Performance-Based Education in Contemporary Music

Musicians Institute’s challenging Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles) is a unique degree program combining contemporary music performance with rigorous education in traditional music disciplines. The intensive program emphasizes the development of stylistic depth, creative maturity and professional competence as part of a comprehensive program preparing you to enter the contemporary music industry. Upon completion of all requirements, you are eligible to receive the Bachelor of Music in Performance in one of five major instruments of study: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard and Vocals. 

Major Area

• BACH-PL Private Lesson
• BACH-P151-P453 Bachelor Ensembles
• (various) Instrument Study/Reading
• BACH-P104-144 Performance
• BACH-P108-P118 Sophomore Jury
• BACH-P208-P218 Senior Jury

Supportive Music

• BACH-P101-P801 Theory 1-8
• BACH-P102-P602 Ear Training 1-6
• BACH-P107 Styles Survey 1
• BACH-P121-P223 Music History 1-4
• BACH-P103-P503 Contemporary Arranging 1-5
• BACH-P125 Directing and Conducting 2
• BACH-P109-P209 Studio Recording 1-2
• BACH-P124 Music Industry Studies 3
• BACH-P127 Computer Music Applications - Sibelius 1
• BACH-P128A-P128B Computer Music Applications - Apple Logic 1-2
• BACH-P120 Contemporary Music Instruction
• BACH-P113-P313 Keyboard Proficiency 1
• BACH-V107 Diction

General Education Credits

Various (see “Articulation Agreement” for required credit distribution)

Electives Credits

(Elective requirements vary by instrument) Various

Instrument Study

BACH Sightsinging 1
Expands sightsinging skills to include more complex major and minor diatonic melodies and harmonies and the introduction of mixed rhythms. Topics include: intervals, inversions, major and minor thirds, major melodies, triads, arpeggios, and quarter note triplets. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for one quarter.

BACH Sightsinging 2
Prerequisite: BACH-V133 BACH Sightsinging 1. Continued exploration of major and minor melodies and mixed rhythms. Topics include: an introduction to minor scales, seventh chords, and changing meters. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for one quarter.

BACH Sightsinging 3
Prerequisite: BACH-V243 Sightsinging 4. Class covers singing in diatonic major and minor keys as well as odd meters and mixed rhythms. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.

BACH Sightsinging 4
Prerequisite: BACH-V353 BACH Sightsinging 3. Continuation of advanced sightsinging techniques. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.

BACH Vocal Technique 1
An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the voice. Topics include: vocal physiological terminologies, breathing (and how it affects the act of singing), effective practice habits, and voice-protection techniques. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for one quarter.

BACH Vocal Technique 2
Prerequisite: BACH-V112 BACH Vocal Technique 1. Focuses on understanding the nature of human voice production. Topics include learning to recognize different vocal functions through analysis and review. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for one quarter.

BACH Vocal Technique 3
Prerequisite: BACH-V222 BACH Vocal Technique 2. Focuses on “bridging” the voice into a continuous register without breaks. Vocal exercises to strengthen the voice and allow singing at full power are discussed and practiced. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for one quarter.

BACH Vocal Technique 4
Prerequisite: BACH-V332 BACH Vocal Technique 3. The final Vocal Technique course addresses the formation of vowels and consonants, techniques for connecting with the lyrics and associated emotions of songs, the application of vocal technique to assist in learning songs, and the analysis and imitation of contemporary artists’ voices as a means to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of the vocal instrument. One lecture hour plus one lab per week for one quarter.

BACH Vocal Performance 1
An introduction to ensemble singing, including duets and backing vocals. Topics include song choice, assigning parts, divisi, harmonies, backing vocals (including roles as both lead and background), and group sound. The final performance will be open to the public. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

BACH Vocal Performance 2
Prerequisite: BACH-V134 BACH Vocal Performance 1. Continuing with the development of individual vocal performance and stage presence, emphasis is placed on song interpretation, genre variations, transposing songs to match students’ vocal ranges, and effective communication with the band (e.g. “talking down” a lead sheet or chart). Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

BACH Vocal Performance 3
Prerequisite: BACH-V244 BACH Vocal Performance 2. Emphasis is placed on taking a leadership role within the group along with all aspects of being a polished professional performer, such as phrasing, stylistic interpretation, use of props, stage presence, image, communication with the band, and creation and explanation of quality charts. One ensemble hour with full band per week for one quarter.

