ABSTRACT
The seven to eleven age phase, as children mature physically, is an important time for
the development of singing skills. Scanning the whole age phase, there might be
seven year olds who arrive in September having only achieved the first steps of
singing competence, just able to control the pitching of their voices to join in with
songs which have simple melodies. At the other end of the age phase are eleven year
olds with developed vocal skills, perhaps having had specialist lessons in singing as
choristers, musical show singers or children’s choir members. Catering for such a wide
band of skill levels and ensuring progression and continuity is built in to teaching at
all levels presents a challenge to teachers.
