of our obvious passion for choral music, Brad and I became most interested in harmonizing together, a cappella.
We’ve been asked if there was some methodology that we used as a guide. For us it was something very organic, consistent and simple – beginning with songs passed down from our own parents. Just as our folks found, sharing our love for group singing with our children was just as easy as loving and nurturing them in the first place.
But since we were asked, we have attempted to codify (in a simple sequence) the process we used and include some of the resources from our own profession. The specific order of steps we have laid out need not be strictly observed, but joyously investigated together. We certainly went back and forth between these steps as the mood dictated. Hopefully this outline and the related suggestions and tools I’ll share will assist your family in developing vocal independence for each member.
6 Steps to Harmony:
- Matching Pitch (Unison Songs…developing Pitch Awareness)
- Echo Songs
- Rounds and Canons
- Partner Songs
- Simple Part Songs
- Singing in Parts
A straightforward method – just perfect for young ones learning to use their own voices. And – it works! Not only do Brad and I have great memories of the process, but now my own grandkids are beginning to discover the joy of moving from gustily sung melody in unison to echo and partner songs. I can see the pride and fun (even over FaceTime) of being able to sing their own melody with mom. In fact, just like her mommy used to, 3-year old Elli resists singing in unison (too blasé!). However, the draw for her is impossible to resist when she has her OWN song to sing at the same time as mom’s! Her 4-year old cousin Everett’s eyes shine as well, although he would like to start composing his OWN song to fit The Instruments theme. (Why not a guitar?!) Sure – they sometimes pause or get lost! That is part of the fun. Brad remembers his own first attempt to sing with his family, as the youngest. He plugged both ears while shouting out his melody, in order to stay “on tune.” That’s the challenge. At times it falls apart and we begin again – but these are chances to laugh together and applaud each other at arriving successfully at the final note.
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