BACH Vocal Performance 4
Prerequisite: VOCAL-504 Vocal Performance 5. In addition to master class vocal technique coaching from the instructor, students prepare themselves for their final showcase (a professional performance with the assistance of a full rhythm section). Objectives include rehearsal techniques, development of press package, a gig book with professional quality charts, as well as polishing performance skills (including pre-production, rhythm section communication, crowd interaction, stage presence, and stylistic interpretation). The final performance will be open to the public. One ensemble hour with full band per week for one quarter.

Diction for Vocalists
Degree-specific requirement for Voice Majors. Students improve articulation, enunciation, stage presence and proper vocal technique through the use of drills, exercises, and feedback, and learn to apply these skills to the performance of contemporary music. Specific issues, including accent and dialect reduction and enhancement, will also be addressed. One lecture hour per week for one quarter.

The Associate of Arts in Performance (Vocals) 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-Vocals program provides the world's premier contemporary vocal educational experience. The Vocal Program also surrounds you with a supportive network of teachers and students who challenge you to explore your stylistic identity and advance your technological knowledge while enhancing your confidence as a professional.

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Degree requirements vary by instrument and include some or all of the following courses. See each emphasis for details on specific requirements.

 

Access the catalog for descriptions which include course number, title, number of credit units per quarter (multiply by number of required quarters for total credit amount), and prerequisites (where applicable), description of content, and contact hours per week.

 

MAJOR AREA (All Instruments)

 

Private Lesson

Weekly instrument lesson with an instructor who guides you in developing technique, musicianship and style in support of core curricular goals. The instructor and you jointly determine a specific course of study depending on your needs, strengths and experience. One private lesson hour per week per quarter.

 

Live Performance Workshops 1-6

You perform regularly throughout the program in a variety of styles and settings. Minimum requirement of ten performances per quarter. One ensemble hour per week per quarter.

 

Blues

Classic Rock

Country Rock

Modern Rock

Hard Rock

Metal

Classic R&B

Punk

Contemporary R&B

Hip-Hop

Fusion

Funk

Reggae

Latin

Billboard Hot 100

 

*LPW offerings vary by quarter; check current course schedule for availability

 

MUSICIANSHIP (Requirements vary by instrument)

 

Songwriting 1

Fundamentals of contemporary music creation, including song structure, tempo, lyrics, melody, harmony, rhythmic elements and subjective emotional qualities. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Songwriting 2

Continued development of contemporary songwriting skills, including application of fundamental concepts to the creation of original material based on topics and genres provided by the instructor. Includes critique and discussion. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 1

This course uses the keyboard as a visual and aural aid to developing musicianship for the vocalist. Topics include: basic reading (including grand staff, treble and bass clefs, and identifying notes), fingering technique, major scales, intervals, major triads, diminished and augmented triads, and simple melodies. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 2

Continuation of Keyboards for Vocalists 1 with additional focus on natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales; diatonic major and minor harmonies; inversions; seventh chords; and the use of inverted triads in basic chord progressions. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Harmony and Theory 1

You perform regularly throughout the program in a variety of styles and settings (see section on Live Playing Workshops for overview of workshop offerings). Minimum requirement of ten performances per quarter. One ensemble hour per week per quarter.

 

Harmony and Theory 2

A continuation of the study of musical notation and diatonic structures, including rhythmic values, time signatures, natural minor scales and key signatures, harmonized minor scales diatonic seventh chords, and key centers. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for one quarter.

 

Ear Training 1

An introduction to Ear Training as it applies to popular music. Areas of focus include matching pitch, major scale melodies, and melodic intervals in the context of examples drawn from contemporary popular music. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for one quarter.

 

Ear Training 2

Topics include meter and rhythm, eighth-note phrases, sight-singing, transcribing melody and rhythm on the staff, harmonic intervals, triad qualities, and diatonic major chord progressions. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for one quarter.

 

MAJOR AREA

 

Private Lesson

Twelve credit units required (two per quarter). See “General Requirements” for course description.

