LESSONG GUIDE

TWO METHODS OF HARMONIZING

METHOD 1:‍ ‍Learn the harmony like its own melody

• Memorize it.

• Lock it in.

• Repeat it consistently.

⚠ Weakness: If you don’t understand it, small changes throw you off.

METHOD 2:‍ ‍Harmonize by ear

• Freely create harmony.

• Adjust in the moment.

• Respond musically.

⚠ Weakness: Can clash with chords or be inconsistent.

The Goal: Blend both methods. We want vocalists who:

• Can learn a part accurately

• Understand why it works

• Adjust when needed

• Blend confidently

THE 5 EXPECTATIONS OF A STRONG HARMONY SINGER

1️⃣ Understand the Melody & Chords

• Know how the melody moves.

• Hear chord structure.

• Don’t clash with harmony.

• Harmony is built on the melody.

2️⃣ Understand Intervals (3rds & 4ths)

• Sing above or below the melody.

• Recognize upper vs lower harmony.

• Know SAT terminology (Soprano/Alto/Tenor).

3️⃣ Learn & Stick to Your Part

• Stay on your note.

• Don’t drift to melody.

• Tune with the team.

4️⃣ Flexibility

• Adjust a single note.

• Don’t collapse if something changes.

• Understand how harmony moves.

5️⃣ Blend

• Match tone.

• Match phrasing.

• Match vowel shape.

• Open your ears.

• Don’t live in isolation.

The Two Vocalist Types

Type 1: “Amy”

• Can memorize harmony.

• Can stick to it.

• Needs ear development.

Growth Strategy:

• Do more harmony reps.

• Practice free harmonizing.

• Sing harmonies on numbers.

• Develop interval recognition.

Type 2: “Briana”

• Struggles to hold melody.

• Gets thrown off by others.

• Needs stronger pitch stability.

Growth Strategy:

• Match piano notes consistently.

• Practice simple scale work.

• Strengthen ear training.

• Possibly take voice lessons.

• Build vocal confidence.

🔥 Key Insight:
Weak technique often affects harmony accuracy.

STUDY GUIDE

Reflection

1. Which harmony method do you lean toward — memorization or by ear?

2. Do you understand the chord structure of the songs you sing?

3. Can you confidently hold your part if someone next to you sings melody?

4. What is harder for you: sticking to your part or blending?

5. Are you more like “Amy” or “Briana”? Why?

PRACTICAL EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Harmony Lock

• One singer holds harmony.

• Others sing melody.

• No switching.

• 3 reps.

Exercise 2: Controlled Flexibility

• Change one note in harmony.

• Adjust as a team.

• No panic allowed

Exercise 3: Blend Challenge

• Sing at 70% volume.

• Match vowel shape.

• Record it.

• Evaluate.