Arts >> Music >> Singing

What Are Curwen Hand Signs?

In the 18th century, John Spencer Curwen took a music teaching system called Norwich Sol-fa and added hand signs to the syllables. These Curwen hand signs, also known as Glover hand signs, are eight gestures that represent each pitch -- Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti and Do -- in a scale. They were originally devised to teach children to sing church hymns, but many vocal teachers use these signs today as part of their voice instructions.
  1. Do and Re Signs

    • The first or lower vocal Do of the scale is indicated by making a fist and holding it at waist level. The last or high Do of the scale is signified by holding the fist at forehead level. The second note of the vocal scale, Re, is shown by holding the hand out at an angle with the fingers together and the palm down. As you progress up the scale, each sign should be positioned slightly higher than the last.

    Mi and Fa Signs

    • The third note in the scale is represented by the vocal command Mi. To indicate this pitch, hold the hand out horizontally with your fingers together and the palm horizontal to the floor. The fourth note in the vocal scale, Fa, is indicated by making a fist with the thumb pointing downward, like a "thumbs down" sign.

    Sol and La

    • The fifth note in the scale is sung as Sol. To make this sign, hold the hand out with the fingers together and the palm facing your chest. La is the next note in the scale. and is done by relaxing your hand and letting it hang forward from the wrist, as if you were about to humbly say, "Oh, go on." This sign should be held about chin level.

    Ti Sign

    • The seventh note of the scale is sung with the syllable Ti. To indicate this note with a gesture, hold the hand at eye level with the index finger pointing upward. You should look like a sports fan claiming that the team you are rooting for is No. 1.

Singing

Related Categories