Teaching the passaggio and high range of tenor, baritone and bass voices in Western Classical and contemporary genres

American pedagogue Berton Coffin referred to the passaggio of tenor, baritone, and bass voices as “the hole in the sky.”  Coffin recognized that if the singer could master the passaggio area, range expansion above it would be possible, opening up exciting possibilities for the singer technically, expressively and perhaps professionally.

This course will explore strategies for successfully teaching tenor, baritone, and bass voices how to negotiate the passaggio and to access the extension above it for both Western Classical and Contemporary genres of singing. 

The course will begin with a review of relevant anatomy, physiology, and acoustics, providing a framework for the science-informed pedagogical strategies that follow. Habilitative exercises and developmental repertoire selection will be included in the discussion.  Similarities and differences in approach between Western Classical and Contemporary genres will be a particular focus of the course.

Throughout the course, time will be provided where attendees can ask questions.