ChoralEd: Sight-Reading, Fixed-Do

In ChoralEd Episode 23, Jo Ann Antinone discusses the fixed-do sight-reading method.  The fixed-do approach is occasionally viewed by choral directors as intimidating and complex, but through sequential instruction, this method becomes very accessible to students.  According to Mrs. Antinone, the fixed-do instructional sequence should begin with the key of “F” for treble voices and “G” for tenor-bass voices.  When starting with these key signatures, the teacher should introduce the major scale as “Sol to Sol” or “Fa to Fa,” as opposed to “Do to Do.”

As students familiarize themselves with the foundational elements of sight-reading, the teacher should remain in the key of “F” or “G” for a considerable amount of time before introducing a new key signature.  To further reinforce learning and familiarity with solfège, Mrs. Antinone selects performance repertoire in these keys. 

After students become comfortable with these introductory key signatures, the teacher can introduce the keys of “C,” “D,” and “Bb,” sequentially adding one sharp or flat to the keys of “F” and “G”.  According to Mrs. Antinone, after becoming familiar with these new key signatures, students begin to fully grasp the concept of fixed-do and begin to recognize intervallic patterns more quickly.

To watch ChoralEd, Episode 23 on YouTube click HERE

To listen to ChoralEd, Episode 23 on Apple Podcasts click HERE