Vocal Preparatory A is designed as The Collective’s entry level of study, and focuses on developing the rudimentary, technical, and musicianship skills required for further study, as well as an introduction to ensemble performance and the study of Classic Rock repertoire.

Vocal Preparatory A includes the following courses:

MUSICIANSHIP 1: (9 class sequence)                         

This class coordinates with Keyboard 1 and introduces the basic theoretical concepts and skill sets required for every well trained musician and applies them in a direct and immediate way to the keyboard. Coursework covers rhythm and pitch notation, scales, key signatures, practical aspects of lead sheet notation, and chart writing.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to be able to pass the quarter-end exam, which covers and summarizes the material and skills covered previously in class 

KEYBOARD 1: (9 class sequence) 

This class coordinates with Musicianship 1 and begins the study of keyboard technique with an emphasis on developing basic chromatic and major scale and chord performance skills.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform chromatic scales, major scales, and simple 1-4-5 progressions in the major keys of C-F-G. 

SIGHT-SINGING/EAR TRAINING 1: (9 class sequence) 

Students work on a wide range of sequential material, including aural comprehension of basic pitch and rhythmic elements, and single line and part singing in a variety of keys, meters, and musical settings.   

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform Sight-Reading selections based on classroom material chosen by the Director of Education or faculty.

PERFORMANCE 

STYLES PERFORMANCE: ROCK/BLUES: (9 class sequence) 

Students work with their teacher and a professional accompanist, both of whom are specialists in the styles being studied. Repertoire, as well as stylistic and performance considerations of the style are worked on in these sessions.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform a minimum of 6 selections in the course-focus style.

REAL REAL REHEARSAL 1: (9 class sequence)

Students learn to “lead” an ensemble of professional musicians and are expected to be able to communicate effectively on a musician-to-musician basis, using material they have prepared, in advance, in other classes.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to show competency in rehearsing and performing with a live band in a variety of performance situations.

QUARTER-END RECITAL: (1 class) 

All students participate in the quarter-end vocal recital. Students are able to select and rehearse pieces to be performed at this event.                                                                                 

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied in front of an audience.

VOCAL ENSEMBLE: (9 class sequence) 

This class gives students the opportunity to perform together in a wide variety of contemporary popular styles while also developing the skill sets required to work at a professional level in the recording studio and on stage. Each quarter presents students with different styles and challenges.                                                                                         

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied.

VOCAL TECHNIQUE                

VOCAL TECHNIQUE CLASS: (9 class sequence) 

All vocal students are assigned a weekly vocal technique class where the mechanics and physiology of singing are studied in great detail.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to demonstrate competency in the mechanics and physiology of singing. 

VOCAL PRIVATE LESSON: (9 class sequence) 

Students are assigned a weekly vocal private lesson with the instructor of the vocal technique class. This gives the student the opportunity to apply what is being studied about the voice in terms of the individual student’s needs.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to demonstrate overall competency in the range of tasks presented in the program, plus any specific tasks presented by the anchor teacher.

DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME: Students are assigned 2 hours per day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off-peak times throughout the week.

Vocal Preparatory B continues the work done in Vocal Preparatory A, and focuses on rudimentary, technical, and musicianship skills. Vocal Preparatory B also focuses on higher levels of skill development in pop and R&B styles.

Vocal Preparatory B includes the following classes:

MUSICIANSHIP            

MUSICIANSHIP 2: (9 class sequence)      

This class coordinates with Keyboard 2 and continues the music theory and ear training sequence, focusing on major scale and triadic chord progressions. Coursework covers rhythm and pitch notation, scales, key signatures, practical aspects of lead sheet notation, and chart writing.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to be able to pass the quarter-end exam, which covers and summarizes the material and skills covered previously in class 

KEYBOARD 2: (9 class sequence)        

This class coordinates with Musicianship 2 and continues the study of keyboard technique with an emphasis on mastering all the major scales and simple triadic chord progression skills.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform chromatic scales, major scales, and simple 1-4-5 progressions in the keys of D-Bb-A-Eb major, and A-D-E minor. 

SIGHT-SINGING/EAR TRAINING 2: (9 class sequence)                                           

Students continue to work on a wide range of sequential material, including aural comprehension of basic pitch and rhythmic. Elements, single line and part singing in a variety of keys, meters, and musical settings.   

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform Sight-Reading selections based on classroom material chosen by the Director of Education or faculty.

PERFORMANCE 

STYLES PERFORMANCE: TRADITIONAL R&B: (9 class sequence) 

Students work with their teacher and a professional accompanist, both of whom are specialists in the second of the four style areas. Repertoire, as well as stylistic and performance considerations of the style are worked on in these sessions.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform a minimum of 6 selections in the course-focus style.

