Shape-Note, & Sacred Harp FAQs
General Questions
- What is “Sacred Harp singing”?
“Sacred Harp” style singing is a traditional form of American shape-note music characterized by robust, participatory singing. It takes its name from the tunebook The Sacred Harp, first published in 1844, and still in print and being updated to this day. - What is shape-note singing?
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. While “Sacred Harp” and “shape-note” are often used interchangeably, they’re not always the same thing. Furthermore, “shape-note” singing covers an extremely wide swath of music, much of which falls outside of the “tradition” we discuss here. While it is not perfect, the editor prefers to use the phrase “Sacred Harp shape-note style singing”. - Do I need to know how to read music to participate?
No! Shape-note singing is designed to be accessible to singers of all skill levels. The shapes make it easier to follow along and learn the songs, even for beginners. While you can expect some learning curve, most local singings welcome new singers. - Is shape-note singing a religious activity?
Sacred Harp style shape-note singing originates from Protestant Christian traditions, but modern singings are open to people of all beliefs. You’ll often see it written that we “leave politics and religion at the door”. It’s about the community and the music rather than a specific religious practice. - Where does shape-note singing take place?
Shape-note singings occur in homes, churches, community centers, and other gathering spaces worldwide. Local singings and larger conventions are regular events in many areas.
Participation and Etiquette
- Can I just show up to a singing, or do I need to prepare?
You are welcome to join without preparation! Most singings are open to everyone, and newcomers are encouraged to dive in. - Do I need to bring a tunebook?
If you have one, bring it along! If not, many groups have extra books or can lend one for the session. - What do I do if I’ve never sung “Sacred Harp” before?
Just find a seat and follow along! Most singings have experienced singers who will guide you. You can join in as you feel comfortable. - Why do singers sit in a square?
Sacred Harp singing is typically arranged in a square, with each part (treble, alto, tenor, bass) seated on one side. This arrangement, called the “hollow square”, fosters interaction and emphasizes the community aspect of the music. - Is there a leader during the singing?
Yes, singers take turns leading songs. The leader often stands in the center of the square and selects the song, but leadership rotates, giving everyone a chance. Many “regular” sings can be more relaxed, and people will lead from the center only if they want to.
Music and Tradition
- Why do singers “sing the shapes” before singing the words?
Singing the shapes (fa, sol, la, mi) first helps everyone learn the tune and become comfortable with their part before adding the lyrics. - What is the “hollow square”?
The hollow square is the seating arrangement for singers, with an open center for the leader. It symbolizes the unity of the community. - What are Sacred Harp conventions?
Conventions or “All Day” singings are larger gatherings of singers, often lasting one or more days. They attract participants from near and far and emphasize fellowship and musical immersion. - What other tunebooks are used besides The Sacred Harp?
There are many other tunebooks associated with “Sacred Harp shape-note style singing” include The Christian Harmony, The Southern Harmony, The Shenandoah Harmony, and many others, each with unique tunes but also overlap between books.
Learning and Growing
- How can I learn to sing shape-note music?
Many groups offer an occasional singing school or workshops focused to teach newcomers. But just attending local singings and listening to recordings are also great ways to learn. - Can I compose my own Sacred Harp-style songs?
Yes! Many singers enjoy composing new songs in the shape-note tradition. Some modern tunebooks include recent compositions alongside traditional ones. - Are there online resources for Sacred Harp singing?
Yes, there are many online communities, recordings, and tunebooks available. Websites like fasola.org and local singing group pages are great places to start. This website links to other resources as much as possible. - Is Sacred Harp style singing the same as a choir or performance?
No, Sacred Harp is participatory rather than performative. The focus is on singing together, not on polished performances for an audience.
Unique Characteristics
- Why does Sacred Harp singing sound so distinctive?
Sacred Harp singing features powerful, unaccompanied vocals, often in a style called “dispersed harmony.” The emphasis on participation creates a raw, communal sound that is deeply moving. - Are there professional Sacred Harp singers?
No, Sacred Harp style singing is a community tradition. There are no auditions or professional roles—everyone is welcome to participate. - Why do people travel so far to attend singings?
Sacred Harp singing fosters a strong sense of community. Many singers develop lifelong friendships and cherish the opportunity to sing with others around the world. - Why do you “sing loud”?
First, you don’t have to! But it’s true that Sacred Harp and other shape-note traditions have a long history of being sung with full voice. From its Southern roots, it’s often been a style where you could hear the music echoing through hillsides and hollers, carrying the sound far beyond the singing space.
The volume has even been a point of controversy among different singing groups over the years—though not as much as how fast they sing! Historical accounts from the 1800s into the 1900s are full of singers lamenting that another group “sounded like a bunch of pagans” because of their breakneck pace.
That said, context matters. A large, resonant space with a full house of singers lends itself to a bold, ringing sound. But in smaller groups or more intimate settings, a softer approach might be more fitting. As they say, read the room—and maybe, every once in a while, sing gently, sing slow.