If you've taken on the task of running a school choir, or teaching songs to any group of children, you might be wondering where to start.
Finding the right songs will play a big part in your success. This guide will help you know what to look for when choosing songs.
1. LYRICS
Is the subject matter suitable for the age group?
- check for inappropriate language
- will the children understand and connect with the song?
Is the language too simple or too difficult?
- too simple and the children will be bored or even rebel!
- too difficult and they won't be engaged
Are the lyrics interesting and/or fun
- does the song tell a story?
- does it contain clever rhymes, alliteration or word play?
- is it a subject that children will relate to?
Are there learning opportunities - or is it just for fun?
- do the lyrics inform or entertain?
- are they appropriate for your purpose? (see item 5 below)
Is it suitable for girls, boys or both?
- depending on the age, certain language and subject matter may be unsuitable or at least 'uncool' for either boys or girls.
2. RANGE
Always check the vocal range of the song.
Children aged 5-12 years can safely sing from middle C (C3) to the octave above. The older children in this age group can sing to E4 or even F4. However avoid sustained singing in the higher range to begin with.
Be aware that children's voices change at certain ages, especially boys.
On average, the voice-changing process in boys takes from one-and-a-half to three years and occurs between the ages of 12 and 15. However...youngster's voices can begin transforming as early as nine.
4. PARTS
1. Start your group with unison songs, that is, all voices singing the same part together.
2. Once established, try rounds and partner (echo) songs.
3. Then introduce simple 2-part harmony singing.
Choose the more confident singers to sing the part that is not the melody.
You may find scores marked as either soprano/soprano (SS) or soprano/alto (SA) for this age group. Children that struggle in the higher register should be given the alto part where possible.
I'm a composer of music and songs mostly for children. Over a period of twenty years I've been directly involved with two major children's music festivals in Adelaide and Perth, Australia. While not a teacher myself, I've observed many skilled singing teachers working with children. This has informed my work and lead me to the conclusions mentioned in the article. I realise now that I use the same process myself as I write a song.All of these factors combine to help make a song a success - whether you're a teacher or a songwriter.
You can find my songs for children in the
SongLibrary.
Glyn Lehmann
FAQs
Effective songs for kids need to achieve a balancing act between simplicity and repetition with novelty and engagement. The lyrics need to be fun yet simple, and preferably in rhyme form, and distill a concept very effectively.
What makes a good children song? ›
Effective songs for kids need to achieve a balancing act between simplicity and repetition with novelty and engagement. The lyrics need to be fun yet simple, and preferably in rhyme form, and distill a concept very effectively.
How do I find the best key to sing? ›
Find Your Vocal Range
Similar to a melody having a top and bottom note. When choosing a key for a song, it's essential to know the singer's vocal range. Once you know the vocal range, find a key that includes the highest and lowest notes the vocalist can sing without straining.
How to motivate kids to sing? ›
Just sing a verse in a relaxed, inviting manner and encourage children to join in when they are ready. Repeat the verse a few times, make eye contact, smile–soon the children will be singing along. However, it is important to know a song well before teaching it, unless you are using a recording to introduce it.
What is a good key for kids to sing? ›
Children aged 5-12 years can safely sing from middle C (C3) to the octave above. The older children in this age group can sing to E4 or even F4. However avoid sustained singing in the higher range to begin with. Be aware that children's voices change at certain ages, especially boys.
What are the five features of children's songs? ›
Five musical properties — tonality, meter, melody, structure and grouping, and means of ending — are analyzed in each song, and similar results are grouped and counted in order to have an idea of the abundance of a particular characteristic within the sample.
What is the key to making a good song? ›
The answer may be the melody. If you're trying to write an earworm, the melody is the most important part of the songwriting process. Successful melodies typically move in stepwise motion (up or down either a half-step or a whole step) with a few leaps (up or down any larger interval).
Which scale is best for singing? ›
The major scale is the most important scale in Western music. If you want to learn to sing, it's essential that you learn how to sing the major scale correctly. The major scale has seven notes, which are represented by the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
How do I know that I sing well? ›
Listen for things like how much you clearly and consistently emphasize vowel sounds, how much of your vocal register you can reach, and how much rhythmic nuance your voice imparts (how well you can match your voice to different styles of singing).
What is the best song to show off your voice? ›
Whitney Houston's “I Will Always Love You” – this song also starts off slow, but the key change in the chorus provides a perfect opportunity to show off your upper range. Rihanna's “Diamonds” – this pop ballad has a catchy melody that will let you show off your vocal agility.
