Solfege 101- BRIM-Breath Impulse Method: 

If you need to begin with just the basic Solfege-Do,Re,Mi Syllables, this video series is for you :)  It goes though the 8 notes of the Major Scale: just click “play,” wait for 4 clicks and sing along! 

Why do I recommend utilizing Solfege for all areas of Music Education? I taught band for 30+ years and found during those years that my students best succeeded when their instruction began with singing in Solfege. Simultaneously, they were introduced to the basic breathing-embouchure concepts of counting, tizzling, & buzzing all while singing on pitch*.  Although instrument matching was done several different ways during my career, the most successful process was with two teachers (both Brass Players) working together 4 to 6 weeks at the beginning of the 6th grade year. We utilized a band room and adjoining portable classroom. During this time, one teacher introduced tone-production for brass instruments while the second teacher did woodwinds and percussion. A marimba and piano became primary tools for getting students to sing while using worksheets.  Later, an overhead CPU projector, followed even later by a Smartboard, helped students visualize the keyboard and learn the major scale via Solfege. (*I implemented variations on this process when teaching Chorus and Strings.)

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We highly recommend the Division of Beat Method be used to start beginners. Also, listening to the (Division of Beat) Tape is invaluable at any time in one’s career, especially for music education majors and first-time teachers preparing to teach beginners. We believe listening to the Division of Beat Method Tape will revolutionize one’s teaching.

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We have taken the extra step of creating audio visual worksheets which may prove quite valuable via online distance learning/teaching as well as upon return to full classes / rehearsals. CPU Projector or Smartboards can be most useful in this process. 

 

We suggest singing on-pitch whenever possible, rather than monotone off-pitch counting.  The pulse-vibrato utilized here helps teach & reinforce breathing concepts, tone production, pitch matching and ear training. When “mouthpiece matching” beginners, our personal goal was to have students be able to sing a Major Scale in Solfege. 

 

Most especially, to be able to sing 'Ti-Do', the 7th-8th Scale Degrees. Brass players should be able to buzz this interval on mouthpieces alone. Simultaneously, Woodwinds need to master fundamentals of reed assembly & tone production with mouthpiece-headjoint alone, but also need to recognize & sing a major scale. Thus, when starting with full instruments, tone-production, pitch control, and intonation issues will be minimized. Additionally, basic concepts of rhythm, pulse, note values, and counting will have been covered once, especially if these BRIM worksheets are utilized from early-on in the process.   

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Suggestions and requests are welcome and encouraged as we continue to seek more efficient methods of teaching, especially during this time of pandemic. 

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