SACRED HARP SINGING FOR BEGINNERS WORKSHOP: The basics of singing — taught by David Ivey

From the venue:

Atlanta Sacred Harp presents a free, three-day event

This April, Atlanta Sacred Harp hosts a free, three‐night participatory workshop in singing for beginners and the "just curious" — and all those interested in learning to sing in a friendly, non-performance environment. No prior musical experience or skill set is needed. Just bring your voice! You'll learn the basics of melody and harmony singing, get practice reading music using traditional shape note symbols, and discover a rich body of American folk hymns.

We’ll delve into the music of The Sacred Harp, a tunebook first published in the 1840s and still in print today. Sacred Harp songs are known for their distinctive, haunting harmonies and powerful expression, and have influenced classic artists like the Carter Family, and contemporary practitioners like Laurie Anderson, T Bone Burnett, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and Sam Amidon.

Sacred Harp (also known as shape‐note) singing is a participatory communal singing tradition, in existence in the United States since the eighteenth century. There are no performers, audience, rehearsals or auditions in Sacred Harp singing – instead, people meet for the enjoyment of singing together. Our workshop is for all those interested in learning to sing in a friendly, non‐ performance environment. No prior musical experience or skill set is needed. Attendees will learn the basics of melody and harmony singing, get practice reading music using traditional shape note symbols, and discover a rich body of American folk hymns.

$Free. An introduction to participatory “shape note” singing. No prior musical experience required. 7:00 to 9:00 pm, doors open at 6:30. Georgia Center for Nonprofits. The building’s front address is 881 Memorial Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (near Madison Yards and the Atlanta Beltline); it’s rear address is 340 Chester Ave SE, Atlanta, GA, 30316. Enter at the rear of the building on Chester Ave. There is street and lot parking near the building entrance. See Visiting GCN. Please note: Indoor group singing carries some risk of the transmission of illness, especially during flu season. We ask that you do not attend if you have flu-like or Covid-like symptoms.

Singing Workshop

Each session is taught by an experienced Sacred Harp singer and begins with a brief introduction for complete beginners, followed by a detailed lesson on different aspects of shape note singing. We'll talk a little about the deep history of the music, but our workshop will emphasize practice: learning the mechanics of reading music and singing, how to keep time, what to expect at “all-day” Sacred Harp singings, and more. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, as well as a break with snacks.

While each session will cover a different aspect of singing, we'll also begin each time with a refresher on the basics, so you can come for all three sessions or join at any point. Come learn a deep American musical tradition, build confidence, and connect with others through a shared passion for singing!

Singers can come for all three sessions or join at any point. The workshop is a unique opportunity to learn a deep American musical tradition, build confidence, and connect with others through a shared passion for singing.

This workshop is presented by Atlanta Sacred Harp, and is being held in advance of the annual Atlanta All‐Day Sacred Harp Singing — a free, participatory singing event — taking place Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 am at the First Existentialist Congregation in Candler Park.

Thursday, April 3: The basics of singing — taught by David Ivey

David Ivey is a country singing school teacher and lifelong Sacred Harp singer. He is co‐founder and director of Camp Fasola, a summer camp for teaching Sacred Harp music and traditions.

Ivey is a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts prestigious National Heritage Fellowship award (2013). He serves as Chair of the Revision‐Music Committee for The Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition, which will be its sixth revision since 1844. He considers his participation in all‐day and local singings to be his most important activity in Sacred Harp.