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Semester Series: Essentials of Singing

In this 8 week online course, learn about the anatomy, technique, and methods behind singing like a pro!
Heidi Crane, M.M. Vocal Performance, AEA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(32)
Class
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What's included

8 live meetings
4 in-class hours

Class Experience

This class is the accelerated version of the Essentials of Singing Ongoing Courses. For a more relaxed learning experience, feel free to sign up for individual sections at our own convenience. This program outline is as follows:

Week 1: Vocal Anatomy
In this section of Essentials of Singing, students will be introduced to basic anatomy of the voice-making machine: the larynx. Time and experience depending, Heidi may also move into anatomy of other related body parts including the head and the neck. The following outline will be loosely followed. 
1. Anatomy of the voice
     A. The larynx, the head, the neck, the spine, etc. 
2. Health
     A. How do we keep our voices healthy? 
     B. What specific behaviors may hurt the voice?
     C. What specific behaviors may help the voice? 
3. Discussion
     A. How does this understanding change your perspective of your voice? 
     B. Further resources   

   
Week 2: Posture
In this section of Essentials of Singing, Heidi will introduce the following concepts about posture for singing:
1. What is good posture?
     A. Several misconceptions 
     B. A technical definition
2. What does good posture feel like?
     A. When it’s new to you
     B. When you’ve adjusted 
3. How do I find good posture regularly on my own?
     A. The baby-squat method
     B. Exercises
     C. Body-mapping
     D. Repetition, self-awareness
4. How does posture change my singing?
     A. A few side effects of bad posture on singing
     B. A few examples of how good posture positively effects singing
5. Resources for further research 

Week 3: Breath
In this section of Essentials of Singing, Heidi will outline breathing for singing according to the following outline:
1. The basic anatomy of breathing
     A. A general summary
2. How classical singers breathe
     A. A bottom to top approach
3. How to know when you’re breathing well vs. not breathing well 
     A. The physical and mental signs and some causes 
4. How to take a breath for your phrase 
    A. Preparation, practice, and habit
6. How to build your lung capacity
     A. Exercises, tools, further resources
7. Group Review

Week 4: Pitch
In this section of Essentials of Singing, Heidi will introduce the concept of pitch and how singers can improve their pitch with a few consistently used exercises. The outline of the class will discuss the following questions: 
1. What is pitch?
     A. A technical definition
2. Are some people really tone-deaf?
    A. A study of perception
3. Can pitch accuracy always be improved?
     A. Another study of perception 
4. How can pitch accuracy be improved?
     A. Building self-awareness
     B. Specific exercises

Week 5: Head Voice, Chest Voice
Head Voice: In this Essentials of Singing section, Heidi will be introducing students to the head voice through the following outline:
1.    What does head voice look like? An anatomical introduction
2.    What does head voice feel like? A kinesthetic understanding
3.    What does head voice sound like? Auditory illustrations
4.    What is head voice used for? A summarized explanation
5.    When is head voice getting in the way of better singing? A few examples 

Chest Voice: In this Essentials of Singing section, Heidi will be introducing students to the chest voice through the following outline:
1.  What does chest voice look like? An anatomical introduction
2.  What does chest voice feel like? A kinesthetic understanding
3.  What does chest voice sound like? Auditory illustrations
4.  What is chest voice used for? A summarized explanation
6.  When is chest voice getting in the way of better singing? A few examples 


Week 6: The Mix
In these Essentials of Singing section, Heidi will be introducing students to the mix through the following outline:
1.   What does the mix look like? An anatomical introduction
2.  What does the mix feel like? A kinesthetic understanding
3.  What does the mix sound like? Auditory illustrations
4.  What is the mix used for? A summarized explanation
5.  When is the mix getting in the way of better singing? A few examples 

Week 7: Voice Placement
In this section of Essentials of Music, students will discover what voice placement is and how to use it through the discussion of the following points: 
1. Placement: A technical definition 
2. Where can we “place” a sound?
3. How does our sound change when we change placement?
4. Does changing our placement make parts of our bodies feel different? 
5. Singer placement: a study and comparison

Week 8: Warm Ups and Cool Downs
In this section of Essentials of Singing, learn how professionals keep their voices flexible and healthy through regular warm ups and cool downs. This class will loosely follow the outline below:
1. What is a warm up?
2. What is a cool down?
3. Why should we warm up and cool down?
4. The warm up
     A. Order
     B. Exercise Examples 
5. The cool down
     A. Order 
     B. Exercise examples 
6. How to track improvement 
     A. Building self-awareness
     B. A few overarching technique adjustment recommendations 
7. Building your own warm up and cool down exercises 


Some sections may be summarized or expounded upon further based on the specific needs of the group. In all classes, be prepared to stand if requested, and have a notebook and pencil nearby for taking notes. A larger screen may be useful for slides, illustrations, and/or videos that may be used in the presentation. 

Have a suggestion for other study topics within the world of singing? Let Heidi know! She just might add it in 🙃

Learning Goals

To understand the anatomy, basic technique and exercises behind healthy and efficient singing.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
If possible, please download a piano app or have a keyboard nearby. If it’s not possible, don’t worry about it.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
    Joined March, 2020
    4.9
    32reviews
    Profile
    Teacher expertise and credentials
    Welcome to my page! I’m a professional actor/singer/musician in the New York area, and I’m passionate about the performing arts! I have a Masters of Music degree in voice performance and 10+ years of teaching experience. A few of my favorite values are:
    1) Creating a dependable and safe environment
    2) Encouraging growth according to each individual’s specific needs
    3) Developing skills in critical thinking, accountability, and personal responsibility 
    4) Developing the the student’s practice and performance technique 
    5) Encouraging the artist’s unique voice

    Reviews

    Live Group Class
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    $120

    for 8 classes

    1x per week, 8 weeks
    30 min
    Completed by 1 learner
    Live video meetings
    Ages: 11-16
    3-6 learners per class

    This class is no longer offered
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