I love incorporating positive thinking and self-empowering statements into vocal improvisations and songs with my students. I find that many of my students will report how a specific affirmation explored in music will enter their thoughts at “just the right time”. Some examples of affirmations are “I rejoice in the love I encounter every day.”, “Every decision I make is the right one for me.”, and “My heart is open. I sing with loving words”. To add another layer to the experience, I incorporate the use of a specific musical mode. Each musical mode (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian) has as its own unique sound and tonal qualities. Each mode also has specific tones within the scale that define that mode. For today’s example, I will be featuring the Dorian mode.
By limiting the vocal exploration to only the defining notes, I find that my students can more easily beginning creating their own melodic patterns and lines within the selected mode. Often I will begin the experience by singing short melodic patterns with only the defining notes, and then have my student echo back the notes. This exploration of the mode provides the crucial building blocks for my students to later compose their own melody for the affirmation. Have a variety of affirmations available for the student to use as an example for writing their own affirmation. An easy way to extend the experience is to create a pattern of A and B lines. Choose either A or B to be the affirmation line, and then alternate with additional lyrics. For example, if the affirmation is “Take one day at a time.”, create the following:
A. When life is busy,
B. Take one day at a time.
A. When things are difficult.
B. Take one day at a time.
A. When I am overwhelmed.
B. Take one day at a time.
Spectrum Press Challenge: Search online for an affirmation that resonates with you, or create your own affirmation statement/lyrics. Use the defining notes (or all the notes) of the Dorian mode and create your own modal affirmation chant. Send us a recording or video of your creation to share with our followers!