Programs    Programs By Degree

The Associate of Arts in Performance (Voice) program includes a combination of general and vocal-specific courses designed to produce skilled, knowledgeable, and stylistically versatile contemporary vocalists. Courses are described below (see course catalog for specific course descriptions and other information). Combined with regular seminars, clinics, and small open counseling sessions with internationally-known singers, the AA-Percussion program provides the world's premier contemporary vocal educational experience.

VOCAL CORE

Vocal Technique I
An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the voice. IA covers breathing and how it affects the body, mind and the act of singing as well as effective practice habits and how to protect the voice. IB focuses on understanding the nature of voice production as students learn to recognize different vocal functions through listening and analysis.

Vocal Technique II
Class addresses pitch registers, formation of vowels and consonants, and the application of vocal technique to learning songs as well as specific skills such as vibrato. Students analyze contemporary artists’ voices and each other to develop their awareness and understanding of the vocal instrument.

Contemporary Vocal Styles
An overview of the history of various vocal styles concentrating on the pioneers of each style, how they influenced and contributed to pop culture, society, and the music industry, and the legacy they have left behind. In the second quarter, students apply vocal techniques as they perform in styles of their own choosing with instructor direction and critique.

Vocal Performance I
An introduction to live performance skills including lyric interpretation, microphone techniques, stage presence, and overall presentation.  Designed to help students develop a sense of self-awareness and professionalism while performing.

Vocal Performance II
Performance-oriented class focusing on the emotional side of singing. Topics include lyric analysis and interpretation, stage presence, microphone technique, thought processes before going on stage and communicating with the audience.

Vocal Performance III
The emphasis in this course is on developing polished, professional performing skills culminating in a final juried performance with a pro rhythm section. Each student chooses his or her material, writes charts, rehearses a band, and develops a personal performing style during private sessions with the instructor and an accompanist.

Studio for Singers
Learn the basics of recording and the recording studio as they apply to vocalists. Class covers microphones, compressors, reverb, delays and other equipment found in most studios.

Acting for Singers
Focuses on communication and performance using acting skills to draw out the best performance of the lyric and melodic content.  Topics include beginning improvisation, memorization skills and artist/performer communication.

Sightsinging/Sightreading I
Introduction to reading and singing diatonic melodies with quarter, eighth and sixteenth note rhythmic patterns from the musical staff.

Sightsinging/Sightreading II
Reading and singing skills expand to include major and minor diatonic melodies and harmonies, eighth note and sixteenth note syncopation, and interpretation of standard musical notation.

Sightsinging/Sightreading III
Class covers singing in diatonic major and minor keys as well as odd meters and mixed rhythms.

PERFORMANCE

Private Lessons  
Weekly instrument lesson with an instructor who guides the student in developing technique, musicianship and style in support of core curricular goals. The instructor and student jointly determine a specific course of study depending on student needs, strengths and experience.

Live Playing Workshops
Students perform regularly throughout the program in their choice of styles and settings. Regularly scheduled* LPWs include:

MUSICIANSHIP

Keyboard Accompaniment I
An introduction to the keyboard for the vocalist. Note recognition, scales, intervals and chord construction using the keyboard as a visual and aural aid and as support for musicianship studies.

Keyboard Accompaniment II
An introduction to practical keyboard performance skills for the vocalist.  Students learn basic keyboard techniques and fingerings for scales and chords with the goal of using the keyboard as a tool for learning songs, transposition, self-accompaniment and lead sheet interpretation.

Keyboard Accompaniment III
A further study of keyboard voicings for the vocalist, including seventh chords and extensions, voice leading techniques and creative approaches to accompaniment.

Leadsheets
Develops the skills necessary for transcribing, writing and editing lead sheets and rhythm charts. Includes melodic and rhythmic notation, copying, transposition, transcription and chart writing.

Arranging for Your Band
Students learn the techniques of rhythm section and background vocal arranging. Topics include fundamentals of arranging and writing rhythm parts, lines and voicings. Students apply ideas and techniques to contemporary songs and original material.

Harmony and Theory I    
An introduction to Harmony and Theory as it applies to popular music. Includes the development of fundamental music notation skills, rhythms, major and minor scales, intervals, chords and diatonic harmony.

Harmony and Theory II      
Begins with diatonic harmony and expands to include chromatic variations typical of popular music, including scale and chord alterations and harmonic analysis of non-diatonic major and minor progressions.

Ear Training I    
An introduction to Ear Training as it applies to popular music. Covers the ability to recognize by ear major and minor scales, intervals, chord qualities, diatonic progressions, and rhythms in the context of examples drawn from contemporary popular music.

Ear Training II   
Concentrates on the recognition and transcription of diatonic major and minor melody and harmony and rhythmic figures including sixteenth notes. Includes specific examples drawn from contemporary popular music.

ELECTIVES

Each quarter, AA (Voice) students may choose from an enormous variety of elective courses covering all major contemporary styles, techniques, and musical interests as well as general courses in songwriting, technology, music business and more (see course catalog for current offerings).   

Current vocal-specific electives are listed below; topics and scheduling are subject to change and some require prerequisites. Check the current course offering for up-to-date information about courses offered during a specific quarter:

Stagecraft
Gospel Vocals
Introduction to Studio Singing
Live Sessions
Accent Reduction
Voiceover Workshop
Vocal Effects for Live Performance
Live Performance Makeup
Hip-Hop Dance
Blues Vocals
Jazz Vocals
Extreme Vocals
Rock Vocals
Song Success
Body Movement for Singers
The Art of Success
Vocal Interpretation I
Leader of the Pack
No Musicians Needed
Background Vocals
Studio Background Vocals I
Studio Background Vocals II
Hip Hop Dance II
Hip-Hop Dance Performance
Funk Divas
Extreme Vocals II
The Art of Success II
Vocal Interpretation II
Basic Demo Production for the Singer/Songwriter
Vocal Teacher Training