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Sing an R&B song

Sing an R&B song
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Sing an R&B song, practice rhythm, melody, and breathing techniques, add simple harmonies or choreography, and perform or record a short family-friendly version.

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Step-by-step guide to sing an R&B song

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Read & Sing the Letter R Song - THE KIBOOMERS Preschool Phonics Sounds

What you need
Adult supervision required, mirror or open space, paper and pencil for notes, short family-friendly r&b lyric or melody idea, something to keep a steady beat like a metronome or small drum, water bottle

Step 1

Stand tall with hands on your belly and take six deep belly breaths inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for 6 counts to warm up your breathing.

Step 2

Shake out your shoulders and gently move your jaw side to side for 20 seconds to relax your body and face.

Step 3

Set a steady beat at a comfortable tempo using a metronome or by clapping and keep the beat for one minute to lock in rhythm.

Step 4

Hum the main melody of your R&B song idea slowly three times to learn the tune.

Step 5

Sing the melody with the lyrics at a slow tempo while keeping the steady beat until it feels steady.

Step 6

Pick one comfortable pitch to be your harmony note and sing it as a steady "ooh" to hear how it blends with the melody.

Step 7

Practice singing the melody while holding the steady "ooh" harmony note behind it for one verse.

Step 8

Choose three simple dance moves like a step-touch a shoulder sway and a hand gesture to match parts of the song.

Step 9

Practice the song while doing the three dance moves slowly so your singing and moves match together.

Step 10

Rehearse the full short family-friendly version two times through with energy clear words and good breathing.

Step 11

Perform or record one 30 to 60 second family-friendly take of your song using your best breath control rhythm and performance energy.

Step 12

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a metronome or a recorder?

If you don't have a metronome or recorder, use steady hand-clapping or a smartphone metronome app for step 3 and your phone's voice memo or a parent's tablet to make the 30–60 second recording in step 11.

My child can't hold the steady "ooh" harmony while singing the melody — how do we fix that?

Practice humming the main melody slowly three times as in step 4, then hold the chosen harmony pitch as short 'ooh' notes for 4 counts before attempting the full verse in step 7 to build stability.

How can we adapt this activity for a 4-year-old versus a 12-year-old?

For a 4-year-old, reduce step 1 to three deep belly breaths, use one simple dance move from step 8, and aim for a 15–30 second take, while a 12-year-old can keep all steps, add clearer diction in step 10, and experiment with harmony pitches in step 6.

Any ways to make the final performance more interesting or personal?

Add a short family-friendly lyric about something personal to you, include one extra harmony note on a different pitch during the second rehearsal in step 10, and try two or three recorded takes in step 11 to pick the best 30–60 second version to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to sing an R&B song

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The Letter R Song - Learn the Alphabet R

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Facts about vocal training for kids

👯 Adding small, easy choreography or hand gestures can boost confidence and make performances more fun for families.

🎵 Even two-note harmonies (like a third or a fifth) can make a single vocal line sound full and choir-like.

🎤 R&B (rhythm and blues) started in the 1940s and its soulful grooves helped shape rock, soul, and pop music.

🫁 Singers use diaphragmatic (belly) breathing to control airflow — that helps hold notes steady and sing longer phrases.

🎶 The melody is the part you hum — many hit R&B songs use simple, repeating melodies that get stuck in your head.

How do I sing an R&B song with my child, practicing rhythm, melody, breathing, harmonies, and choreography?

Start by choosing a short, family-friendly R&B song or write a simple chorus. Warm up with breathing and vocal exercises. Break the song into rhythm and melody sections; clap or tap the beat, then sing the melody slowly, increasing tempo. Add simple two-part harmonies or call-and-response lines. Introduce easy choreography—basic steps or hand movements. Rehearse, record or perform a short version, and celebrate together.

What materials do I need to sing and record a short family-friendly R&B performance with my child?

You'll need a family-friendly R&B track or lyrics you write, a device to play background music, and a recording device such as a phone or tablet. Optional helpful items include a metronome or tempo app, a mirror for posture, a notebook for lyrics, simple costume pieces or props, a small microphone, and water for hydration. For layering harmonies, try headphones and a basic multi-track app.

What ages is this singing and practice activity suitable for?

This activity suits children ages four and up, with simple adaptations: ages four to six enjoy rhythm, call-and-response, and basic movement while adults lead singing. Ages seven to ten can practice melody, breath control, and short harmonies. Ages eleven and older can learn more complex harmonies, breathing technique, and basic choreography. Supervise younger kids, keep sessions short, and avoid vocal strain.

What are the benefits of singing R&B and practicing breath, harmony, and movement with my child?

Singing R&B improves rhythm, pitch recognition, breath control, and listening skills. It builds confidence, teamwork, memory, and language development, while simple harmonies encourage ear training. Practicing breath techniques supports healthy vocal habits and posture. Performing or recording together strengthens family bonds and gives kids a safe way to express emotion. It’s a low-cost activity combining music, movement, and creativity for lasting enjoyment.
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Sing an R&B song. Activities for Kids.