Sol-fa [solfège-Fr., solfeggio-It.] is a system that uses syllables to represent the notes of the diatonic scale. This system aids in musical analysis, sight-singing and aural comprehension. Sol-fa was first developed as a teaching tool by Benedictine monk, Guido of Arezzo, who adapted it from a Latin hymn written around 770 A.D. However, in modern times, many have become familiar with sol-fa syllables through their immortalization in the Rogers and Hammerstein Musical, The Sound of Music.
Rhythm syllables are a tool for teaching and internalising rhythm. Using the rhythm syllable method, rhythmic patterns commonly occurring in Western European music are given a particular name that aids in their reading, writing. memorisation, dictation and performance. When used consistently, students develop the ability to aurally decode complex rhythmic patterns with ease and to sight-read rhythm patterns quickly.
Although generally credited to John Curwen, hand signs, as a form of musical notation, have been traced back as far as the ancient Hebrews and Egyptians. They were used effectively for many years in England and then later adopted by Hungarian teachers with a few minor changes.
