- Definition
Solfège is a way to learn music by singing special syllables like "do, re, mi" for each note, which helps you recognize and sing tunes by ear or by looking at the music.
The beginning of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' can be sung as 'do, do, so, so, la, la, so.'
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Solfège is like giving a special nickname to each step on a musical ladder, helping you know which note to sing.
Ask your child: Can you sing 'do, re, mi' going up like you're climbing stairs?
Common mix-up: Kids may think 'do, re, mi' are just lyrics from a song. Solfège is actually a system for naming the notes in any musical scale.
Examples
- The first line of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' can be sung using the syllables 'mi, re, do, re, mi, mi, mi.'
- Singing up the scale 'do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do' is practicing solfège.
- Making a fist for 'do' and a flat hand for 'mi' are hand signs that go with the syllables.
solfège is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
