Beyond the Major Scale: Engaging The Ear And Voice In Vocal Exercises
Tuesday 13th October 2020, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
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.
Kim Chandler
Kim Chandler (MMus BMusEd) is a renowned contemporary vocal coach & session singer. She runs a busy private studio in Marbella, Spain, where she coaches an elite clientele of stadium band singers, including BRIT award winners & GRAMMY nominees, artists from a range of genres, professional singers and vocal coaches online.
Sorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Tuesday 5th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
1:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday 9th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 16th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Acting Approaches for Singing Teachers
Louisa Morgan
Are you a singing teacher looking to elevate your students’ performances? Join our very own Louisa Morgan, as she takes a deeper dive into acting approaches that singing teachers can use to integrate powerful acting techniques into singing lessons. This 8 session course is perfect for those who want to help their singers connect deeply with the story behind the song. Gain practical tools and techniques that you can immediately apply in your teaching! Come along live for an interactive experience, or watch on playback at your leisure.
Thursday 28th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
What Broadway Singers Wish You Knew About Mixing!
Regina McAllen
Despite countless studies on vocal technique, few have asked Broadway singers to speak for themselves! In this research-informed session, Regina McAllen presents findings from her two qualitative studies, which amplify the voices of Broadway performers as they reflect on how they experience, develop, and refine their vocal mix. Through selected excerpts from performer interviews and surveys, these investigations offer a rare insider perspective on how elite singers approach and experience their mix on the Broadway stage.
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Soul-Training: Riffs, Runs, & R&B Singing
Lisa Popeil
In this interactive workshop, participants will have an opportunity to explore an extremely popular vocal style known as soul singing or R&B (Rhythm & Blues). Lisa Popeil will share with singers, voice teachers, and anyone interested in this powerful vocal style some little-known techniques in producing this rich, emotional, and satisfying sound!