A sense of tonality is a non-verbal understanding of the organization of pitches in relation to each other. It provides the framework for in-tune singing, greater awareness of line and melodic direction in relation to a resting tone, and a foundation for harmonic implications of melody. Experience with a variety of tonalities stimulates the musical mind to attend to the organization of pitches in relation to each other, giving rise to a resting tone. It also leads the musical mind to discover differences across tonalities, and to tune up the voice to the internal awareness of the musical mind.
A single pitch has no meaning. It becomes meaningful only in relation to other pitches. Similarities as well as differences among tonalities become apparent as the resting tone and dominant tone emerge in importance in relationship to other pitches, and characteristic tones identify each tonality. The relationship of pitches to the resting tone distinguishes one tonality from another.
Intellectual definitions of tonalities, note names, and key signatures appeal to the thinking mind. Immersion in various tonalities and engagement with them in movement appeal to the musical mind. The experience of various tonalities creates a “sound environment” in which the musical mind can sort, compare, and draw conclusions about the various tonalities through its own way of knowing, without the interference of the thinking mind. The “logic” of the musical mind is way beyond the thinking mind’s understanding of it.
Movement activates tonal knowing and provides the most effective vehicle for its expression, development, and musical interaction with tonal content. It engages the breath, and with tonal knowing, guides the voice to in-tune singing and energized musical performance. A sense of tonality provides the foundation for all vocal development. The more your students develop a sense of tonality, the more tuneful they will become, the more in-tune their singing will become, and the more they will exhibit what is commonly referred to as a strong sense of pitch.
