“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.” Maya Angelou
Reflections….
Feedback from students and teachers can be helpful when pacing my lectures, managing content and finding a good balance of structure and fun. Each year I revisit my course outlines to see if they can be improved and this year, I felt a number of useful initiatives were implemented.
Vocal Master Class
Creative Development
Voice Private Lessons
Vocal Jazz Ensemble Advanced Level
Feedback from students and teachers can be helpful when pacing my lectures, managing content and finding a good balance of structure and fun. Each year I revisit my course outlines to see if they can be improved and this year, I felt a number of useful initiatives were implemented.
Vocal Master Class
- Students seemed to enjoy the increase in group work on various vocal pedagogy problems and the presentation of their solutions to the class
- I had students work collaboratively on their Blues Charts allowing those more experienced in chart writing to share their expertise with their classmates.
- I also added a voice and guitar Duo Unit that featured professor Ted Quinlan (Head of Guitar Department). Ted and I played for students and then discussed all things related to duo performance.
Creative Development
- I involved the other teachers teaching this course in meetings to tweak and improve the existing template.
- The students were inspired by the opportunity to become more familiar with some of the classic recordings out there.
- Teachers spent time discussing how and why student arrangements could and should be more original in nature.
- We even introduced a new segment that clarified the deceptively simple process of properly sound-checking bands.
- Probably the most important change was formalizing the template for the preparation and submission of the final recital proposal allowing the students and teachers to have a better understanding of the course expectations.
Voice Private Lessons
- When I get feedback from students that I have been able to provide information or resources that help them to solve their own vocal health issues then I feel that the channels of communication are as open as they need to be.
- I am reminded each time I get a new crop of 1st year vocalists that the one-on-one attention and our level of interaction in the lesson is key to figuring out the right amount of structure and routine so that each student has the same chance of succeeding in the program.
- It is in the private lesson that the student and teacher develop a relationship based on trust that builds up confidence and maturity.
Vocal Jazz Ensemble Advanced Level
- Though there is a vast repertoire of old and new music for this type of major ensemble it is important to keep the students challenged and motivated.
- This year I brought in a professional trumpet player to be featured with my singers at their final concert and they were thrilled to be sharing their stage.
- I encourage students to suggest and assist in selecting music to be performed including any worthy student arrangements and compositions.