Intermediate Level 1 Course Description

Period: nine weekly, hour and a half-long classes (with the last class a recital)
Class size: minimum 6/maximum 10
Prerequisite: Completion of Beginner's Level 2 and permission of instructor

This class will build upon the techniques studied in the Beginner's Level 2 course with continuing emphasis on and introduction of new breathing techniques that focus on increasing breath control and expanding tones, more work on posture and muscle engagement, an introduction into music reading and theory, vocalizing, the resonating system and registers, clean vocal attack, and messa di voce or vocal dynamics.

The class will learn more challenging piece, a madrigal, called "The Silver Swan" that they will perform it together at the recital. The learning process here will entail utilizing music reading, blend, harmony, keeping to your own part and singing with others.

This class will also introduce the first solos performed by the students. Each student will choose a solo piece from "Rise Up, Singing," (Edited by Peter Blood and Annie Patterson, 1992). Each class participant will learn, analyze and perform her/his solo. Again, the class will apply their new knowledge by performing at a recital at a local cafe, the New Deal Cafe, at the last class meeting.

Once again, each student in the class will receive a comprehensive syllabus along with a Supplemental Practice CD. The CD contains all of the exercises that are taught in class so that students may practice the techniques they have learned. Countless classes attempt to teach singing and yet students often feel uncertain after they leave the class because they lack a concrete method of continuing practice and vocal development. Students do not need to play an instrument in order to work on the vocal techniques they learn each wee because the supplemental practice CD allows for continued practice and vocal development.

Intermediate Level 1 Class Syllabus

Intermediate Level 1 Class CD Table of Contents

Intermediate Level 1 Class CD Table of Contents (text)

Silver Swan lyrics

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