Sound Shape
In the previous blog, I wrote about how “Directional Reading” revolutionized the way I read music and the importance of the landmark (guideposts) notes. Today I would like to explore the building blocks of the music- the “Sound Shape.”
After learning the guideposts, the next step is to identify patterns (for example: steps and skips) and how the patterns relate to the guideposts. Good sight-readers possess the ability to quickly recognize shape and pattern, and simultaneously translate those shapes into hand movements on the piano. To help my students read music fluently, they need to be able to “see” the shape of the sound.
Step 1: Sound Shape Flashcard
Download the pre-reading step and skip card from Susan Paradis’ website http://www.susanparadis.com/catalog/SP702/preview.pdf
Step 2: “Hear” the Sound Shape
Teacher picks two cards and plays the sound shape for the student. Ask student to identify the right card.
Step 3: “See” the Sound Shape
Look at the sound shape and see if it’s going up, down or stay the same, also see if there are steps or skips. Can you think of interesting names for the shape? For example, this shape is an eye-brow
This shape looks like letter V (smushed). Imagine how the letter V looks differently with skips.
This is zigzag
Let your imagination soar….What do you think Christmas Tree shape looks like on music?
Step 4: “Feel” the Sound Shape
Play the sound shape by moving the fingers in the air, then play on the piano.
Another great resource is the iPad flashcard by Jennifer Fink
Take a look at this youtube clip –
Beethoven 5th Symphony, 1st mvt. (“fisheye”), Do you see Sound Shape?
