VOCAL INSTRUCTION

Our voice lessons are taught by instructors with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Music from an accredited University.  Usually the instructor also has a Master’s Degree.  Singing is often thought of as a skill a person “is just born with”.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Vocal training is necessary to develop the voice and to avoid permanent damage to the vocal apparatus.  Our vocal program is based in the Italian method of singing, otherwise known at Bel Canto.  This is a classically based approach.  No matter what style of music a person wishes to sing, the fundamentals of training must be based in a solid foundation for success.  Once a singer has control of the following elements, style is added like icing on a cake.

Breathing Technique – students are taught the proper way of using their diaphragm and the two necessary methods of proper breathing, diaphragmatic and intercostal.

Vocal Exercises – Diagnostic in nature, these will not be the same for all students.  The exercises are chosen with the instructor’s expertise based on the individual’s age, level and particular vocal needs and strengths. 

Songs – The instructor will choose different styles of songs for the student to learn and perfect.  These songs are usually chosen to provide training in a particular area.  The song is dissected and reviewed relentlessly to ensure mastery of whatever techniques were meant to be learned.

Performance – Voice students have the option to participate in our annual Fall Recital which is usually held in November.  This provides an excellent opportunity for growth and a fitting culmination for the year’s efforts.  Instructors choose the material for this Recital.

Application – If a student has a particular song that needs to be worked on for a performance, wedding, show, etc., they may bring their music and/or background track into their lesson.  Please allow at least two months time for a new song.  Audition pieces should be worked on well in advance and added one by one  to the student’s repertoire so that they are able to be pulled out and used when needed.  It is NOT advised to try to learn a new song for an audition.  The instructor may decline doing so in order to preserve their own reputation as a teacher.

All students should bring a notebook, pencil and cassette or handheld recording device to every lesson.  Students are required to take notes during their lessons and PRACTICE between lessons.  Crescendo vocal instructors will drop students who do not practice.  Our schedule is extremely impacted with voice students and we do not have time to waste on students that are not serious about learning.