This yearlong beginner-level vocal course is offered on Mondays or Thursdays, and is crafted for young teens and pre-teens seeking to develop healthy vocal technique, music literacy, and performance skills in a supportive ensemble environment. Students will learn to navigate their vocal registers, strengthen breath control, refine pitch accuracy, and build expressive phrasing while deepening their understanding of musical concepts like rhythm, dynamics, and harmony.

The course balances technical vocal training with creative expression through carefully selected repertoire, ear training, and music literacy. Emphasis is placed on ensemble blend, listening skills, and stage presence, preparing students to confidently perform solo and group pieces.

The class is divided into three progressive units:
Unit 1: Vocal foundations and music literacy
Unit 2: Vocal technique development and musical expression
Unit 3: Advanced technique, ensemble skills, and performance preparation

Students will have two special opportunities to share their progress with family during our informal “Family Night: Inside the Studio” events, held at the end of each semester (December and May). These evenings are designed to let families step into the studio and see firsthand what their student has been learning and experiencing each week, and to provide a celebratory atmosphere for students to showcase their growth and skills.

Class Objectives:

1. Develop healthy, flexible vocal technique across registers
2. Strengthen breath support and phrasing for sustained singing
3. Improve pitch accuracy, intonation, and rhythmic precision
4. Apply dynamic contrast and emotional expression in performance
5. Cultivate ensemble skills such as blending and harmony
6. Build stage presence and performance confidence
7. Prepare and present songs confidently for "Family Night: Inside The Studio" nights

Instructional Tone: Supportive, growth-focused, inspiring
Activities: Vocal warm-ups, solfège, rhythmic exercises, ensemble singing, performance practice
Skills Focus: Vocal registers, breath control, music literacy, phrasing, dynamics, intonation
Performance Readiness: Informal Family Night presentations twice (Family Night: Inside The Studio)

Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Music):
Creating:
MU:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize musical ideas (vocal technique, dynamics)
MU:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop musical ideas (phrasing, expression)
Performing:
MU:Pr4.1 — Analyze and interpret musical work for presentation (breath support, intonation)
MU:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine vocal techniques and ensemble skills
MU:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through expressive and confident performance
Responding:
MU:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze musical work (pitch accuracy, blending)
MU:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in musical works (emotional expression)
Connecting:
MU:Cn10.1 — Synthesize knowledge and personal experience to create and perform music (ensemble collaboration, stage presence)