REAL DEAL REHEARSAL 2: (9 class sequence)

Students continue to work on developing the ability to “lead” an ensemble of professional musicians and are expected to be able to communicate effectively on a musician-to-musician basis, using material they have prepared, in advance, in other classes.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to show competency in rehearsing and performing with a live band in a variety of performance situations.

QUARTER-END RECITAL: (1 class) 

All students participate in the quarter-end vocal recital. Students are able to select and rehearse pieces to be performed at this event.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied in front of an audience.

VOCAL ENSEMBLE: (9 class sequence) 

This class gives students the opportunity to perform together in a wide variety of contemporary popular styles while also developing the skill sets required to work at a professional level in the recording studio and on stage. Each quarter presents students with different styles and challenges. 

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied.

VOCAL TECHNIQUE                

VOCAL TECHNIQUE CLASS: (9 class sequence) 

All vocal students are assigned a weekly vocal technique class where the mechanics and physiology of singing are studied in great detail.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to demonstrate competency in the mechanics and physiology of singing. 

VOCAL PRIVATE LESSON: (9 class sequence) 

Students are assigned a weekly vocal private lesson with the instructor of the vocal technique class. This gives the student the opportunity to apply what is being studied about the voice in terms of the individual student’s needs.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to demonstrate overall competency in the range of tasks presented in the program, plus any specific tasks presented by the anchor teacher.

Vocal Intermediate A focuses on furthering the rudimentary, technical, and musicianship skills required for advanced study, as well as beginning songwriting and increased jazz and pop skills.

Vocal Intermediate A includes the following classes:

MUSICIANSHIP

MUSICIANSHIP 3: (9 class sequence)

This class coordinates with keyboard 3 and continues the music theory and ear training sequence, focusing on mastering the major scales, and diatonic chord progressions in all the major keys. 7th chord structures are introduced in this course. Coursework covers rhythm and pitch notation, scales, key signatures, practical aspects of lead sheet notation, and chart writing.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to be able to pass the quarter-end exam, which covers and summarizes the material and skills covered previously in class

KEYBOARD 3: (9 class sequence)

This class coordinates with Musicianship 3 and continues the study of keyboard technique with an emphasis on mastering all the major scales and simple triadic chord progression skills, as well as introducing 7th chord structures.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform chromatic scales, major scales, and simple 1-4-5 progressions in the keys of E-Ab-B-Db major, and B-G-F#-C minor.

SONGWRITING 1: (9 class sequence)

This class focuses on developing the individual student’s composition ability. In the medium of popular music songwriting.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to have completed a minimum of 3 original compositions, complete with Music and lyrics.

PERFORMANCE

STYLES PERFORMANCE: JAZZ/STANDARDS: (9 class sequence)

Students work with their teacher and a professional accompanist, both of whom are specialists in the third of the four styles areas. Repertoire, as well as stylistic and performance considerations of the style are worked on in these sessions.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform a minimum of 6 selections in the course-focus style.

REAL DEAL REHEARSAL 3: (9 class sequence)

Students begin on this level to bring in and rehearse their own selections for music to be rehearsed by the band.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to show competency in rehearsing and performing music selected and rehearsed by each student.

QUARTER-END RECITAL: (1 class)

All students participate in the quarter-end vocal recital. Students are able to select and rehearse pieces to be performed at this event.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied in front of an audience.

VOCAL ENSEMBLE: (9 class sequence)

This class gives students the opportunity to perform together in a wide variety of contemporary popular styles while also developing the skill sets required to work at a professional level in the recording studio and on stage. Each quarter presents students with different styles and challenges.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied.

VOCAL TECHNIQUE

VOCAL TECHNIQUE CLASS: (9 class sequence)

All vocal students are assigned a weekly vocal technique class where the mechanics and physiology of singing are studied in great detail.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to demonstrate competency in the mechanics and physiology of singing.

VOCAL PRIVATE LESSON

Students are assigned a weekly vocal private lesson with the instructor of the vocal technique class. This gives the student the opportunity to apply what is being studied about the voice in terms of the individual student’s needs.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to demonstrate overall competency in the range of tasks presented in the program, plus any specific tasks presented by the anchor teacher.

Vocal Intermediate B continues the work done in Vocal Intermediate A to build intermediate-level technical and musicianship skills. Vocal Intermediate B focuses on higher levels of skill development in pop and R&B as well as professional vocal ensemble rehearsal techniques.

Vocal Intermediate B includes the following classes:

Vocal Advanced A is the first level of an intensive two-quarter period of advanced study. Vocal Advanced A continues to develop students’ skills while applying what they have learned and produce their own music in a professional manner.

