Shape notes are a musical notation designed to facilitate congregational and social singing. The notation became a popular teaching device in American singing schools during the 19th century.

Nineteenth century American song books that used notes in different shapes to aid singers and teach singing came to be known as "shape-note hymnals" and the style of singing from these "shape-note …

Some singings begin with an actual lesson, an introduction to the shapes and a first opportunity to join one's voice to the antique harmonies of the songs. We intend this issue of Smithsonian in Your …

Since 1801 shape notes have been associated with American sacred music, specifically with singing schools, with musical conventions, and with all-day gatherings known as “singings.”

Sep 25, 2025 · "A Beginner’s Guide to Shape-Note Singing" (7th edition, 2024) by Lisa Grayson Cheat sheet for reading shape note sheet music, updated Nov 2025, by Elena Conway

Shape-note singing schools, held by itinerant singing masters in cabins, schools, and churches, taught thousands of families the rudiments of music in energetic a cappella three- and four-part harmony …

Shape-note singing uses a unique musical notation where note heads are assigned shapes (triangle, circle, square, and diamond) to help singers learn and sight-read music more easily.

Mar 27, 2009 · This most unusual form of choral singing has deep roots in American history and a devoted following all over the country, where shape-note singers may gather for a few hours or for all …

Shape-Note (or shaped-note) music is an American style of singing that emerged from the American Tunebook traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries. In this style, noteheads are replaced with various …

Preserved mostly in southern, rural churches, shaped-note music experienced a revival during the Folk Revival of the 1960s & 70s. Today you can find many shaped-note singers all over the US, Canada, …