LEVEL I (TERM 1)

Core Curriculum Modules

Aural & Transcribing: An introduction to developing aural skills, both as an individual skill and in the practical application of transcribing

Harmony & Theory: An introduction to practical harmony and theory, such as diatonic harmony and scale/chord formation

Voice Techniques: Underpins the most important elements required for a healthy, flexible and individual voice

Keyboards: Provides the student with an introduction to the keyboard as a second instrument, supporting the music technology and songwriting modules

Music Technology: An introduction to the use of music technology, designed to equip students with the skills required to program and realise their own works and those of others

Complete Musician: An introduction to the all important skills required to function effectively in the contemporary music business - personal promotion (CV preparation, web based promo skills, networking etc), professional practice, project planning & realisation

Stage & Studio Craft: Starts to prepare vocalists for the most important situations in which they will find themselves - those of delivering a live, professional performance

Performance Modules

Live Performance Workshop: Teaches vocalists to function effectively in a real-band environment. Alongside fellow students from the guitar, bass and drum faculties, a repertoire of songs are learned and performed covering three key styles; Blues, Soul and Rock

Ensemble: The most basic element of ensemble is that of the backing vocalist, and for most vocalists this is the most immediately challenging discipline. In this class students learn to perform by ear and follow musical notation.

Stylistic study modules

Blues: Provides a clear understanding of classic 60's blues vocals, covering well known vocalists, standard tunes from the blues repertoire, classic blues 'licks' and essential historical information

Soul: Covers a variety of soul classics and the history and style of the artists studied; attention is paid to rhythm backings on classic songs to appreciate how the vocal fits in to the overall track

Sight reading: A thorough grounding in sight-singing is essential. This class introduces the student to the study of note values, rest values and pitch

LEVEL II (TERM 2)

Core Curriculum Modules

Aural & Transcribing: Further extends aural and transcribing skills.

Harmony & Theory: Builds on the essential theoretical knowledge acquired at Level I

Voice Techniques: Based on the fundamentals of classical coaching with contemporary vocals in mind, this module further develops a solid technical base for the vocalist

Keyboards: Designed to support a greater understanding of harmony and theory.

Stage & Studio Craft: Explores the nuances required to deliver emotive, dynamic performances

Songwriting: Covers the broad concepts and lays the foundations of the art of songwriting, encouraging students to explore their creative capabilities

Music Business: Provides students with a practical, coherent and solid overview of the main business practices currently used within the industry, focusing on issues such as music publishing, management, revenue streams and copyright protection

Performance Modules

Live Performance Workshop: Teaches vocalists to function effectively in a real-band environment. Alongside fellow students from the guitar, bass and drum faculties, a repertoire of songs are learned and performed covering three key styles; Pop, World Music and Contemporary Rock

Ensemble: In this module modern choral singing is taught, preparing the student for the needs of producers and composers in all contemporary session styles

Stylistic study modules

Modern Pop: Covers current material, focusing on the vocal techniques involved in each track, with the vocal effects and vocal licks of each chosen artist analyzed and studied.

Rock: Focuses on various rock vocalists and classic and modern rock tracks, discussing the history, the artists, and the stylistic features of each tune

Improvisation: The skills needed for strong improvisation and intelligent ad-libs in a range of stylistic settings are explored and studied to benefit performance.

Sight reading: This module further develops sight-singing skills and applies this knowledge to simple vocal charts

LEVEL III (TERM 3)

Core Curriculum Modules

Aural & Arranging: Focuses on more advanced material, e.g. creating arrangements for small groups

Harmony & Theory: Explores more advanced concepts of harmony and theory

Voice Techniques: Taken from the fundamentals of classical coaching and developed with the contemporary vocalist in mind this module builds a solid technical base for the vocalist

Keyboards: Focuses on modes, accompaniment and performance of suitable repertoire

Studio Musician: Building on the Music Tech and Songwriting modules, students will further extend their creative potential by producing a professional standard recording of their original compositions.

Performance Modules Live

Performance Workshop: Teaches vocalists to function effectively in a real-band environment, where a repertoire of songs covering more advanced styles will be learned and performed

Ensemble: Supplies vocalists with advanced skills as required by producers and composers in all contemporary session styles. Students learn to perform by ear and follow music notation, as well as writing and directing their own arrangements

Jazz: The practice and application of basic Jazz concepts through the study and performance of a selection of standard Jazz compositions

Stylistic study modules

Funk: Starting with 60's funk, focuses on the various styles of singing employed in this idiom, moving through each era of funk, disco, pop and fusion

Improvisation: The skills needed for strong improvisation and intelligent ad-libs in a range of stylistic settings are further explored and studied giving the student a greater knowledge and control

Sight reading: A more advanced study of sight singing skills