Wikipedia defines tonic solfa as a teaching method for sight-singing, where each note is named based on its relation to other notes in the key. This approach encourages the development of musical language skills and genuine music literacy, enabling individuals to recognize intervals and comprehend pitch relationships.
While many individuals are still mastering the complexities of the musical scale, 47-year-old Tarusila Nakoronivalu has been dedicated to this field since the age of 15. She recalls her music classes at Yasawa High School, taught by Mr. Sosiceni, where she learned to differentiate between reading tonic solfa and singing by ear.
“My desire to master tonic solfa was heavily influenced by my family’s musical involvement,” Ms. Nakoronivalu stated. Her grandfather, Kamanieli Navakaba, was well-known in their church community as an exceptional bass vocalist, and she fondly remembers how his voice directed the choir during hymns.
Her father, Inoke Koronivalu, and mother, Litia Nakoronivalu, also followed in her grandfather’s footsteps, all being active members of the church choir in Yasawa. “We were raised in an environment filled with music, gathering after dinner for devotions and hymn practices,” she shared.
What set Ms. Nakoronivalu apart from her family was her ability to read tonic solfa, which they did not possess. “At home, we would sing hymns purely by ear, lacking knowledge of the notes and their progressions. However, once I learned tonic solfa in school, I felt confident enough to teach my family,” she explained.
During school breaks, her family would come together to practice hymns, starting with simpler ones before moving to more complex pieces. Over her 30-plus years of experience, she has expanded her musical journey by joining various choirs and even traveling to Australia with her choir members.
“The first choir I became part of was the Nabukeru Church Choir in my village. The skills I learned at school were invaluable during our evening practices, which fueled my passion for sharing my knowledge,” she recounted. After relocating to Lautoka, she joined the Natabua Church Choir and then the Coronation Church before moving to Suva to perform with the Kadavu Choir. This group allowed her to travel widely throughout Fiji.
Reflecting on her experiences, she mentioned, “My first international trip was to Australia, which was surprising for someone like me from a village to travel abroad for singing. This journey underscores the importance of pursuing what you’re good at and seeing the blessings that follow.”
She encourages others to showcase their talents and, importantly, to teach those who are eager to learn, just as her family had done for her. “Children in school should recognize that their talents can lead to success, regardless of academic performance. They can eventually pass on their acquired knowledge to future generations.”
Currently residing in Nadonumai, Ms. Nakoronivalu works as a babysitter while continuing to share her musical expertise with her church community.