The canon is the simplest form of harmonising, where different voices (or instruments) play the same melody but stagger and start at different points. The most famous example of a canon is Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” where the main theme is repeated by different voices in a sequence, creating a rich, interwoven texture.
You can try practising canons at home, or with your friends. It comes with a myriad of benefits, like helping you develop a deeper grasp of structure, improving your listening skills, and building your sense of coordination and timing.
Implementing the canon exercise in your practice routine
Listen to the song Bele Mama, a traditional song from West Africa:
Form two different groups and sing this song, with one group starting after the previous one. This way, you can create the canon effect, where you hear harmony, or different notes at the same time. See how many different groups you can make, and how much space you can have between each group!
For parents/educators
The Canon musical exercise is a powerful tool that helps children develop technical proficiency, compositional creativity, and ensemble skills. By embracing the challenge of creating and performing canons, they can unlock new dimensions of their musical abilities and gain a richer understanding of the art of composition.
If you’re interested in helping your child develop these skills, learn more about the SaPa in Schools program. Get in touch with us here.
