Curwen hand signs are a system of hand gestures used to represent musical notes and their durations. Developed by John Curwen in the 19th century, these signs help singers and musicians visualize pitch and rhythm while learning music. Each sign corresponds to a specific note in the solfège scale, making it easier to understand and perform melodies. The hand signs are typically used in conjunction with solfège syllables like "do," "re," "mi," and so on. By using these visual cues, learners can improve their sight-singing skills and develop a better understanding of music theory. This method is particularly beneficial in choral settings and music education.