Shape notes are a musical notation designed to facilitate congregational and social singing. The notation became a popular teaching device in American singing schools during the 19th century.

Nineteenth century American song books that used notes in different shapes to aid singers and teach singing came to be known as "shape-note hymnals" and the style of singing from these "shape-note …

Shape-note singing schools, held by itinerant singing masters in cabins, schools, and churches, taught thousands of families the rudiments of music in energetic a cappella three- and four-part harmony …

Shape notes are a variant system of Western musical notation whereby the note heads are printed in distinct shapes to indicate their scale degree and solmization syllable (fa, sol, la, etc.).

Some singings begin with an actual lesson, an introduction to the shapes and a first opportunity to join one's voice to the antique harmonies of the songs. We intend this issue of Smithsonian in Your …

An old tradition that is alive and well in the Great Smoky Mountains, shape note or "Old Harp" singing blends a unique singing style with tunes from the old world.

Learn the Essentials of Shape Note Singing Discover captivating visuals that capture the spirit of our singing community.

Aug 15, 2023 · This research guide provides an introduction to the documentation of shape-note singing and the publication of the Sacred Harp through activities such as fieldwork, interpretation and …

Mar 27, 2009 · Shape-note singers collectively sightread a form of solfege or solmization known as "fasola" before singing the words of each song. Different notes appear in standard musical notation …

Technically, our style of singing is “shape note singing” because the musical notation uses note heads in 4 distinct shapes to aid in sight-reading, but it is often called “Sacred Harp” singing because the …