 

Live Performance Workshops 1-6

Six credit units required (one per quarter). See “General Requirements” for course description.

 

Vocal Performance 1

You develop fundamental technical approaches to vocal performance via twice-weekly performances in a number of popular genres with a live, three-piece backing band, assisted by extensive curricular materials, including performance notes, vocal charts, and reference audio. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 2

Continued live-ensemble performing experience, featuring progressively more complex material and additional musical genres. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 3

Additional live-ensemble performing experience featuring progressively more complex material, additional musical genres and the ability for you to perform your own material at set points within the course. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 4

Additional live-ensemble performing experience featuring progressively more complex material, additional musical genres and the ability for you to perform your own material at set points within the course. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 5

You put the skills learned in Vocal Performance 1-4 to use as you perform original songs (or arrangements of existing material) with a keyboard accompanist. You begin to develop a set list for your final show (at the conclusion of Vocal Performance 6). Emphasis is placed on creating lead sheets; working closely with the accompanist to choose, shape, and perform the most artist relevant material; and understanding specific aspects of small-venue performance (such as: the environment, equipment, techniques, terminology and personnel). Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 6

You prepare yourself for your final show with the assistance of a four-piece band. Focus includes song choice, chart preparation, set-list order and rehearsal techniques, as well as polishing performance skills (including: pre-production, band dynamics, crowd interactions and communication, stage presence and stylistic interpretation). Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 1

An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the voice. Topics include: vocal physiological terminologies, breathing (and how it affects the act of singing), effective practice habits, and voice-protection techniques. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 2

Focuses on understanding the nature of human voice production. Topics include learning to recognize different vocal functions through analysis and review. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 3

Focuses on “bridging” the voice into a continuous register without breaks. Vocal exercises to strengthen the voice and allow singing at full power are discussed and practiced. Two lecture lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 4

The final Vocal Technique course addresses the formation of vowels and consonants, techniques for connecting with the lyrics and associated emotions of songs, the application of vocal technique to assist in learning songs, and the analysis and imitation of contemporary artists’ voices as a means to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of the vocal instrument. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 1

Introduction to sight-reading and sight-singing for the vocalist. Topics include an overview of music notation, the basic elements of written music, major scales, ties, dotted notes, warm-ups and simple diatonic melodies with whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth note rhythmic patterns. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 2

Continued development of sight-singing skills with emphasis on combining notes and values, an introduction to the bass clef, triplet rhythms, and different time signatures such as cut-time and 6/8. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 3

Expands sight-singing skills to include more complex major and minor diatonic melodies and harmonies and the introduction of mixed rhythms. Topics include: intervals, inversions, major and minor thirds, major melodies, triads, arpeggios, and quarter note triplets. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 4

Continued exploration of major and minor melodies and mixed rhythms. Topics include: an introduction to minor scales, seventh chords, and changing meters. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Apple Logic 1

Apple’s Logic Studio is a powerful music production package designed for music creators and producers. This Apple-Certified course, when combined with Apple Logic 2, is equivalent to Apple’s own Logic 101 course. Topics covered include working with MIDI and audio, virtual instruments, effects, drum programming, time stretching and working with loops. This course is equivalent to ARTST-113. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Apple Logic 2

The second level of this Apple-Certified course focuses on using Logic as a mixing and mastering tool. Topics include effects, automation, scoring to picture, third-party plug-ins, and mastering using Logic’s companion program Waveburner. Upon successful completion, you are eligible to take Apple’s Logic Pro Certification Exam. This course is equivalent to ARTST-213. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Studio Recording 1

Learn the art and practical skills of creating your own professional-quality, three-song vocal reel in the recording studio using industry-standard audio equipment. Topics include pre-production, microphone techniques, equipment choice, essential recording studio terminology, preamplification, EQ and effects for lead vocals, as well as other equipment and techniques essential to creating and capturing the best vocal performance. Two lecture-lab-ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Studio Recording 2

Building on the knowledge and techniques learned in Studio Recording 1, you complete your three-song reel in the recording studio, including overdubs, backing vocals, final EQ and effects. You also take turns engineering for each other as a means to understand the needs of the recording staff and the best way to maximize studio vocal performances. Two lecture-lab-ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

