Welcome to the Shapenote Singing Project

The project officially began in the early 1990s while I worked as a research assistant in the University of Mississippi Afro-American Studies Department with Dr. James F. Payne. Because I grew up in the Sacred Harp singing conventions of North Mississippi, I was interested in developing a project that would document and preserve my musical roots.

The goal was simple. I would collect information on the history of the note singing tradition by attending singing conventions and interviewing the singers. Project staff wanted to create new interest in the music among singers both in and outside the tradtion to ensure its survival.

Once a social cornerstone in many communities, today the note singing tradition is in serious decline. Maybe you have connections to this style of music.

Do you have relatives who sang notes,"fa so la" or "do ri mi"? Did you attend shapenote singing conventions years ago? Have you been introduced to shapenotes before, but never really got into it?

Perhaps it's all new to you.

In any case, the tradition needs your support now more than ever. See how you can help in the preservation efforts of shapenote music.

Please Contact Us anytime with your information on shapenote music or to request information. We look forward to hearing from you.

You're invited to learn more About-Us and the full story behind this website. The Site-Map will show you the full layout, for extra help in finding out more about the shapenote singing project.