Hand Signs

These hand signs were devised by John Curwen in nineteenth-century England. Each sign represents a
specific scale degree and its harmonic tendencies. For example, the closed fist for DO indicates the
stability and strength of the tonic, while the finger pointing upwards for TI indicates the tendency of the
leading tone to resolve upward.
Hand signs provide a nonverbal, kinesthetic reinforcement of scale degree functions and can be used to
physically follow the melodic contour as you sing (particularly if you position your hand as described
below). Memorize the signs for major scales (and later, minor scales) and practice using them while
watching yourself in a mirror.
POSITION:

even with
forehead

even with
eyes

even with
throat

even with
chest

even with
lower sternum

even with
waist