Lyrics for adult songs are often very free both in meter and in rhyme scheme, but children respond best to songs in which both are regular and pronounced. A repeated phrase or chorus is effective. Children love humorous songs and appreciate such devices as alliteration and plays on words. Just as adult song lyrics need a "hook" to catch attention and make the song memorable, so do children's songs. The writer may use "big words," as children generally enjoy using them, so long as they are "singable." It is generally better to avoid deep or emotionally charged subject matter, but if it is used, the writer should be very sensitive in handling it.

This is especially a concern in writing anthem texts, to make sure that the theology implicit in the lyrics is in keeping with the beliefs of that church. For example, a phrase like, "God is watching you," is often frightening to young children and many churches would object to it. LENGTH of the song is another difference: children's songs should be short. If there are several verses, a repeated chorus may be used. Even better, write one verse, then give suggestions for children to create their own additional verses. 8-12 measures may be long enough for a song for preschoolers, who will enjoy singing a favorite song over and over. MELODY, too, should be kept simple.

A common mistake is to pitch children's songs too low or two high although many children do have very high voices (as in trained choirs) many others have much more limited ranges. Generally, a melody roughly within the compass of Middle C to the C an octave above is safe. The key of E-flat is a very comfortable key for most children, in which case the melody might go as low as B-flat below Middle C, but it is best not to write pitches any lower so that children don't growl unmusically in their "chest voices." The use of classical phrase structure will help make the song easily learned and remembered. The importance of METER has been mentioned in connection with the text and a strong and "catchy" rhythmic pulse will intensify this effect. In short, the successful children's song will be brief, with catchy rhythm, singable melody and appealing lyrics.

(Please note that these suggestions apply to songs for children to sing themselves; songs for adults to perform *for* children would not necessarily have the same vocal restrictions. I will be glad to answer questions or give more information if I can. E-mail kobensha@radford.edu.)

******

Kathryn Obenshain, Professor Emeritus of Music, Radford (VA) University, has published three collections of songs for children plus many individual songs and anthems. She has written and helped produce over a dozen musical plays. Her most recent work is her fifth children's opera, IN WILLOW WOOD, which was premiered in Nov., 2005, by RU's Opera Ensemble. She has worked with the Ensemble since 1996 as composer-in-residence and also schedules the school tours and writes grant proposals.

Source: http://www.todays-woman.net