Solfège: Part III - Learning the Why of the Hand Signs

By now, you've learned the history and benefits of solfege. In Part 3, we focus on tips for mastering solfege hand signs and understanding their meaning!

Helping Your Child Learn Solfege

Initially, the seven syllables and hand sings may seem abstract. With practice, your child will gradually connect the hand signs with their musical meaning. Consistently pairing the hand signs with the syllable and pitch will help solidify these connections over time.

Why these Hand Signs?

The shape of every hand sign communicates and embodies the function of the note in the scale. We also gave your a fun way to remember and engage in a "high-five" with your child in a fun way on each hand sign.

DO: this is the 'home' note. We want DO to feel final, strong, and solid. It is the root of the I or tonic chord.

DO high-five: "Give me a DO-bump!" (Tap knuckles, then explode hands.)

RE: this note leads down to DO, so it's slanted downward. It is the 5th of the V or dominant chord and resolves to DO.

RE high-five: "Let’s make an X-ray!" (Form an X, say “RE”!)

MI: this note is stable, but hovering. MI can end a song. It is the middle note of the I chord and feels final, but not solid.

MI-five: "Give ME a hug!" (Pull hands apart for a hug.)

FA: this note is a 1/2 step above MI, so it points down to MI. FA pulls hard to MI. It is the root of the IV chord and feels a bit floaty.

FA-five: "Here’s a FA-lower for you!" (Create a flower with your hand.)

SOL: this is our second strongest note of the scale (after DO). It is very strong and stable. It is the 5th of the I or tonic chord, and the root of the V or dominant chord.

SOL-five: "Gimme a high-five and a SOL-five!"

LA: this note is stagnant and static. It hangs and hovers with very little energy. It is the root of the vi chord and the 3rd of the IV chord. It floats without driving anywhere.

LA-five: "Show me your cLAw!" (Shake hands like a cat's

claws.)

TI: this is our most active note. It very much wants to resolve up to DO, so it points up to DO! TI is the leading tone of the scale, it leads to DO.

TI-five: "Make a TI-riangle and I’ll tap it!" (Tap the shape like a triangle.)

Have fun making learning and connecting! Engaging your child with positive feelings and enjoyment will strengthen their understanding of solfege, and it will become a valuable tool in their musical journey.

Don’t miss the other parts of the series:

Part II: 7 Reasons We Love it!

Part I: Learning the Notes to Sing

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