Written by Meg Chittenden, published by Waldorf Publications
If you have ever struggled with harmony singing, at home and in the classroom, this new book is for you. Meg Chittenden has crafted a wonderful guide to developing the skill of harmony singing. She has composed it to appeal to experienced singers as well, so everyone can benefit from this multi-faceted song book.
Many people find harmony singing difficult, and it just sort of happens or doesn't. Some classrooms weave rich tapestries of multi-part singing as children get older. But sometimes it just doesn't happen. It can be that the teacher hasn't had much experience or that s/he doesn't feel comfortable leading it. What about at home or in a home school setting? And some talented singers can find it difficult to teach harmony singing. This is exactly the background which the author has taken as her starting point.
There are 32 songs, with copious notes for teachers and singers. They range from the simplest entries into harmony singing to selections to challenge older students. There's a cornucopia of songs from around the world to expand every musical horizon.
Country Life is a good example of the possibilities for working with a songs from the book through the grades. It is an ideal song for 3rd or even 4th grade in unison. It's in a major key and is one of the archetypal portrayals of the English countryside life and the rhythm of the year. The song is easily revisited a couple of years later and a second harmony part is added. It can then be revisited again after a couple of years and both the other harmony parts can be added for a full four-part harmony. Want to hear the Watersons sing Country Life? Just click here.
What really comes through is Meg's intention to bring people together in song. Her thorough teaching and background notes are driven by a heartfelt wish to hear singing brought back into families and communities. Meg's gradual approach will guide the beginner to successes hitherto unimagined.
There are many hours of teaching tracks. You can hear the individual parts by voice, as well as the full harmony version. That really helps!
For anyone looking to broaden their musical experiences and for teachers looking to introduce harmony singing in the classroom, this book is a gem.
Order the book now from Waldorf Publications and get the teaching tracks on a CD, instead of an audio download. It's on sale at the moment and 25% less expensive than on amazon. Just click here for more info.
Reviewed by David Kennedy, Waldorf Today
Meg Chittenden infuses such joy into her teaching that one cannot keep from singing! She has been the music teacher for our teachers-in-training for many years. In addition to lovely children's songs and games, she enlivens everyone with stunningly beautiful and fun songs that appeal to all ages. Rounds, harmony, chants - such depth and breadth - and yes, JOY! Our students, many of whom start the training saying they cannot sing, leave filled to the brim and capable. I often hear them singing through the day during breaks, and eagerly sharing from their bounty at graduation. Meg is marvelous!' - Cynthia Aldinger, Founder, Pedagogical Coordinator and Author LifeWays North America
'If you have never had the opportunity to sing in harmony or to learn great songs, now is your chance! Meg has made it possible for anyone to take up singing with this wonderful collection of songs, complete with harmonies to help you make beautiful music with others. It is time to raise our voices! Thank you Meg!' - Carol Kelly, Music Instructor, Waldorf Teacher Training Program Antioch University
If you have ever struggled with harmony singing, at home and in the classroom, this new book is for you. Meg Chittenden has crafted a wonderful guide to developing the skill of harmony singing. She has composed it to appeal to experienced singers as well, so everyone can benefit from this multi-faceted song book.
Many people find harmony singing difficult, and it just sort of happens or doesn't. Some classrooms weave rich tapestries of multi-part singing as children get older. But sometimes it just doesn't happen. It can be that the teacher hasn't had much experience or that s/he doesn't feel comfortable leading it. What about at home or in a home school setting? And some talented singers can find it difficult to teach harmony singing. This is exactly the background which the author has taken as her starting point.
There are 32 songs, with copious notes for teachers and singers. They range from the simplest entries into harmony singing to selections to challenge older students. There's a cornucopia of songs from around the world to expand every musical horizon.
Country Life is a good example of the possibilities for working with a songs from the book through the grades. It is an ideal song for 3rd or even 4th grade in unison. It's in a major key and is one of the archetypal portrayals of the English countryside life and the rhythm of the year. The song is easily revisited a couple of years later and a second harmony part is added. It can then be revisited again after a couple of years and both the other harmony parts can be added for a full four-part harmony. Want to hear the Watersons sing Country Life? Just click here.
What really comes through is Meg's intention to bring people together in song. Her thorough teaching and background notes are driven by a heartfelt wish to hear singing brought back into families and communities. Meg's gradual approach will guide the beginner to successes hitherto unimagined.
There are many hours of teaching tracks. You can hear the individual parts by voice, as well as the full harmony version. That really helps!
For anyone looking to broaden their musical experiences and for teachers looking to introduce harmony singing in the classroom, this book is a gem.
Order the book now from Waldorf Publications and get the teaching tracks on a CD, instead of an audio download. It's on sale at the moment and 25% less expensive than on amazon. Just click here for more info.
Reviewed by David Kennedy, Waldorf Today
Meg Chittenden infuses such joy into her teaching that one cannot keep from singing! She has been the music teacher for our teachers-in-training for many years. In addition to lovely children's songs and games, she enlivens everyone with stunningly beautiful and fun songs that appeal to all ages. Rounds, harmony, chants - such depth and breadth - and yes, JOY! Our students, many of whom start the training saying they cannot sing, leave filled to the brim and capable. I often hear them singing through the day during breaks, and eagerly sharing from their bounty at graduation. Meg is marvelous!' - Cynthia Aldinger, Founder, Pedagogical Coordinator and Author LifeWays North America
'If you have never had the opportunity to sing in harmony or to learn great songs, now is your chance! Meg has made it possible for anyone to take up singing with this wonderful collection of songs, complete with harmonies to help you make beautiful music with others. It is time to raise our voices! Thank you Meg!' - Carol Kelly, Music Instructor, Waldorf Teacher Training Program Antioch University
