First Thing’s First: Learning the Basics of Singing!
In this 4-week beginner singing course, students grades 6-9 can explore the foundational skills needed to develop the voice. This class is best suited for beginners, and is an opportunity for trained singers to review foundational skills.
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be provided with a list of vocal exercises and warm-ups to practice in between live sessions. Students will be encouraged to do these exercises a minimum of 15 minutes each day to see results that maximize individual performance.Assessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Intermediate Level
- This class is created as a perfect starting point for beginner singers. It is also well-suited for students who have had some training or experience singing in choir/ensembles. - We will cover the basic fundamentals of proper singing technique. We will study the anatomy and design of the voice and proper use. We will study and practice vocal warm ups, ear training, breath support exercises, pitch, and tone control. Students will learn to identify their voice type and vocal range. - Our classes are group classes that meet twice weekly over a span of four weeks. This is a performance based class where students are expected to apply the lessons being taught and demonstrate understanding of each skill and technique. - I will teach students by demonstrating each skill and technique I want them to learn and apply. I will also use some visual aids, and videos to allow learners to see examples of what I want them to do. My teaching style is very performance driven. I am high energy and encourage students to try even if they feel uncomfortable. I set a goal for my students to meet and push them with encouragement and praise when they make progress. I am very supportive and like to help increase confidence within my students! - Being that my class is performance driven, I like to include a mixture of activities that encourage every learning style; visuals in the form of video and visual aids, activities for those who are kinesthetic, and games to help students practice and rehearse new concepts learned.
Learning Goals
Students will learn to use proper breathing support, good tone, and proper voice placement.Students will learn proper whole body posture, and correct shape and form of the mouth when singing.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Singing: Basic Concepts and Importance of Vocal Training
We will cover the basic concept of how the voice works. We will discuss the four different types of voices (whisper, speaking, shouting and singing). We will discover what parts of the body are used and are working when we sing. We will take a look at how the body is our instrument, and practice correct singing posture. We will practice standing and sitting the proper way, and go over the improper ways to sit and stand that can negatively impact a singer's sound. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
My Body Is My Instrument: How Does it Work
We will cover the entire use of the body when singing. From breath support and breath control, to diaphragmatic breathing, we will discover how proper breathing dictates our sound. We will practice several vocal exercises that demonstrate the importance of the position of the mouth, the jaw and the tongue when singing. We will practice breathing techniques and exercises that teach the young singer how to relax and sing without tension in the shoulders, the chest and the mouth. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Ear Training: Pitch and Tone Control
This lesson will introduce students to the importance of hearing and executing proper pitch. We will practice a few simple vocal exercises as a group, and individually that encourage students to sing the notes they hear. I will play a series of simple scales and arpeggios and teach students to echo sing the notes. We will identify when the pitch is under or over causing singers to sing "flat" or "sharp." We will review the importance of proper posture and having a relaxed mouth position. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Breathing Techniques: Breath Control and Breath Support
In this lesson, we will go back and review some of the concepts learned and practiced in Lesson 2. Students will be introduced to more in depth exercises that encourage them to take in air, and use it to support their sound. I will teach them how to identify if they are taking in enough air and if they are using it, or loosing it when the begin to sing. We will practice as a group/class and individually, giving each student a chance to identify if they are applying these techniques correctly. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Students with prior experience in choir are encouraged to enroll in this class, however it is not a requirement. Students who may be interested in private voice lessons are encouraged to enroll in this class.
Supply List
A detailed list of resources suggested but not required will be provided upon enrollment: -Adobe Acrobat Reader -Mirror -Metronome -Keyboard or Piano -Music Playback Device (phone, tablet or desktop works fine)
Language of Instruction
English (Level: B1)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Fisk University
I have over 15 years of experience as a private vocal instructor, and 20 years of choral directing experience with ages 12 and up. I earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and during my matriculation, was a member of the renowned, Fisk Jubilee Singers. I specialize in training and developing the young singing voice.Reviews
Live Group Course
$90
weekly or $360 for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
4-12 learners per class
