'Perfect Solfeggio'' Book 2

INTONATION INTERVALS The exercises (complete musical phrases) are composed specially for each interval and are designed to develop strong intonation base. They are presented individually from small to large seconds, thirds, perfect fourths, tritones, fifths, sixths, sevenths, octave, and unison together, ninths, and tenths. The initial exercise introduces seconds. In the next one, thirds are added but seconds remain, and so on for each subsequent exercise. Thus, there is a gradual introduction of fourths, fifths, sixths, etc. In this way, singing each interval becomes increasingly natural. Each exercise includes different rhythmic and melodic characteristics. By varying the pulse (the beat), many types of rhythms are tackled simultaneously with the intervals. The exercises are not very long, keeping the focus on each interval as it is developed. They are designed to keep interested in the music and the phrasing, and also to accentuate the newly introduced interval. In the exercises, the measure where the new interval is introduced is very striking. This method enables more natural auditory memorization of the intervals, especially with combinations of intervals that are harder to maintain.