Beyond the Major Scale: Engaging The Ear And Voice In Vocal Exercises

About this two hour Webinar:

Vocal exercises are used by singers and singing teachers alike to help develop, refine and establish various aspects of vocal technique. But vocal exercises can also be harnessed to develop a singer’s musicianship alongside technique. Just as a train track has two rails to stay balanced, it is proposed by the presenter that a “two-track” approach to a singer’s development would be an equal emphasis on technique and musicianship throughout training, as opposed to the more “monorail” emphasis on technique alone. As the eminent classical pedagogue, Richard Miller, sagely said: “Be first a musician and second a singer”. But how can this be readily achieved within a lesson context?

Currently, there is an over-emphasis and over-reliance on major scale-based patterns in vocal exercises at the expense of the appetising array of other musical patterns found in vocal music. From listening to and analysing a range of pop song excerpts, this interactive workshop will introduce vocal melodies based on other scales and modes, some of which are more commonly used than the major scale. The presenter will then show how relevant, engaging vocal exercises can be created from these patterns. They are not only still technically demanding but also provide musical variety and ear challenge to vocal exercise repertoire. This concept can be applied to any style of singing and doubles the educational value of exercises.

All sessions are recorded and will be sent out to all registered participants.