*By instructor approval only*
This yearlong intermediate-to-advanced vocal course is designed for
dedicated students seeking to refine healthy vocal technique, expand expressive range, and develop confident performance skills across solo and ensemble settings. Students will deepen their understanding of vocal registers, breath support, resonance, dynamics, harmony, and storytelling through song. Emphasis is placed on both technical excellence and emotional connection.
Through structured units that emphasize technique, literacy, and stage presence, students will explore a range of musical styles, expand their repertoire, and grow as expressive, independent performers. They will be challenged to interpret more complex pieces, develop stylistic nuance, and strengthen their ability to communicate through music.
The class is divided into three progressive units:
Unit 1: Vocal Technique, Ensemble Expression & Music Literacy
Unit 2: Solo Development, Style, & Advanced Musical Interpretation
Unit 3: Audition Skills, Vocal Artistry & Performance Mastery
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:
- Refine flexible, healthy vocal technique across all registers
- Strengthen advanced breath control, tone, and phrasing
- Expand pitch accuracy, musical literacy, and stylistic awareness
- Deepen storytelling through vocal color, phrasing, and emotional authenticity
- Build ensemble blend, harmony, and collaboration skills
- Develop confident solo and group stage presence
- Prepare for auditions, advanced performances, and ongoing vocal growth
- Reflect weekly on personal growth through vocal journaling
Instructional Tone: Supportive, growth-focused, and challenging
Activities: Vocal warm-ups, solfège, rhythmic exercises, part-singing, solo/ensemble coaching, reflection journaling
Skills Focus: Vocal technique, harmony, phrasing, dynamics, music reading, performance interpretation
Performance Readiness: Five masterclasses + two informal Family Nights
(“Family Night: Inside The Studio”)
Voice Journal: Weekly reflections to build self-awareness, track growth, and encourage personal goal setting
Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Music):
Creating:
MU:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize musical ideas (advanced vocal technique, stylistic interpretation)
MU:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop musical ideas (phrasing, emotional storytelling)
MU:Cr3.1 — Refine and complete musical work (vocal growth, rehearsal)
Performing:
MU:Pr4.1 — Analyze and interpret musical work for presentation (breath control, tone, stylistic nuances)
MU:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine vocal and ensemble techniques
MU:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through expressive and authentic performance
Responding:
MU:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze musical work (harmony, blend)
MU:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in musical works (emotional authenticity)
MU:Re9.1 — Apply criteria to evaluate musical performances (self-reflection)
Connecting:
MU:Cn10.1 — Synthesize personal and musical knowledge to create meaningful performances (vocal journaling, growth)
