Sight-Singing and Ear Training
Daily work on scales, intervals, and other musical patterns as well as rhythmic exercises to strengthen the music-reading ability of each student. Individual sight-reading levels will be assessed in advance of arrival to ensure that each student is assigned to an appropriate sight-singing and ear-training class level.
Music Theory
Music Theory is offered in streamed classes according to level. It covers an introduction to basic materials of music, including treble and bass clef, key signatures and scales (major and minor), and intervals, as well as using those elements to construct simple melodies as part of first and second species counterpoint exercises. This course paves the way for young singers toward greater artistic independence.
Choral Ensemble
Daily work on a wide variety of choral repertoire will include music of the Baroque, Classic, and Romantic eras, and of the 20th and 21st centuries. Each rehearsal will begin with both physical and vocal warm-ups, and will emphasize individual musicianship, critical listening skills, vocal technique, and style. The work of the chorus will be showcased in the Grand Finale concert of the program.
Vocal Performance Class
All aspects of solo vocal performance are addressed in these classes. The course focuses on vocal technique, dramatic and musical interpretation, and the physicality and characterization of the piece. Both classical and musical theater repertoire will be studied in these classes. Students are expected to bring music that they have already prepared, and everyone will be assigned and will learn new repertoire during the program.
Alexander Technique Seminars
Singers are guided in these classes to a deeper awareness and understanding of how the body functions, what happens when it doesn’t function well, and how to inhibit those habits that lead to tension. Learning how to live and sing in your body is a challenge at all times, but in the virtual world this is even more challenging. All of these topics and more will be addressed in this body/mind exploration.
Diction and IPA
Understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is the basis for pronunciation in singing in all languages, as well as for successful dialect work in the theater. This course will serve as an introduction to the use of the IPA as well as to basic rules of diction.
Breathing Bootcamp
Awareness of the breath and how it functions is essential to the act of singing. Breathing Bootcamp is an intense workout for your breath mechanism. Through exercise and instruction, you will learn the anatomy and physiology of breathing and how to access the muscles responsible for breath—and thus for singing. Multiple ways of breathing will be experienced and discussed. Your life will be changed.
Repertoire Seminar
In these classes, students will be introduced to repertoire for the young classical or musical theater singer and discover unusual and effective pieces that suit each performer. Singers will gain a better understanding of the technical challenges for pieces in each style, as well as learn more about “what not to sing” and why. Singers will leave this class with a strong sense of what to choose to sing that will both give them an appropriate technical challenge but also show off what is unique and special about them as a singer and performer.
Voice Lessons and Vocal Coachings
Each Vocal/Choral Intensive student will be assigned a voice teacher and will receive weekly private voice lessons. Vocal technique, diction, and interpretation, as well as techniques for learning new repertoire, will be addressed in the lessons. In addition, students will be scheduled for four private coachings where musical skills will be reinforced, and use of text and phrasing as well as stylistic issues will be addressed.
Stageworks: The Shakespeare Project
The singing actor has many challenges: singing while acting naturally, singing while moving stylistically, singing while performing choreography, moving slowly while the voice is moving quickly, or moving quickly while the voice is moving slowly. The use of exercises, improvisation, and storytelling helps young singers build confidence in their ability to make decisions about character, objective, obstacle, and strategy. Through this work, performers will jointly build a newly created musical/theatrical scene, bringing Shakespeare to life through group and solo work, dancing, and song.
College Conversations
Now is the time to start talking about the next step: how to approach the application process to colleges and/or conservatories. Even the best high school guidance counselors find the college-level music application process difficult to understand. In her previous position as director of music at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Patty Thom guided hundreds of high school-aged singers through the application process and into colleges and conservatory programs. Now, with 20 years of experience auditioning young singers for a collegiate-level singing program, she brings both sides of the audition experience to the conversation. This session will address all the questions you have about how and where to take those next steps: How do I choose a list of appropriate schools for my skills, interests, and talent level? What kind of training and performance opportunities will I find at a liberal arts school? What do I need to know about scholarship and financial aid? The process can be a confusing one; this session will help you begin to create a framework for college applications and figure out how to get where you want to go.
