What's the Program Like?
Vocal Summit will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of singing. Learn microphone techniques, improvisation in different vocal styles, and how to perform with an accompanist. Develop your vocal skills performing jazz, r&b, gospel, and pop/rock. Sing with a cappella groups, the gospel choir, or small vocal jazz groups. Work on your solo singing as well as small group and large group singing.
Basic Sessions
Singer Techniques–This session will focus on singing throughout your range, singing scales, blending your registers, and breathing guidelines, as well as vocal health tips.
Beginning Improvisation for Jazz Singers–Learn skills and techniques for improvising in the jazz vocal style, melodic and rhythmic phrasing, scat, and embellishments.
Beginning Improvisation for R&B/Gospel Singers–Learn skills and techniques for improvising in the r&b/gospel vocal style, melodic and rhythmic phrasing, scat, and embellishments.
Beginning Improvisation for Pop/Rock Singers–Learn skills and techniques for improvising in pop/rock vocal styles, melodic and rhythmic phrasing, scat, and embellishments.
Jazz Vocal Performance–Topics and skills covered will include counting off song tempos, working on microphone technique, working on song style and overall performance, and communicating with the accompanist.
R&B/Gospel Vocal Performance–Topics and skills covered will include counting off song tempos, working on microphone technique, working on song style and overall performance, and communicating with the accompanist.
Pop/Rock Vocal Performance–Topics and skills covered will include counting off song tempos, working on microphone technique, working on song style and overall performance, and communicating with the accompanist.
Rehearsal Techniques–Sing with a rhythm section! Learn how to communicate with band members, learn rehearsal procedures, gain an awareness of song arrangements and grooves, gain balance between vocals and band, and develop performance skills. All singers will work with a microphone/PA system. Rehearsal techniques will be offered in three styles: jazz, r&b, and pop/rock.
Background Singers Session–Learn how to sing backing vocals like professional background vocalists and session vocalists. This will also include movement.
A Cappella Sing–This session will include jazz vocal group singing, instrumental and improvisational group, and pop/rock/gospel group.
Gospel Choir–Singing in a traditional gospel choir.
One-time sessions offered include
- The Studio Singer
- Singing the Blues
- Traditional Spirituals
- Scat-a-tudes
Clinics may include
- Jazz Singer History Review
- R&B/Gospel History
- Improvisation, Audition Guidelines Clinic, Self-Accompanied Singer
Who are the instructors?
Members of Berklee's talented and experienced Voice Department will teach the classes. During the program, clinics will feature Berklee voice faculty members or guest clinicians.
What's the schedule?
You will be provided with a schedule of vocal summit classes, times, and locations for the jazz, r&b/gospel, and pop/rock tracks at registration.
Where will I eat and sleep?
When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls. However, acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Space is limited. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by the start of the program. If you are applying to the program after June 10, call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available.
