Intermediate Voice
Course Description
Summary
For students with some prior singing experience. This class is designed to refine awareness and coordination of the mind and body and develop a reliable vocal technique applicable to all styles of singing and speaking performance.
Fundamental principles of voice production and physiology will be introduced through exercises and assignments. Students will work to embody these principles through regular individual practice and receive feedback in a combination of group classes, coaching with a collaborative pianist, and short private lessons. Classic song literature will be our laboratory, chosen by the instructor to strengthen technical skills before moving on to contemporary styles. As this class involves learning songs from sheet music, participants are expected to have a basic familiarity or concurrent coursework in reading Western music notation.
Progress will be assessed through performance of assigned music and the regular completion of short written assignments that provide an ongoing record of practice and research.
This course may be taken multiple times before auditioning for the Voice Performance Intensive. Priority will be given to students with voice or music in their Plan.
Learning Outcomes
- Functional training in vocal technique as appropriate to varied musical styles
Increased refinement of repertoire and performance
Understanding of body mechanics and alignment as applied to singing
Research on voice-related topics and repertoire context
Prerequisites
Audition Required. Students should prepare a short, simple a cappella song or excerpt (1-3 minutes length) that shows their range, vocal color, and expressive abilities. To schedule an audition, sign up at If you have any questions, please email virginiakelsey@bennington.edu and kryer-parke@bennington.edu.
Corequisites
Attendance and performance at Music Workshop Tuesday 6:30-8:00 PM