Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a rehearsal, wishing you had a secret window into your singers’ minds?[i] A way to see, not just hear, if they’re truly grasping the music? If so, you may want to consider incorporating Curwen hand signs. For those unfamiliar, Curwen hand signs are a system of hand shapes that correspond to the solfège syllables (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti). Developed by John Curwen and later adapted by Zoltán Kodály, these signs offer a physical representation of pitch, creating a powerful link between the auditory, the visual, and the kinesthetic.
There are three primary advantages of Curwen hand signs in the choral classroom: assessment, rhythmic pulse, and kinesthetic connection.
Assessment – Hand signs are a silent, efficient, and incredibly effective way to assess understanding in real-time. A quick glance across the choir will instantly reveal who is confident with the solfège and who is struggling. Specifically, with hand signs teachers can observe any hesitation, incorrect pitches, and confusion on the part of the student, providing the teacher with invaluable data.
Rhythmic Pulse – Hand signs provide a tangible, physical method for internalizing the rhythmic pulse. It’s a simple way to promote rhythmic integrity in an ensemble. This is especially beneficial in a cappella singing or in contest situations where performers are not permitted to produce an audible pulse.
Kinesthetic Connection – When a singer forms a hand sign, they are not just performing a rote action; they are physically embodying the pitch. This kinesthetic link reinforces the neural pathways between the hand, the eye, and the ear, creating a much deeper and more lasting understanding of pitch relationships. For singers who struggle with pitch accuracy, the physical act of placing the notes in space can help them to “feel” the intervals and to find their pitch with greater confidence and accuracy.
Curwen hand signs are not a gimmick or a shortcut, but a powerful pedagogical tool that can transform your rehearsals and empower your singers. They can serve as a powerful rehearsal tool for assessing student understanding, building rhythmic integrity, and enhancing pitch relationships.
[i] The AI platform Google Gemini was consulted for portions of this blog entry.
Jena Dickey says
Thanks for the reminder of effective hand sign use. However, you neglected to give credit to Sarah Glover who invented the sol-fa system that John Curwen further developed with hand signs. Again, the woman did the ground work, the guy added something to it and got full credit. True fact. ~ Jena Dickey, Young Voices of Colorado and Sing A Mile High Choral Festival for Children and Youth Choirs, Denver Colorado.