Number of
works with
training aids downloaded so far:
| Choralia
provides free training aids for choral singers. Audio
files are provided,
which allow singers to gradually learn their parts by listening to
electronically-synthesized
sound.
The main technology is named Virtual Singer (VS), as lyrics are also "sung" by electronically-synthesized human voices. An older technology, named Client Music Synthesis (CMS), simulated voices using a simple "doo doo" sound, and it is now discontinued (although all training aids produced in CMS technology remain available).
Three training levels are available: the first level, that only
contains
an individual part (say, alto), plus metronome clicks that help to
learn
the "tempo" and to understand the score; the second level, where all
the
choir voices are present, however the individual part is emphasized
in comparison to the others, using a higher
volume;
and
the third level, where all the voices are synthesized with the same
sound
and with the same volume. Initially, the singer should learn
their
part using the first two levels, and then to test their knowledge of
the music by singing over the third-level audio track. If the singer is
able to sing their part without being mislead by the other voices,
they are probably ready for group rehearsal. If not, more practice with
first
or second level tracks may be required.
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Our
catalogue includes:
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Listening to
a recording
of a real choir can be then regarded as a fourth training level, where
one learns tempo and dynamics variations that, at least in part, are
intentionally
neglected at the previous levels. Group rehearsal may be considered as
a fifth level, where the director will refine the choir interpretation,
and will add their final and personalized touch.
Depending on
their individual
music skill, each singer will find the best level to start
with.
More experienced singers may skip the basic levels, while others will
not.
Brief audio
samples of the
first three training levels for both the technologies are provided in
the Samples
section. Works available in VS technology can be listened to
and/or downloaded
from the VS
catalogue page. To use these training aids you need to install a specific software tool, the Myriad Music plug-in,
into your web browser. Alternatively, you may download the same training aids converted already in mp3 format from the mp3
catalogue page. Due to file size, you may need a DSL/ADSL connection to download training aids in mp3
format, while you will not need it if you use the Myriad Music plug-in instead. Furthermore, the Myriad Music plug-in allows you to change "tempo", so that you can slow music down if you need, while mp3 files do not allow to do so. Other changes are possible (transposition, stereo left/right positioning) if another software tool, the Myriad Melody Player, is used. Please read the VS Manual for details.
All files
can be downloaded and/or listened free of charge and without entering
any
personal information. However, a small donation is much appreciated, as
producing such files and maintaining the website costs money and,
especially,
time. Donations increase the likelihood of more works being made
available. One third of all donations received is used to support The Choral Public Domain Library. See the Frequently
Asked Question (FAQ) section for details about our licensing policy
and reasonable donation amounts.
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