Foundational Sight Singing

Reviewed by Sean Taylor, Associate Professor, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 1/1/26

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The book covers examples in all keys and most time signatures that students will encounter in repertoire.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content of the book is accurate. There were no noticed errors in content, directions, or exercises.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content of the book is relevant and current with best practices. It would be best if the author took a stronger stance advocating for moveable Do (or numbers) and use of a metronome rather than only suggesting them.

Clarity rating: 4

Terminology used is all accurate and comprehendible.

Consistency rating: 5

The progression of each chapter and concept is consistent and clear.

Modularity rating: 4

Each module focuses on one concept. Breaking them down further may not allow students to fully grasp the concept, but that is not detrimental since modules are appropriately sized.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

As a comprehensive textbook, It is not clear whether this text in intended for students with some sight-singing knowledge or if they should come in fresh. Some basic concepts, specifically compound time signatures, aren't addressed until chapter 6.

Interface rating: 5

The interfaces used in the text are simple and effective.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

There were no noticed errors in grammar.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

There were no noticed references to culture in this text, and therefore also no noticed insensitivities.

regarding the melodies used by the author, it is challenging to create melodies that are singable by all voice types that may be enrolled in a class, but a concerning majority of the melodies reach to an extreme low range, making them quite difficult/frustrating/impossible to sing for soprano, tenor, or higher alto/baritone voices. That could cause students to become unnecessarily frustrated as they are developing their musical skills and vocal skills as part of the target demographic of this text.

Reviewed by Dr. John Shiu, Part-Time Lecturer, Bridgewater State University on 5/27/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Stewart's sight-singing book is very comprehensive with listening, drone, and notation skills being implemented.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

This OER textbook is accurate as one could get.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This book could easily replace any other sight-singing book.

Clarity rating: 5

Nothing too complex as the components are explained and exercised well.

Consistency rating: 5

The terminology is spot on.

Modularity rating: 5

The structure makes a lot of sense and is comprehensive.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This book is well-organized for students to focus on skills that need to be worked on.

Interface rating: 5

There are no navigation issues.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The grammar and sentence structure is simple.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This doesn't necessarily address any particular background.

This is great resource which should be utilized in a OER format.