Vocal Technique / Singing
Intensive Introduction (suitable for beginner to intermediate students)
Taught by Cherry Brown or Kate Lewis.  Click here for instructor profiles.

Our voice is the innate instrument that nature has bestowed upon us; but, for the average person, the miraculous art of singing has been largely lost over the millennia.  Through the use of practical exercises, you will become skilled in all of the main techniques involved in creating beautiful vocal sound.  Our in-depth exploration of vocal technique will take us through the many aspects of producing sustained quality sound, including breath management, the use of the mouth, diaphragm, larynx, and other supporting muscle groups, the laws of posture, performance techniques, and others.  Small and large group work will include breath pulsation and muscle-flexibility exercises, the Alexander technique, the Feldenkreis method, legato sustained exercises, and activities aimed at training the body to behave as that of a singer.  Both the instructor and outside (video) demonstrations will be viewed, studied, and analyzed from a technical standpoint, as students learn to emulate the proper techniques.  Students will learn how to apply all the techniques learned in class to the singing style(s) of their choice.  Join us on this exciting journey into the beauty and versatility of the human voice at the height of self expression.  The course structure is as follows:

Basic theory lessons will change based on class skill level.

1) Introductions, intro to voice, explaining the anatomy of sound (plus intro to the two methods listed in course outline), vocal warm-ups/scales, intro to basic theory/reading music, intro to melody writing
2) Vocal warm-ups, scales, continuing basic theory, intro to ear training "listen and repeat", review melody writing and try another tune

All remaining classes will contain an hour or so focusing on the next level of vocal warm-ups, basic theory, ear training, and melody writing.  The following classes will also focus on the specific topics listed.

3) Rhythm – clapping and light drumming, rhythm in singing
4) Harmony – how to hear it and use it while singing
5) Special Techniques – Jazz
6) Special Techniques – Rock/Folk
7) Special Techniques – Classical
8) Special Techniques – Pop
9) A Cappella – basic history and practice, Bobby McFerrin video and group work on one of his "Circle Songs"
10) Final Review – class choice

* All special techniques classes will feature examples, voice training, and group work for the genre of music listed.

Course Title: Singing
Tuition Fee: RMB 3200

Spring Session 2012: March 7th to May 13th

Section A: Wednesday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
10 weeks from March 7th to May 9th (Course Code: VS103)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section B: Wednesday afternoons (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
10 weeks from March 7th to May 9th (Course Code: VS104)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section C: Wednesday evenings (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
10 weeks from March 7th to May 9th (Course Code: VS105)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section D: Sunday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
10 weeks from March 11th to May 13th (Course Code: VS106)
Location: ELC Learning Center

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

Registration Procedure:
Please register online first to reserve your place.  You will then receive a confirmation email with further details.  Next, payment must be made on site at the ELC Learning Center during the payment dates shown below (you can come in person or send someone).

Tuition payment for the Spring Session 2012 will take place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, from Monday, February 20th through Monday, February 27th, 2012.  Payments will be received in the Registration Office at the ELC Learning Center.  Click here for map.

Please note: classes are kept small for the students' benefit (generally between 8 and 12 people).  Register early to reserve your place.  Payment must be received on time to complete your enrollment and maintain your reservation in the class(es) for which you have registered.  (Any course that does not meet sufficient enrollment may be cancelled and a full refund provided upon presentation of your original receipt.)