Singing School - Curriculum

Curriculum

The basic subjects taught at singing schools are music theory and sight reading (the ability to sing a piece of music on first reading). Most religious schools also focus extensively on song leading, the ability to direct a group in vocal music. Song leading requires both music theory skills and public speaking skills. Most song leading classes are open to both genders, but some schools are associated with Christian religious traditions that allow only male leadership and therefore only offer such classes to males. In addition, many schools teach composition and ear training.

Sacred Harp singing schools use one or more of the 20th century editions of The Sacred Harp as curriculum. Some of these schools are one-day workshops held in conjunction with a singing convention. The emphasis is on teaching newcomers and advanced musicians the note system and traditions of Sacred Harp.

Many singing schools have published their own small textbooks on music theory, harmony, and song and lyric composition. These are often offered to students as part of the tuition charge of the school. At some schools, students are also obliged to purchase a pitch pipe, a small instrument that sounds a single note. Primitive Baptists commonly practice pitching by ear, instead of with the pitch pipe. Southern gospel schools use the piano as accompaniment and do not use pitch pipes.

It is common for students to continue to return to their singing school year after year, even after completing the entire curriculum the school offers, for additional practice as well as for the social opportunity the school represents. Many singing school students eventually become teachers. Though singing schools are not as prominent today as they were, for many people they are still an important yearly event.