We are a Christian singing school in central Pennsylvania that utilizes the shaped note method of music notation. We seek to (1) preserve the tradition of hymns and gospel music, (2) spread the practice of assigning solfege (Do, Re, Mi, etc.) to shaped music note heads, and (3) share the joy of traditional convention-style singing. However, our greatest desire is to glorify God through excellence in music.
About The Shaped Note Method of Music Notation
Shaped notes are a method of musical notation that enables people with no musical knowledge to learn to read and sing music with minimal time and training. It can also improve the sight reading skills of someone who already has musical training. It does this by using shaped note heads to indicate relative pitch corresponding to the solfege syllables (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, and ti). To read round notes, a person must learn key signatures, treble and bass clefs, all the lines and spaces, and rhythm notation. Then, he must become proficient at recognizing intervals on the staff and remembering how each one sounds. With shaped notes, one simply needs to learn the seven scale tones, the shape assigned to each one, and rhythm notation. With this method, someone who previously had no musical knowledge can learn the basics of sight-reading in only a week. Additionally, someone who already knows something about music or sight reading can drastically improve his skills. Shaped notes are a helpful bridge to round notes, as they help students to learn the sound of intervals.
Why Learn to Read Music?
Music is a channel with which we can bring honor and glory to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Certainly, we can praise God without knowing how to read music; however, musical training helps us to pursue excellence for the glory of God. In Colossians 3:23, it is commanded, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Therefore, we want to sing and play as well as we possibly can for His glory. Musical training equips a person to serve in his church by helping to lead singing or by improving the quality of his church’s congregational singing. Additionally, the ability to read music gives us a tool for hiding biblical truth in our hearts, provided we are careful to choose songs that align with scripture. Learning shaped notes reminds Christians of the rich heritage of music that has been written and sung in the church through the years, and equips us to sing new songs. Finally, praising our Lord through singing unites believers of various ages and denominations in our common faith in Christ.