Vocal Advanced A includes the following classes:

MUSICIANSHIP

MUSICIANSHIP 5: (9 class sequence)                                                                      

Students in this class work on refining their aural skills. Coursework includes advanced sight-singing, transcription, and transposition work.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to be able to pass the quarter-end exam, which covers and summarizes the material and skills covered previously in class.

KEYBOARD/GUITAR SONGWRITING 1: (9 class sequence) 

This class is the first of two courses focusing on original song composition and the basics of practical keyboard and/or guitar self-accompaniment for vocalists.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to be able to perform an original song and accompany themselves in performance of the song. 

RECORDING PROJECTS 1

FOUR-CLASS RECORDING SEQUENCE 1  (32 class sequence)

1. RECORDING PREP: (8 class sequence) Students work with the faculty coordinator to select material and look over arrangements for the upcoming rehearsal and recording cycle. This teacher also acts as the student’s principal teacher and advisor. 
2. BAND REHEARSAL: (8 class sequence) Students rehearse material to be used in their final demo package.
3. RECORDING: (8 class sequence) Students record with a live rhythm section, the material they have selected, and rehearsed.
4. OVERDUBBING AND MIXING SESSION: (8 class sequence) Students continue to work with the project engineer to overdub and mix down the material recorded in the previous recording session.

Exam Requirements: FINAL RECORDING PROJECT AND RECITAL: (1 class)                             

The quarter ends with students finalizing their projects for the quarter. Four hours of additional recording and mixdown time is allocated to each student for this purpose. Each student also rehearses and performs some of their previously recorded work. 

PERFORMANCE

VOCAL ENSEMBLE: (9 class sequence) 

This class gives students the opportunity to perform together in a wide variety of contemporary popular styles while also developing the skill sets required to work at a professional level in the recording studio and on stage. Each quarter presents students with different styles and challenges.                  

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied.

VOCAL COACHING

WEEKLY VOCAL COACHING PRIVATE LESSONS: (9 class sequence) 

Students are assigned a private teacher who acts as their vocal technique instructor and helps them select and prepare material to be used in the 4-class performance sequence. 

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to show competency in the material covered in the quarter lessons.

DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME: Students are assigned 2 hours per day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off-peak times throughout the week.

Vocal Advanced B is the second and final quarter of an intensive two-quarter period of study. Vocal Advanced B continues where Vocal Advanced A left off, giving students the opportunity to continue developing their skills while applying what they have learned to producing their own music in a professional manner.

Vocal Advanced B includes the following classes:

MUSICIANSHIP

MUSICIANSHIP 6: (9 class sequence)

Students in this class work on refining their aural skills. Coursework includes advanced sight-singing, transcription and transposition work.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to be able to pass the quarter-end exam, which covers and summarizes the material and skills covered previously in class 

KEYBOARD/GUITAR SONGWRITING 2: (9 class sequence)                                           

This class is the second of two courses focusing on original song composition and the basics of practical keyboard and/or guitar self-accompaniment for vocalists.

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to be able to perform two original songs and accompany themselves in performance of the song.

RECORDING PROJECT 2

FOUR-CLASS RECORDING SEQUENCE 2  (32 class sequence)

1. RECORDING PREP: (8 class sequence) Students work with the faculty coordinator to select material and look over arrangements for the upcoming rehearsal and recording cycle. This teacher also acts as the student’s principal teacher and advisor. 
2. BAND REHEARSAL: (8 class sequence) Students rehearse material to be used in their final demo package.
3. RECORDING: (8 class sequence) Students record with a live rhythm section, the material they have selected, and rehearsed.
4. OVERDUBBING AND MIXING SESSION: (8 class sequence) Students continue to work with the project engineer to overdub and mix down the material recorded in the previous recording session.

Exam Requirements: FINAL RECORDING PROJECT AND RECITAL: (1 class)                             

The quarter ends with each student finalizing his or her projects for the quarter. Four hours of additional recording and mixdown time is allocated to each student for this purpose. Each student also rehearses and performs some of their previously recorded work in front of an audience.

PERFORMANCE

VOCAL ENSEMBLE: (9 class sequence) 

This class gives students the opportunity to perform together in a wide variety of contemporary popular styles while also developing the skill sets required to work at a professional level in the recording studio and on stage. Each quarter presents students with different styles and challenges.                                         

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to perform three selections in the style being studied.

VOCAL COACHING

WEEKLY VOCAL COACHING PRIVATE LESSONS: (9 class sequence)                           

Students are assigned a private teacher who acts as their vocal technique instructor. Advanced students have the option of taking an elective class in place of these lessons.   

Exam Requirements: Students are expected to show competency in the material covered in the quarter lessons.

DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME: Students are assigned 2 hours per day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off-peak times throughout the week.