Post on reading assignment for chapters 1,2, 3, and interludes A, B, and C from Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults by Jenevora Williams.

Comments:

1) I liked Interlude B on the learning process. It really shows that there are several steps to learning and several aspects that factor in. She states 7 stages of learning each focusing on something different. I don't think however that every child's brain works easy like this and that some kids are going to have more trouble in certain areas than others.

2) I enjoyed reading on the physical development and changes in kids. Being a music school teacher you are going to be faced with kids of all ages wanting to sing and it is important to understand what physical changes they might be going through. They are developing and you are going to want to know how to properly approach teaching them how to sing depending on where they are in developing so that they do not damage their voice.


Questions:

1) It says in chapter 1 that younger singers should avoid extended singing on pitches, or singing loudly or passages with fast notes, or singing long phrases, or any combination of these. I know it is important for their vocal health to develop their voice at a certain pace so that you do not damage it. However, we also see very young singers who are incredible and sing just as well as some adults. Are these kids damaging their voice or are they further developed than usual young children?

2) In the interlude A section it mentions that no child born able to sing in tune and that everyone needs to learn it. I liked this statement cause a lot of teachers would just say that the student is tone deaf. Why does it come faster to some kids than it does for others? Is it possible to have kids that can not match pitch at all?