Artist Development

Building on acquired knowledge and techniques, the focus turns to developing material for a filmed performance and on-camera interview. Topics include: communicating with the audience, filmed performance techniques, artist interviewing tips, setlists, and being an A&R relevant performer. Two lecture, lab, ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

Image Development 1 - 2

This course focuses on image development for the vocalist. Topics include: developing a stage persona, tapping into your unique qualities as a performer, lyrical interpretations, emotional delivery, video shoot terminologies, band communication and appropriate song choices. Two lecture-lab-ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Digital Notation & Arranging 1

For the professional vocalist, the ability to create easy-to-understand and easy-to-edit charts and lead sheets is invaluable. This course introduces the popular music notation software Sibelius© as a digital means for creating charts and lead sheets, along with some basic arranging exercises. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Digital Notation & Arranging 2

You combine notation skills with knowledge gained in musicianship, songwriting, and technology classes to create, edit, and arrange charts for use in your own recordings and performances. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Entertainment Business 1

This course provides you with an understanding of the entertainment industry as it exists today — essential knowledge for anyone looking to sustain a career as a vocalist in the digital era. Includes an overview of record companies, distributors, representation, contracts, publishing, copyright, viable industry positions, and more. This course is equivalent to ARTST-108. One lecture hour per week for one quarter.

 

Entertainment Business 2

Further exploration of the entertainment business with a focus on the independent aspects of the industry and how vocalists can best exploit them to their career advantage. Topics include starting your own record company, indie distribution deals; agents, managers, and lawyers; starting your own publishing company, entrepreneurship, fan base management, networking, alternate revenue streams, and more. This course is equivalent to ARTST-208. One lecture hour per week for one quarter.

 

DIY Music Marketing

This course focuses on understanding essential self-marketing and promotional techniques for the modern vocalist in preparation for creating a personal promotional media package. This course is equivalent to ARTST-109. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Promotional Media

Vocalists learn to generate the audio/visual materials necessary to promote themselves as artists, performers, or songwriters. These include professional photographs, websites, electronic press kits (EPKs), CD covers (using Photoshop©) and biographies. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

MUSICIANSHIP

 

Harmony and Theory 1–2

Three credit units required (one and one-half per quarter).See “General Requirements” for course descriptions.

 

Ear Training 1-2

Three credit units required (one and one-half per quarter).See “General Requirements” for course descriptions.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 1

This course uses the keyboard as a visual and aural aid to developing musicianship for the vocalist. Topics include: basic reading (including grand staff, treble and bass clefs, and identifying notes), fingering technique, major scales, intervals, major triads, diminished and augmented triads, and simple melodies. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 2

Continuation of Keyboards for Vocalists 1 with additional focus on natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales; diatonic major and minor harmonies; inversions; seventh chords; and the use of inverted triads in basic chord progressions. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Songwriting 1

Fundamentals of contemporary music creation, including song structure, tempo, lyrics, melody, harmony, rhythmic elements and subjective emotional qualities. This course is equivalent to ARTST-112. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Songwriting 2

Continued development of contemporary songwriting skills, including application of fundamental concepts to the creation of original material based on topics and genres provided by the instructor. Includes critique and discussion. This course is equivalent to ARTST-212E. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

ELECTIVES

 

Live Background Vocals

Accent Reduction

Stagecraft

Blues Vocals

Extreme Vocals 1

Gospel Vocals

Jazz Vocals

Rock Vocals

Studio Background Vocals 1

Contemporary Hip-Hop Dance 1

Vocal Interpretation

Voiceover Workshop

The Art of Success 1

Vocal Teacher Training 1

Vocal Teacher Training 2

Extreme Vocals 2

Studio Background Vocals 2

Contemporary Hip-Hop Dance 2

The Art of Success 2

Sight-singing 5

Sight-singing 6

Keyboards for Vocalists 3

Keyboards for Vocalists 4

As an Associate of Arts student in instrument performance programs (Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard Technology, Vocals), you may opt for a combined course of study which is a combination of the performance program and a music industry program (Audio Engineering, Film, Guitar Craft, Music Business, Independent Artist).

 

Enrollment in such programs is dependent upon admission approval and space availability.

*Associate programs are vocational and do not include General Education requirements or specific preparation for study at the Baccalaureate level.

