How to Do the Basic Solfege Method in Female Voice Training

When people think of the basic solfege warm-up, they often think of "The Sound of Music" where Maria teaches the children the "Do-Re-Mi" song. Solfege isn't just for kids–it's also a great warm-up for any singer. In female voice training, using solfege helps warm up the voice so that it's ready for singing songs. You can also learn Kodaly hand signs for the solfege symbols.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piano, keyboard or tuner to help you match pitch

1. Pick a major scale and starting note. An easy one to begin with is the C major scale, starting on middle C.

2. Sing the first note, which is Do. The hand sign for Do is a fist at your waist.

3. Place your hand at a 45-degree angle upward, fingers together, palm down. Sing the second note, which is Re.

4. Make your hand flat, parallel to the floor, palm down. Sing the third note, which is Mi.

5. Form the hand sign for Fa, a simple thumbs-down gesture, at about chest level. Sing the fourth note, which is Fa.

6. Put your fingers together, palm toward you, parallel to your body and perpendicular to the floor. Sing the fifth note, which is So.

7. Form your hand into an upside down C, with a slight break in the wrist. Sing the sixth note, which is La.

8. Make a pointer finger, pointed up at a 45-degree angle. Sing the seventh note, which is Ti.

9. Repeat the hand sign for Do (a fist), but it will be at eye level instead of waist level. Sing the eighth and final note, which is the high Do.

Tips & Warnings

• The basic solfege warm-up, while simple, is still one of the best ways to train the female voice. In fact, one of the best warm-ups you can do is to sing the solfege exercise on all 12 major scales at the beginning of every rehearsal.
• As you do each hand sign, move your hand gradually upward. The low Do should be at your midsection and the high Do around eye level.