Tuning into schools...

Uplifting, fun, culturally and musically educational, I teach simple and accessible South African part harmony, taught by ear. My classes develop pupils’ musical ear, understanding and ability through melody, harmony and rhythm; they promote structure, discipline and enjoyable learning; they enable personal expression within a supportive group context; and they develop the emotions plus individual and collective identity, bringing pupils together, creating harmony and fellowship.

Class structuring

I start every class or workshop with some simple body warm-ups and vocal warm-ups which are also a bit of fun and therefore relax any inhibition and create a positive atmosphere. Then if possible I get everyone to stand in a circle. I say how I teach (ie by ear). I introduce each song and if i know, say where it comes from and what it means. I sing the melody, the children listen and when they've got it they join in. I ask that the children click their fingers and move/dance in time with the beat. When I feel they've got the melody enough I teach the harmonies likewise until all are learnt. Then I divide the children into groups (usually I give them a choice of part). I remind them of their part as I bring the parts in one-by-one until all are singing together.

I ask the children to work together and support each other in their groups. I vary the dynamics from 'quiet-voice' to 'full-voice' and get the children to listen to each other and the overall sound whist maintaining their individual part. Rhythm is a very important part of my teaching. I always encourage clicking fingers along to the singing. With the faster, up-beat songs I introduce clapping along and when the singing is flowing I accompany it on the Djembe.

Benefits of Singing

Please email Mahasukha or call 07963 347942 for more details.