Vocal Technique/Singing
Intensive Introduction (suitable for beginner to intermediate students)
Taught by Jessica Maurer, Lucre Houtman, 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 2013: March 6th to May 12th

Section A: Wednesday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)   Registration Closed
10 weeks from March 6th to May 8th (Course Code: VS103)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section B: Wednesday afternoons (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM)   Registration Closed
10 weeks from March 6th to May 8th (Course Code: VS104)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section C: Wednesday evenings (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)   Registration Closed
10 weeks from March 6th to May 8th (Course Code: VS105)
Location: ELC Learning Center

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

Fall Session 2013: October 9th to December 15th

Section A: Wednesday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
10 weeks from October 9th to December 11th (Course Code: VS103)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section B: Wednesday afternoons (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
10 weeks from October 9th to December 11th (Course Code: VS104)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section C: Wednesday evenings (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
10 weeks from October 9th to December 11th (Course Code: VS105)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section D: Sunday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
10 weeks from October 13th to December 15th (Course Code: VS106)
Location: ELC Learning Center

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

Registration Procedure:
First register online to reserve your place.  You will receive a confirmation email with further details and instructions.  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 fee payment for the Fall Session 2013 will take place Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th.  The payment hours are 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Payments will be received in the Registration Office at the ELC Learning Center.  Payment must be received on time to complete your enrollment and maintain your reservation in the class(es) for which you have registered.

Register early to reserve your place, as many classes fill up quickly.  If the course for which you are registered does not reach the minimum enrollment requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation before the payment dates.  As such, we receive payments only for courses which are proceeding as scheduled.  Please note, we do not offer trial lessons or discounts of any kind.  Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued after the start of the term.