The Certificate in Performance (Vocals) is a unique four-quarter, 60 credit-unit program for contemporary vocalists. The proven curriculum develops your vocal technique and individual stylistic identitythrough a combination of structured classes and weekly private lessons. Explore contemporary styles or showcase your original material on stage in a wide range of performance workshops. Learn not only to sing, but to communicate with your audience and your fellow musicians. The Vocal Program surrounds you with a supportive network of teachers and students who challenge you to explore your stylistic identity and advance your technological knowledge while enhancing your confidence as a professional.

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Degree requirements vary by instrument and include some or all of the following courses. See each emphasis for details on specific requirements.

 

Access the catalog for descriptions which include course number, title, number of credit units per quarter (multiply by number of required quarters for total credit amount), and prerequisites (where applicable), description of content, and contact hours per week.

 

MAJOR AREA (All Instruments)

 

Private Lesson

Weekly instrument lesson with an instructor who guides you in developing technique, musicianship and style in support of core curricular goals. You and the instructor jointly determine a specific course of study depending on your needs, strengths and experience. One private lesson hour per week per quarter.

 

Live Performance Workshops 1-4

You perform regularly throughout the program in a variety of styles and settings. Minimum requirement of ten performances per quarter. One ensemble hour per week per quarter.

 

Blues

Classic Rock

Country Rock

Modern Rock

Hard Rock

Metal

Classic R&B

Punk

Contemporary R&B

Hip-Hop

Fusion

Funk

Reggae

Latin

Billboard Hot 100

 

*LPW offerings vary by quarter; check current course schedule for availability

 

MUSICIANSHIP (Requirements vary by instrument)

 

Songwriting 1

Fundamentals of contemporary music creation, including song structure, tempo, lyrics, melody, harmony, rhythmic elements and subjective emotional qualities. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Songwriting 2

Continued development of contemporary songwriting skills, including application of fundamental concepts to the creation of original material based on topics and genres provided by the instructor. Includes critique and discussion. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 1

This course uses the keyboard as a visual and aural aid to developing musicianship for the vocalist. Topics include: basic reading (including grand staff, treble and bass clefs, and identifying notes), fingering technique, major scales, intervals, major triads, diminished and augmented triads, and simple melodies. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 2

Continuation of Keyboards for Vocalists 1 with additional focus on natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales; diatonic major and minor harmonies; inversions; seventh chords; and the use of inverted triads in basic chord progressions. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Harmony and Theory 1

You perform regularly throughout the program in a variety of styles and settings (see section on Live Playing Workshops for overview of workshop offerings). Minimum requirement of ten performances per quarter. One ensemble hour per week per quarter.

 

Harmony and Theory 2

A continuation of the study of musical notation and diatonic structures, including rhythmic values, time signatures, natural minor scales and key signatures, harmonized minor scales diatonic seventh chords, and key centers. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for one quarter.

 

Ear Training 1

An introduction to Ear Training as it applies to popular music. Areas of focus include matching pitch, major scale melodies, and melodic intervals in the context of examples drawn from contemporary popular music. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for one quarter.

 

Ear Training 2

Topics include meter and rhythm, eighth-note phrases, sight-singing, transcribing melody and rhythm on the staff, harmonic intervals, triad qualities, and diatonic major chord progressions. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for one quarter.

 

MAJOR AREA

 

Private Lesson

Twelve credit units required (two per quarter). See “General Requirements” for course description.

 

Live Performance Workshops 1-4

Six credit units required (one per quarter). See “General Requirements” for course description.

 

Vocal Performance 1

You develop fundamental technical approaches to vocal performance via twice-weekly performances in a number of popular genres with a live, three-piece backing band, assisted by extensive curricular materials, including performance notes, vocal charts, and reference audio. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 2

Continued live-ensemble performing experience, featuring progressively more complex material and additional musical genres. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 3

Additional live-ensemble performing experience featuring progressively more complex material, additional musical genres and the ability to for you to perform your own material at set points within the course. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Performance 4

Additional live-ensemble performing experience featuring progressively more complex material, additional musical genres and the ability for you to perform your own material at set points within the course. Two ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 1

