Framework for Lesson Plans

Introduction:
The lesson introduction is divided into two sections.
Section one of the lesson introduction begins with vocal warm-­‐up exercises.
Vocalizations and humming are valuable exercises for developing beautiful singing. Students
should vocalize high and low sounds as well as soft and loud sounds to develop the full
range of their voice. Songs sung using the “oo” sound are particularly good for developing
intonation. Vocal exercises should be an initial part of each music lesson. Examples of vocal
warm-­‐ups can be found on the audio CD. The following are sample vocal warm-­‐up exercises.
Yawning
This opens up the back of the throat and relaxes the voice.
Sighing
This is a gentle way of using a higher voice than you usually speak with.
Try sighing a few times, starting each sigh a half step higher than the
last. Use an open vowel sound.
Humming
This is a gentle (and quiet) way of using the singing voice. Humming a
favorite song before singing it also gives students an opportunity to
practice the song’s melody without being distracted by the text.
Descending
Scale Pattern
Sing songs that begin with a descending vocal scale pattern using neutral
syllables; this enables accurate intonation in addition to developing the
head voice.
Slide Whistle
Students imitate the sounds of a slide whistle to develop their head
voice.
Flashlight
Beam
Students vocally follow a flashlight beam projected on a wall or board;
students follow the contour of the moving beam of light.
Sirens and
Roller Coasters
Students vocally imitate the sound of a siren and roller coaster.
Call-­‐and-­‐
Response
Songs
Repeating simple melodic patterns helps develop students’ intonation;
the repetition of simple melodic patterns helps to secure the placement
of each pitch.
Students should also sing canons taught to them by the instructor.
Section Two of the lesson introduction begins with a review of known material that is sung
with solfège and rhythm syllables. It is important to keep practicing these patterns aurally.
Melodic examples should also be sung with numbers as well as letter names and neutral
syllables. Rhythm examples should be sung with numbers (counting) and neutral syllables.

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