Voice majors in the Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles) program undertake intensive technique and live performance curricula along with a wide range of classes in supportive music and general studies to earn MI's unique contemporary music degree (see the Bachelor Degree home page and Program Outline for an overview of course requirements).

Vocal technique courses are designed and taught according to the same principles that have made MI one of the world's leading centers for the study of contemporary singing. Requirements include: 

V011a.b.                    Vocal Technique IA-IB
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. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for two quarters.

V112a.b.                    Vocal Technique IIA-IIB
Prerequisite: V112b Vocal Technique IB. 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.  One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for two quarters.

V142a.b.                    Vocal Performance IIA-IIB
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. Two lab/ensemble hours per week for two quarters.

V241a.b.                    Vocal Performance IIIA-IIIB
Prerequisite: V142b Vocal Performance IIB. The emphasis in this course is on developing polished, professional performing skills culminating in a final juried performance with a pro rhythm section. During IIIA, each student chooses his or her material, writes charts, rehearses a band, and develops a personal performing style during a weekly half-hour private session with the instructor and an accompanist. IIIB includes final music preparation and full rhythm section rehearsals leading up to the final jury. One half-hour private rehearsal per week for two quarters plus final project/performance.

V132a.b.                    Sightsinging/Sightreading IIA-IIB
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. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.

V231a.b.                    Sightsinging/Sightreading IIIA-IIIB
Prerequisite: V132b Sightsinging/Sightreading IIB. 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.

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:

Blues
Classic Rock
Country Rock
Modern Rock
Hard Rock
Metal
Classic R&B
Contemporary R&B
Freestyle Hip Hop
Funk
Fusion
Latin
Reggae
Traditional Jazz Ensemble
Student Choice (styles vary)
*LPW offerings vary by quarter; check current course schedule for availability

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

The Certificate in Performance (Voice) is a unique four-quarter, 60 credit-unit program for contemporary vocalists. The proven curriculum develops your vocal technique and individual stylistic identity through 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. VIT surrounds you with a supportive network of teachers and students who challenge you to explore your individual truth as an artist while enhancing your confidence as a professional. The Certificate program includes:

Private Lessons
A weekly, one-hour lesson with an expert vocal coach trains you to overcome obstacles and achieve the maximum potential of your vocal instrument and style.

Open Counseling
Informal, small-group lessons let you ask questions and try out new ideas with your teachers and fellow students.

Performance
Vocal Performance classes and Live Playing Workshops put you on stage and in the spotlight, helping you to reach your full potential as a performer.

Visiting Artists
Clinics, concerts and master classes allow you to see, hear, and learn directly from world-class vocalists.

Classes
Core and elective classes build you into a skilled, well-rounded vocalist capable of working effectively with other musicians and realizing your vision on stage and in the studio. A partial list includes:

Vocal Technique
Contemporary Vocal Styles
Vocal Performance
Harmony & Theory
Ear Training
Keyboard Accompaniment
Leadsheets
Sightsinging/Sightreading
Stagecraft
Extreme Vocals
Gospel Vocals
Blues Vocals
Brazilian Vocals
Studio Background Vocals
Demo Production for the Singer-Songwriter
Vocal Teacher Training
Stagecraft

MI’s Encore Program is a non-certificate option for students of bass, guitar, keyboards, drums, and voice. Working closely with the Encore Coordinator, Encore students create a personalized ten-week schedule drawn from the wide range of lessons, classes, performance workshops and other activities available for each instrument (students may also combine different instrument classes subject to availability). There are no required courses and grading is optional. All instruments, styles and levels are available and classes start every quarter.

The Encore Program includes:

Private Lessons
As an Encore student, you receive a weekly, one-hour private lesson on your primary instrument with a private instructor hand-picked to match your personal style and level. The instructor works with you in the areas of your choice, guiding you during your program while also providing you with enough information and inspiration to keep you working long after you leave (requests for private lessons with a specific MI instructor will be accommodated subject to instructor availability).

Personal Schedule
Before beginning classes, the Encore Coordinator will counsel you on course selections and arrange for a placement profile to determine the course levels for which you qualify. You may choose any combination of courses normally available to students at your level equal to a full-time credit load of fifteen units. We’ve found that students who set clear-cut goals accomplish much more in a limited amount of time, so the Coordinator will assist you in defining the results you wish to achieve. See the current Course Catalog for information on particular classes you may want to attend.

Access to Facilities
While you’re an Encore student, you’ll enjoy all of the privileges available to our students, including 24-hour access to MI’s facilities for practice and rehearsal, use of the video library, admission to special clinics and seminars, and participation in open counseling and live performance workshops.

Additional Encore information:

- State and federal financial aid are not available to students who are not enrolled in Certificate or Degree programs.

- Most core classes available to entering Encore students during January and July quarters are at an intermediate-to-advanced level. January or July enrollment is not advisable for beginning-level Encore students. Consult with the Encore Advisor before making your decision.

- All courses are not offered every quarter. Courses specific to Baccalaureate and non-instrument-based Certificate programs (as well as certain other courses offered by instrument-based Certificate and AA programs) are not available for Encore enrollment. Before enrolling, consult with the Encore Coordinator to confirm the availability of the specific courses you wish to attend.

- Encore students are entitled to the curriculum, materials and other resources applicable to the courses included in their enrollment schedule only.

- Encore students are responsible for all applicable fees

- Courses taken during an Encore session do not earn course credit, and attendance or completion of any course does not subsequently guarantee advanced placement in a Certificate or Degree program.