An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the voice. Topics include: vocal physiological terminologies, breathing (and how it affects the act of singing), effective practice habits, and voice-protection techniques. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 2

Focuses on understanding the nature of human voice production. Topics include learning to recognize different vocal functions through analysis and review. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 3

Focuses on “bridging” the voice into a continuous register without breaks. Vocal exercises to strengthen the voice and allow singing at full power are discussed and practiced. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Vocal Technique 4

The final Vocal Technique course addresses the formation of vowels and consonants, techniques for connecting with the lyrics and associated emotions of songs, the application of vocal technique to assist in learning songs, and the analysis and imitation of contemporary artists’ voices as a means to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of the vocal instrument. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 1

Introduction to sight-reading and sight-singing for the vocalist. Topics include an overview of music notation, the basic elements of written music, major scales, ties, dotted notes, warm-ups and simple diatonic melodies with whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth note rhythmic patterns. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 2

Continued development of sight-singing skills with emphasis on combining notes and values, an introduction to the bass clef, triplet rhythms, and different time signatures such as cut-time and 6/8. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 3

Expands sight-singing skills to include more complex major and minor diatonic melodies and harmonies and the introduction of mixed rhythms. Topics include: intervals, inversions, major and minor thirds, major melodies, triads, arpeggios, and quarter note triplets. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Sight-singing 4

Continued exploration of major and minor melodies and mixed rhythms. Topics include: an introduction to minor scales, seventh chords, and changing meters. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Apple Logic 1

Apple’s Logic Studio is a powerful music production package designed for music creators and producers. This Apple-Certified course, when combined with Apple Logic 2, is equivalent to Apple’s own Logic 101 course. Topics covered include working with MIDI and audio, virtual instruments, effects, drum programming, time stretching and working with loops. This course is equivalent to ARTST-113. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Apple Logic 2

The second level of this Apple-Certified course focuses on using Logic as a mixing and mastering tool. Topics include effects, automation, scoring to picture, third-party plug-ins, and mastering using Logic’s companion program Waveburner. Upon successful completion, you are eligible to take Apple’s Logic Pro Certification Exam. This course is equivalent to ARTST-213. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Studio Recording 1

Learn the art and practical skills of creating your own professional-quality, three-song vocal reel in the recording studio using industry-standard audio equipment. Topics include pre-production, microphone techniques, equipment choice, essential recording studio terminology, preamplification, EQ and effects for lead vocals, as well as other equipment and techniques essential to creating and capturing the best vocal performance. Two lecture-lab-ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Studio Recording 2

Building on the knowledge and techniques learned in Studio Recording 1, you complete your three-song reel in the recording studio, including overdubs, backing vocals, final EQ and effects. You also take turns engineering for each other as a means to understand the needs of the recording staff and the best way to maximize studio vocal performances. Two lecture-lab-ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Image Development 1 - 2

This course focuses on image development for the vocalist. Topics include: developing a stage persona, tapping into your unique qualities as a performer, lyrical interpretations, emotional delivery, video shoot terminologies, band communication and appropriate song choices. Two lecture-lab-ensemble hours per week for one quarter.

 

Digital Notation & Arranging 1

For the professional vocalist, the ability to create easy-to-understand and easy-to-edit charts and lead sheets is invaluable. This course introduces the popular music notation software Sibelius© as a digital means for creating charts and lead sheets, along with some basic arranging exercises. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Digital Notation & Arranging 2

You combine notation skills with knowledge gained in musicianship, songwriting, and technology classes to create, edit, and arrange charts for use in your own recordings and performances. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Entertainment Business 1

This course provides you with an understanding of the entertainment industry as it exists today — essential knowledge for anyone looking to sustain a career as a vocalist in the digital era. Includes an overview of record companies, distributors, representation, contracts, publishing, copyright, viable industry positions, and more. This course is equivalent to ARTST-108. One lecture hour per week for one quarter.

 

Entertainment Business 2

Further exploration of the entertainment business with a focus on the independent aspects of the industry and how vocalists can best exploit them to their career advantage. Topics include starting your own record company, indie distribution deals; agents, managers, and lawyers; starting your own publishing company, entrepreneurship, fan base management, networking, alternate revenue streams, and more. This course is equivalent to ARTST-208. One lecture hour per week for one quarter.

