This yearlong introductory vocal course is designed to give young singers a joyful and supportive introduction to the fundamentals of healthy singing and music literacy. Students will explore their voices through age-appropriate warm-ups, games, and repertoire, focusing on breath control, pitch matching, vocal tone, and rhythm skills. Through playful exercises and group activities, students will build confidence in their singing while learning how to care for their voices.

Throughout the course, students will develop foundational skills including clear articulation, smooth transitions between vocal registers, and basic music reading using rhythm and solfège. Emphasis is placed on making singing fun and accessible, fostering a love for music and ensemble collaboration.

The class is organized into three progressive units that build on one another:
Unit 1: Discovering the voice and basic music literacy
Unit 2: Vocal registers, tone quality, and expression
Unit 3: Emotional storytelling and performance skills

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. Use breath and posture to support healthy singing
2. Match pitch and maintain steady rhythm in group singing
3. Transition smoothly between chest and head voice registers
4. Understand and apply basic music literacy concepts (rhythm, solfège)
5. Express emotion and storytelling through song
6. Work cooperatively in an ensemble setting
7. Prepare and present songs confidently for "Family Night: Inside The Studio" nights

Instructional Tone: Encouraging, playful, nurturing
Activities: Vocal games, call-and-response, movement-based breath exercises, group singing
Skills Focus: Breath control, pitch accuracy, vocal registers, rhythm patterns, basic music reading
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 (exploration of vocal registers, expression)
MU:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop musical ideas (pitch matching, rhythm maintenance)
Performing:
MU:Pr4.1 — Analyze and interpret musical work for presentation (breath support, posture)
MU:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine vocal techniques and musical skills
MU:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through expressive singing and storytelling
Responding:
MU:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze musical work (ensemble cooperation, pitch accuracy)
MU:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in musical works (emotion in song)
Connecting:
MU:Cn10.1 — Synthesize knowledge and personal experience to create and perform music (music literacy concepts)