Solfège Practice

Fundamental to excellent ear-training (read: brain-training) is a system for understanding the relationship of a note in the key. There are several popular systems: numbers, movable-do solfège, and fixed-do solfège are among the most common.

Solfège scales can be a tremendously helpful practice and should be completed regularly in as many tonalities as possible.

Bonus: Mastery of scales is essential for vocal runs in contemporary commercial music

The Method

Like with most exercises, accuracy is the number one priority while practicing scales. Complete the key center exercise and then practice the exercise several times until you are comfortable with it, utilizing the audio files during and after as needed.

Pay special attention to the chromatic solfège as you progress through the various scales. Raised and lowered scale degrees have been used as appropriate to provide practice with sharp and flat chromatic modifications.

Tonic and Dominant drones are used to provide harmonic context throughout the scales.

Happy Practicing!

Exercises

Major Solfège

Difficulty: Beginner
Direction: Ascending
Tonality: Major
Range: Major 9th

Natural Minor Solfège

Difficulty: Beginner
Direction: Ascending
Tonality: Minor
Range: Major 9th

Harmonic Minor Solfège

Difficulty: Beginner
Direction: Ascending
Tonality: Minor
Range: Major 9th

Melodic Minor Solfège

Difficulty: Intermediate
Direction: Ascending
Tonality: Minor
Range: Major 9th

Dorian Solfège

Difficulty: Intermediate
Direction: Ascending
Tonality: Dorian
Range: Major 9th

Chromatic Solfège

Difficulty: Advanced
Direction: Ascending
Tonality: Chromatic
Range: One Octave