Immersion and interaction in various meters and tonalities and experience with Art Songs and Gem Songs provide the foundation for music learning and the development of children’s artistry, whatever the age of the children. 5-8 year old children without this experience need the same musical content as their younger counterparts. 5-8 year old children who have been raised on meters, tonalities, Art Songs and Gem Songs are ready not only for unison singing, but also to function as a choral ensemble. As they cross the bridge to choral singing, whether spontaneously or over time, these little musicians hold their own as young choristers.
There is nothing quite like non-auditioned, musically competent kindergarten and first graders, whose rhythmic, in-tune, singing and choral sound belies their small stature. Their musicality, expression, and developing vocal technique are far beyond their peers. Their driving momentum and clean articulation is simply the vocalization of what they have created in movement while singing, while their lovely little choral sound is the delivery of their developed tonal audiation. Their poise, focus, and confidence parallels that of older children, while their innocence speaks for itself. Art Songs and Gem Songs in the higher singing range serve children at this age and for years to come.
Second graders with this background match the sound and musicality of a chorus of older children who have been trained with meters, tonalities, Art Songs and Gem Songs. The only factor that can elude second graders is getting all the words of longer or more difficult songs.
Imagine a chorus of children who sing rhythmically, with the momentum of meter, whatever the meter. Imagine a chorus of children who sing in-tune, whatever the tonality. Imagine a chorus of musically focused children whose sound is lovely and whose vocal technique does not have to be coached. Imagine a chorus of children whose innocence and musicality are expressed through musically sophisticated, age appropriate songs that stimulate both choral sound and artistry. Imagine a chorus of your own children.
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