Sight-Singing Pedagogy: A Content Analysis of Choral Methods Textbooks

The purpose of this study was to examine the sight-singing pedagogy content of choral methods textbooks, with the intent of determining what elements of sight-singing pedagogy are most commonly included in these resources. A content analysis was conducted to analyze information related to sight-singing pedagogy in 10 textbooks that are commonly used in undergraduate choral methods courses. Results of this content analysis indicated that although most choral methods textbooks contain some information about teaching sight-singing and music literacy skills, this information is often quite limited and does not include reference to helping students internally organize sound. In addition, information about concepts such as assessment and curriculum planning for sight-singing skills is included in only a small percentage of popular textbooks. Evaluation of these findings can help to illuminate the ways in which textbooks communicate the priorities and core values of a particular field of study, such as choral music education.