ChoralEd: Self-Efficacy and Pitch Matching

Self-efficacy (one’s belief in their ability to succeed) is an important component when establishing a positive and productive choral environment.  In Episode 33 of ChoralEd, Dr. Greg LeFils describes methods for developing self-efficacy and pitch matching skills in the choral ensemble.

An inability to match pitch can lead to negative self-perceptions of musical ability resulting in a low sense of self-efficacy. Unfortunately for choral educators, students with negative self-perceptions of their musical ability often quit music.

To build self-efficacy, LeFils suggests the following strategies,

1. Set clear goals and expectations
2. Provide feedback and reinforcement
3. Promote teamwork and collaboration
4. Offer opportunities for leadership and personal growth
5. Teach effort and persistence
6. Assign students to the correct voice part and select music of the appropriate difficulty
7. Promote a positive and inclusive culture
8. Foster a growth mindset

To improve pitch matching skills, LeFils utilizes an approach developed by Dr. Alan McClung that develops pitch recognition through a positive and affirming sequence that also builds a student’s confidence.  This process begins with the student singing a note of their choice, with the teacher matching the pitch produced by the student. By doing this the student is immediately successful and reaffirmed of their musical ability.  Expanding on this initial step, the teacher then produces a pitch (within the known range of the student) that the student matches. Step three asks the student to slide up or down to a specified note provided by the teacher.  Finally, step four utilizes repeated pitches to develop muscle memory for the designated pitch.

For a full discussion of this method watch ChoralEd, Episode 33 on YouTube.