Vocals - One Year Diploma (October 2012)
Drawing on years of professional experience, the Diploma in Commercial Music Performance offers you structured, ‘hands-on’ training and is packed with concepts, techniques, theory and performances, covering virtually every aspect of modern vocal performance.
As well as the focus on performance, this course teaches you to communicate musically and be creatively self-sufficient. The course also provides you with an understanding of how the music industry works and gives you the opportunity to study the work of the leading artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The course is underpinned by a BTEC National Diploma and is equivalent to 2 ‘A’ levels.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Technical Development: 60 mins x 2 classes
Develops the fundamentals of vocal technique. You’ll work to improve your pitch, tone, range and awareness of different registers. You will also study the keyboard and increase your versatility as a performer by learning to accompany yourself and other vocalists which will also develop your creativity, and interpretation and performance skills.
Studies the landmarks of the contemporary music repertoire, from soul classics to the latest hits. You’ll learn what’s required to perform with authenticity and confidence in different styles.
Supports the preparation of songs for the Live Performance Workshops. Parts, arrangement, tone and performance will all be analysed, with the emphasis on simplicity being taken to a very high standard. Attention to detail is paramount. Stage Technique classes cover key vocal and physical performance techniques concentrating on the time, feel, groove and techniques of each piece. You will explore movement, space, posture, eye contact and communication with your audience as well as practical matters like mic techniques and how to set up a PA.
Live Performance Workshop is your chance to put it all into practice - on stage with a full band line-up. You will develop your live sound in a number of different styles, concentrating also on performing, showmanship and the right mental approach. You will learn to communicate ideas with other musicians, with the focus on a tight, well arranged and professional performance.
Sight Reading & Ear Training: 60 mins each
You will study the recognition of intervals, chords, melodies and chord progressions, forming a direct link between music you hear and what you can write. You will also cover a simple step-by-step method for learning to read and perform from music notation, and interpret charts, as required by the industry. This will enable you to communicate quickly and effectively and perform to a high level in a variety of musical situations, opening up many emplyoment opportunities throughout your career.
Explores how harmony and theory is applied in commercial music in a very practical and relevant way. You will look at building blocks of music theory and also how these are applied and expanded in a variety of musical contexts and styles.
Gives you practical music industry knowledge that will help you plan your career. You will be taken through all aspects of the music industry, including record and publishing deals, management, music synchronisation, legal issues, copyright, music teaching, live music, business plans, etc.
Provides a history of classic artists placed in their social, historical and political context. Artists studied include Elvis Presley, Nina Simone, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, David Bowie, Sex Pistols, Led Zeppelin, Public Enemy, Nirvana and Radiohead. Essential stylistic knowledge which will help you develop authenticity in performance.
Takes you through the creative process of lyric, melody and chord writing to a final performance of your own original material. Music Technology classes introduce you to industry-standard music software packages, allowing you to build up effective backing tracks, work out solos and program your own music.
A chance to recap and review key areas of the curriculum, as well as receiving information relating to assessments, auditions and master classes.
Any information in our prospectus or on our website is believed to be correct but is not part of any agreement with parents/students and the School. Courses are regularly reviewed and maybe subject to change.