Vocals

In many ways, the human voice is possibly the most remarkable instrument of all. Aside of the fact that everyone has one, the individual voice is quintessentially unique, differing from any other in myriad subtle ways. As the most immediate form of expression available to us, the voice is able to express emotions of pain, sadness, joy or anger with a sensitivity and intuitiveness that is arguably unmatched by any other external instrument.

This, coupled with its ability to carry human language within a musical structure, has ensured that singers continue to be at the center of all musical progress. And the fact that singers have put it to work in almost every musical form or genre ever invented is a significant indicator of the voice’s incredible versatility. However like every other instrumentalist, the singer needs education, practice and constant care to develop the latent potential within his/ her voice. With the right principles in place and a disciplined approach towards achieving mastery, the trained voice is capable of exploring musical possibilities that may not be evident to an untrained singer. NSM’s vocal program is focused on developing both the technical skills as well as the musical intelligence necessary to use your voice creatively and effectively in the context of a performing band.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Vocal Techniques
Study the human voice and understand the science of singing. Then develop the fundamentals of vocal technique. You’ll work to improve your pitch, tone, range, diction and awareness of different registers.

Science - What the diaphragm is and how we use it | Vocal Chambers | Understanding of the entire vocal tract and the sense of space | Chest, Head and Middle Voice |

Technique - Breathing Techniques | Exercises to help build the range | Warm up exercises | Posture | Voice care, cures and remedies | Dynamics | Diction | Legato | Vibrato | Falsetto and control | Singing with power

Contemporary and Classic Styles
Study the landmarks of the contemporary and classical music repertoire, from the baroque and the romantic era to the latest hits. You’ll learn what’s required to perform with authenticity and confidence in different styles.

Fundamentals of Music Theory
This module takes you through the rudiments of music theory. The core concepts of melody, rhythm and harmony will be covered through staff notation. Your knowledge of music theory and the core fundamentals will open doors to a world that was previously closed to you. Used correctly, music theory will help you not only understand your music, but will allow you to communicate your musical ideas, and to explore music in ways you have never experienced before. Music theory allows you to be literate, and to expand your musical horizon, and to give you a vocabulary and method for doing so.

Singing in Harmony
Harmony Singing covers a variety of approaches to harmony singing, from performing as part of a backing vocal line-up to directing your own vocal arrangement. Study the concept of a choir and learn the functioning of each voice (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and their roles. Also figure out where you fit in this vast frequency spectrum.

Sight Singing
Sight Singing is extremely useful for learning repertoire, allowing you to respond quickly in a number of professional situations including studio session work and live performance.

Ear Training
A sound musical ear is immeasurably important for all vocalists. You must have a good sense of relative pitch and rhythm to be a good musician. And also it should go without mentioning that it is paramount to being a good songwriter. This module allows you to translate what you hear on the the page and vice-versa.

Second Instrument
Students also have the option of studying the keyboard along with their vocal studies. Studying the keyboard gives you a great reference point for all your vocal studies. The keyboard is a creative tool, which can assist you with writing, arranging and performing. You can also accompany yourself to increase your versatility as a musician. Accompaniment develops valuable creativity, interpretation and performance skills.

Performance
Performance is your chance to put it all into practice- You will get an opportunity to form a band with other students and perform live on stage. Here you will learn various aspects of band dynamics and what it takes to work with fellow musicians and perform as one unit on stage. You’ll learn exactly how to interact with other performers, as well as with an audience, and you’ll develop your live sound in a number of different styles.

VOCAL TRAINING

The Seven Key Principles of Voice Training

• The Student “Buys” the Ears of the Teacher
• The teacher Develops His Own Concept of Tone
• Teaching Is Based on One’s Aesthetics
• Singing Is an Athletic Endeavor
• The Student Learns from Sound as Well as Feeling
• Teaching Begins with the Best Areas and Moves Outward
• Choral Groups and Voice Classes Are Individual Students

How to Develop Breathing as the Foundation for Singing

• Breathing as an Element of Singing
• Importance of Proper Respiration
• Different Kinds of Breathing
• Handling Breathing Problems
• Developing Awareness of the Breathing Mechanisms

How to Make the Proper Sound: Principles, Techniques and Exercises

• Making Pitches for Singing
• Making a Good Sound
• Sustaining the Tone
• How to Move from Note to Note Smoothly
• How to Release the Tone
• How to Deal with Breathiness, Hoarseness, Harshness, Muffles or Swallowed Tone, Hollow or Hooty Quality

Developing a Rich Voice: The Symbols and Psychology of Resonance

• The Resonating System
• Relating Breath, Phonation, Resonance
• Excess Nasality

How to Form the Best Vowel Sound

• Producing a Vowel Sound
• Vowel Migration
• Vowel Modification

Train Singers to Change Registers Smoothly

• How many Registers
• Changing Registers Smoothly: Males
• Changing Registers Smoothly: Females

Making Sense Out of Sound: How to Communication Ideas, Emotions and Situations

• Consonants of Primary Importance
• Sung Language Not the Same as Spoken
• Consonant Exercises
• Problems of Articulation
• Problems of Pronunciation

Strategies and Techniques for Developing a Rich Choral Sound

• The Big Sound
• Challenge the Students
• Some Important Vocal Concepts
• Ways to improve Choral Singing
• The Question of Vibrato
• Further Concerns
• Ear Training

Effective Procedures for Choral Rehearsals

• Warmup Calisthenics

How to Train Changing Voices

• The Boy’s Voice
• Songs for Boys and Young Men
• The Girl’s Voice

Basic Principles of Vocal Technique

Vocal Health

Theatrics of Singing

Singing in Harmony

• Harmony Singing covers a variety of approaches to harmony singing, from performing as part of a backing vocal line-up to directing your own vocal arrangement. Study the concept of a choir and learn the functioning of each voice (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and their roles. Also figure out where you fit in this vast frequency spectrum.

Sight Singing

• Sight Singing is extremely useful for learning repertoire, allowing you to respond quickly in a number of professional situations including studio session work and live performance.