abstract
whether in a high school or college, from conservatories to liberal arts colleges, singing prepared melodies in upper-level aural skills classes presents unique challenges that differ from those of lower levels. while lower-level aural skills melodies tend to incorporate strings of predictable tonal gestures, upper-level aural skills melodies are often complex and require audiation and pre-analysis even for the most accomplished students. this article presents an aural skills lesson model titled search-solve-sing: a three-part plan for preparing and presenting aural skills melodies that puts small groups of students in charge of analyzing, performing, and teaching in the aural skills classroom. in search-solve-sing students work in groups to identify simple sections and troubleshoot challenging ones in a melody (the search and solve portions of the process) as they prepare a lesson plan to present to the class. this is followed by a group performance, and subsequent whole-class performance, of the melody (sing!). through small group work, students engage more deeply with course materials, develop stronger sight-singing abilities, and reap the benefits of learning from one another. search-solve-sing is a student presentation model that flips the aural skills classroom and allows students to teach and learn from one another.
recommended citation
wente, allison
(2019)
"search-solve-sing: a group presentation model to strengthen practice and performance techniques in upper-level aural skills classes,"
journal of music theory pedagogy: vol. 33, article 9.
available at:
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/jmtp/vol33/iss1/9