 

DIY Music Marketing

This course focuses on understanding essential self-marketing and promotional techniques for the modern vocalist in preparation for creating a personal promotional media package. This course is equivalent to ARTST-109. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Promotional Media

You learn to generate the audio/visual materials necessary to promote yourself as artist, performer, or songwriter. These include professional photographs, websites, electronic press kits (EPKs), CD covers (using Photoshop©) and biographies. Two lecture- lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

MUSICIANSHIP

 

Harmony and Theory 1–2

Three credit units required (one and one-half per quarter).See “General Requirements” for course descriptions.

 

Ear Training 1-2

Three credit units required (one and one-half per quarter).See “General Requirements” for course descriptions.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 1

This course uses the keyboard as a visual and aural aid to developing musicianship for the vocalist. Topics include: basic reading (including grand staff, treble and bass clefs, and identifying notes), fingering technique, major scales, intervals, major triads, diminished and augmented triads, and simple melodies. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Keyboards for Vocalists 2

Continuation of Keyboards for Vocalists 1 with additional focus on natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales; diatonic major and minor harmonies; inversions; seventh chords; and the use of inverted triads in basic chord progressions. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Songwriting 1

Fundamentals of contemporary music creation, including song structure, tempo, lyrics, melody, harmony, rhythmic elements and subjective emotional qualities. This course is equivalent to ARTST-112. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

Songwriting 2

Continued development of contemporary songwriting skills, including application of fundamental concepts to the creation of original material based on topics and genres provided by the instructor. Includes critique and discussion. This course is equivalent to ARTST-212E. Two lecture-lab hours per week for one quarter.

 

ELECTIVES

 

Live Background Vocals

Accent Reduction

Stagecraft

Blues Vocals

Extreme Vocals 1

Gospel Vocals

Jazz Vocals

Rock Vocals

Studio Background Vocals 1

Contemporary Hip-Hop Dance 1

Vocal Interpretation

Voiceover Workshop

The Art of Success 1

Vocal Teacher Training 1

Vocal Teacher Training 2

Extreme Vocals 2

Studio Background Vocals 2

Contemporary Hip-Hop Dance 2

The Art of Success 2

Sight-singing 5

Sight-singing 6

Keyboards for Vocalists 3

Keyboards for Vocalists 4

ENCORE

The Encore Program (Non-Certificate Training in Music Performance) is designed to allow you to create a full-time, ten-week program by choosing from available lessons, classes, performance workshops and other activities. Enrollment is available at the beginning of any quarter and may be repeated for additional quarters.

 

THE ENCORE PROGRAM INCLUDES: 

Schedule

Based on an initial evaluation, the Encore Coordinator provides you with a list of available courses that are appropriate to your level of knowledge and skill. From that list, you create a class schedule equal to a full-time credit load of fifteen units.

 

NOTE: Course offerings vary by quarter and some courses and programs are not available for Encore enrollment. A list of available courses will be provided to you by the Encore Coordinator prior to registration. To confirm the availability of specific courses, please consult with the Encore Coordinator prior to enrollment.

 

Private Lessons

Every instrument Encore session includes weekly, one-hour private lessons on your primary instrument. The instructor and you jointly develop a lesson plan based on your particular interests and the instructor provides general guidance throughout the program.

 

NOTE: Requests for private lessons with a specific instructor are subject to instructor availability.

 

Access

Encore enrollment includes 24-hour access to MI’s facilities for practice and rehearsal, access to extra-curricular activities and the library, and admission to clinics and seminars offered during your period of enrollment.

 

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

• Financial Aid – Encore is not eligible for State or Federal financial aid.

• January and July enrollments – Most Core classes available to entering Encore students in performance programs during January and July quarters are at intermediate-to-advanced levels. January or July enrollment is not advised for beginning-level Encore students.

• Materials – Encore students are entitled to receive curriculum and other materials applicable to courses included in their official course schedule only.

• Fees – Encore students are responsible for all applicable fees; see “Tuition and Fees” for specific information.

• Course Credit – Courses taken during an Encore session do not earn course credit. Attendance or completion of any course does not guarantee subsequent advanced placement in a Certificate or Degree program.