Sight-Singing Scores of High School Choristers with Extensive Training in Movable Solfège Syllables and Curwen Hand Signs

Abstract

Randomly chosen high school choristers with extensive training in solfège syllables and Curwen hand signs ( N = 38) are asked to sight-sing two melodies, one while using Curwen hand signs and the other without. Out of a perfect score of 16, the mean score with hand signs was 10.37 ( SD = 4.23), and without hand signs, 10.84 ( SD = 3.96). A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference, F(1, 37) = .573, p = .454. These findings support the results of five earlier studies; however, because earlier studies were limited to students who were minimally trained in movable solfège syllables and Curwen hand signs, this study expands the knowledge base. Relationships between performance scores and instrumental experience, class grade, sight-singing experience, and hand sign experience were also examined. A pedagogical strategy for linking Curwen hand signs with students' preferred modes of learning (especially the kinesthetic mode) is recommended.