Reply To: Christmas Crisis! Song is too difficult! How to memorize?

[nafmeadmin]

You already have done very good work with notation support. I suggest working with your students’ visual and audio strengths.

For visual reinforcement: You can write/type out the text in different colors. For example,
any place where the text is green, it shares the same melodic line. When students master the melody line, they gain confidence knowing that they can sing a larger percentage of the song.

For audio reinforcement: Is there a video or auditory performance of the carol, sung in English? Hearing another group sing the carol can build aural memory. It also provides scaffolded support for students to sing the song.

In terms of accompaniment, piano or keyboard is best, because you are performing with your students. If you choose to create a notated accompaniment, Noteflight is a web-based notation program whereby you can create a free account.

Best wishes for your concert,
Dr. Katie Carlisle
Southern Representative NAfME Council for General Music
Georgia State University