VOCAL MAJOR SUBJECTS 


vocal major
EXCEL offers a versatile voice training programme, which begins by teaching the techniques and disciplines of singing.  

All aspects of voice production are taught, including:

• how the voice works as an instrument
• accurate intonation
• breathing techniques
• expression and phrasing
• expansion of range
• resonance
• tone and projection

This establishes a foundational base on which the vocal techniques of various popular styles can be learned. Lessons will also focus on expressive feel, as well as exploring the range of tone colours used in singing rock, soul, jazz and ballad styles.

Students get two 45-minute individual lessons each week and assessments include stage performances.  
VOCAL PERFORMANCE

It is well known that the best way to gain confidence and to improve as a performer is by actually doing it.  This course endeavours to give our vocalists that experience.  Training will be given in perfecting your performance skills including how to move on stage, stage presence and energy, interpretation of the song and authentic delivery of the genre as well as what is appropriate for dress/ costuming.

Students will gain confidence by performing regularly infront of their peers and from receiving direct critiques on their stage work.  Guest artists will from time to time be invited to perform and share helpful insights and performance tips.

 
BAND (half year)
Singing and performing in a band (second semester).

Vocal Majors are placed into a band for the second semester which involves 2 hours of tuition each week.  This subject consists of a number of 'modules' that focus on a particular style or genre of music for a set period (i.e. Pop/Rock/Funk/Reggae etc).  Each module is different and is designed to add variety to the course and expose students to styles of music they may not be familiar with.

The subject provides the opportunity to learn and work together in a team environment, and allows students to discover first hand some of the inner workings and dynamics involved in playing in a band.

Assessment for this subject consists of an on stage performance at the end of each module, which also provides an opportunity for students to perform and experience the dynamics of playing in front of a live audience.



BAND ARRANGEMENT
Learning the fundamentals of band arranging with a strong practical emphasis.

This involves identifying stylistic features of songs and producing the individual parts which contribute to this style as a whole. The role and interaction of instruments within a band will also be studied.  A number of other areas are investigated, including the use of sampling, home recording studios, and copyright issues.



SEQUENCING

This is an elective subject for Vocal majors.

Learning how to create simple backing tracks.

With the rapid advance of modern music technology, more people than ever before are creating high quality recorded music with their home computers.

It's also very handy to be able to create simple backing tracks for yourself to sing or play along to and by the end of the year that's exactly what you'll be able to do.

This elective is completely practical with small classes and one computer and keyboard per person.  The subject looks at how to use Garage Band/ Logic to create sounds and rhythms.

SOUND
Learning the basics of sound, speakers, microphones, amplifiers, leads and setting up PA systems.

This is an introductory elective and opens up the mysterious world of leads, microphones, amplifiers, speakers and PA systems.  An intensely practical course, the half semester programme starts with the basics of the mixing desk and understanding signal flow.  Hands-on experience is vital and the classes are kept small to allow this to happen.  Students are introduced to the different types of leads and microphones and how to use them.

At the end of the course students should possess the abilities needed to set up and run a full live band with backing vocals. This is the basis of the course assessment.



VOCAL HARMONY
Singing harmonies in a group setting.

Many vocal performances in the music industry involve part singing or harmonies. The ability to do this with confidence is an asset to any vocalist.

As this class is compulsory for all vocal majors, it combines the best voices in the school with some outstanding results.  Performance skills and the ability to communicate effectively to an audience are also covered.  This class is completely practical and an invaluable tool for fine tuning your skills.



MUSIC THEORY

A practical, hands-on approach to Music Theory using the interactive music software AURALIA and MUSITION.  There will be tuition in basic music theory in the five areas of intervals and scales, chords, rhythms, harmony and form and pitch and melody.  There are then practical examples on the computer which can be worked through at the student’s own pace.  There are tests along the way which can be resat which will help the student monitor their progress.  Those who have already got some music theory under their belts will be able to advance quickly to the more advanced levels.

Bass Vocal Major students must also take the Compulsory Subjects AND choose at least ONE of the  Elective Subjects (Dance Minor, Drama Minor, Guitar Minor, Drum Minor, Keyboard Minor, Song Writing, Vocal Minor and Worship Leading). There is an additional charge for all music minor subjects as they involve individual tuition.