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What is a canon? A canon is simply a musical piece which features a melody which is later imitated by another voice. It works like “follow the leader.” Most are familiar with “rounds,” like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or “Frere Jacques.” These are the simplest examples of a canon. There is great value in learning and singing this type of composition as a family. We have a video about why here.
How do I teach canons to my family? We have a whole video here about how even the most inexperienced parent is fully capable of teaching these to their children, but as a summary, here’s a method:
Learn the canon phrase by phrase from the linked YouTube videos (or PDF music) until you can sing the melody without a recording (or music).
After your children have learned it too (from watching the videos or being taught phrase by phrase from the parent), sing the melody over and over. Sing the canons while you wash dishes, put on your pajamas, or ride in the car. Sing it until you are very comfortable with it. You may stay at this stage for a long while. That is okay!
Once it has been learned, try it as a canon. This can be done with 2 strong singers (i.e. mom and dad) who lead the 2 groups. The less comfortable singers should start with leader 1, and group 2 can come in very quietly. Keep doing this until group 2 can come in at a regular volume. The goal is that both groups can continue their parts without getting distracted by the others. This is the development of independence of the ear, a crucial part of learning to sing!
Some families may find it is possible to do 3 and even 4-part canons with only the members of their own household. Most will struggle at first to get two parts well represented and synchronized. The important thing to remember is that it will get better and more comfortable with practice, and your family can continue to practice together for a lifetime!
MOTHER GOOSE CANONS
A collection of canon settings of Mother Goose nursery rhymes, composed for singers of all ages by Nate Roberts. These are organized by difficulty for ease of study.
Easy:
Medium Easy:
“There Was an Old Woman and What Do You Think?”
Medium:
Medium Hard:
“Horsie, Horsie, Don’t You Stop”
Hard:
SIMPLE, TRADITIONAL CANONS
A collection of traditional public domain canons from all over the world. These are some of the simplest canons to begin with for families with younger children, or a more modest background in singing.
“Merrily, Merrily, Greet the Morn”
“Oh, How Lovely is the Evening”
SCRIPTURE CANONS THROUGH THE CHURCH YEAR
A collection of canon settings of scripture, composed for singers of all ages by Nate Roberts. These canons are designed to be sung throughout the year, following the seasons and feast days of the Church Calendar, but can all be sung any time of the year. There is no better way to write God’s word on the tablets of our hearts than to sing it a lot, and sing it with others!
Recent Canons:
“For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free,” Galatians 5:1, 13
“Let Us Use Our Strength For Our People,” 1 Chronicles 19:13
“The Heavens Declare the Glory of God,” Psalm 19:1-3
All Saints Day Canon, “Like the Roar of Many Waters,” Revelation 19:6-7