Master Voice Class

Class Dates:

June 28th, July 5th and 12th. 2009
*No longer running on father's day weekend!
Sundays from 12-2pm (12 through 14 year olds)
Sundays from 2-4pm (15 through 19 year olds)

3 weekends of vocal training in group format.

COST: $75.00 per student

Register Now:

Please use this "ticket based" system to pay the $75.00 class fee to hold your child's space in the program. We shall straighten out the wording soon to ensure no confusion as your are not buying tickets for will-call!

Only will-call tickets are sold online. Please bring your ID to the show.

Focus Is on 'Class,' Not 'Master':

The primary consideration for participating in a 'Master Class' is really whether the attendee is passionate about learning more about his or her solo voice performance. How the class goes is as much determined by the students as by the actual "master." In the case of this mater class, lead by Eleanor Hunter and supported by Lindsey Chester, there is no question as to whom the class will focus on. After a brief introduction by collaborative duo the class will be asked if there is anything they specifically want addressed. This class is about the students.M

Within this class, student will focus on:

The performer's responsibility for bringing the audience into his or her world.

How to invoke the magic of the music itself, but also focusing on warmth and text.

Making each audience member feel that the message is for them.

Gaining a sense that the song is personal.

Remembering diction, voice placement and general skills.

Individual issues, not just general "remedies."

Using breath and consonants to drive sound.

Releasing tension in the lips through energized diction.

Progression of thought throughout the piece.

Being clear with your emotion.

A fresh perspective and set of ideas to bring to their own music making.

"Every song has so many possibilities - that's the fun of it..."

At the end of the class series you will leave with feedback from both the staff members as well as from your peers, a clearer picture of where you are with your piece and where you are heading and a wealth of knowledge about how to move forward in your singing career...

How To Come Prepared To the Class:

Please bring 2 songs that you would like to work on or have help with during this class. This should be a song you are planning on using for either an upcoming audition, concert, recital or college audition, or one you are simply working on with your voice teacher and would like another perspective on.

Please bring sheet music in the correct key, ensuring that you have all the master clef (bass and treble clef) so an accompanist can play along with it.

If you need help in selecting songs before you come, please email (lindsey@allabouttheatre.org) - Lindsey Chester for assistance before June 15th, 2009.

Remember to bring water, snacks, notepad, writing supplies and anything else you might wish (a recording device for instance).

Please remember to wear comfortable clothes and if you sing in heels, bring heels !!!

DOs and DON`Ts:

DO avoid songs associated primarily with particular artists. "New York, New York" is Liza`s song, "Don't Rain on My Parade" is Barbra's and "Over the Rainbow" is Judy's. Comparisons are inevitable.

DO avoid the current hit from the current Broadway smash or revival. These songs are simply performed too often at auditions to work to your advantage.

DO select material suitable for youthful performers. Many students hide behind phony elderly voices and mannerisms, the characterizations that won them acclaim in the high-school play. Remember, we want to see who you are.

DO NOT attempt songs obviously created for mature characters -- song such as "I'm Still Here," "Send in the Clowns," "Fifty Percent," "Rose's Turn" and any Sondheim song written for a mature character.

DO beware of choices that are difficult to perform under stressful conditions. Many of the patter songs ("If," "Another Hundred People," "Funny," "Giants in the Sky") are notoriously difficult and require careful coordination between pianist and singer. These songs are hard to perform without adequate rehearsal and under the naturally competitive circumstances of an audition.

DO avoid excessively emotional pieces. It is difficult to build a sentiment quickly and convincingly. In her concert appearances, the legendary Lena Horne sings the song "Stormy Weather" twice because, as she says, she has to "build up to it." And consider that selections like the transformation scene from Jekyll and Hyde without the benefit of costume, make-up and lighting are often unintentionally hilarious in the unforgiving light of an audition room.

DO NOT imitate your favorite performers. Don't moonwalk like Michael, pout like Bernadette or clutch the air like Mandy. And please don't wear a white half-mask or a lion's head.

DO bring sheet music in the correct key and with all cuts or repetitions clearly marked.

DO place your music in a binder or tape the sheets together for the benefit of the accompanist.

DO speak clearly to the pianist and articulate the tempi by singing a few phrases. This is preferable to snapping your fingers or yelling "Faster," "Too fast," or "Slow Down" in the middle of "Ol' Man River" or "Corner of the Sky." And please note that if we do not feel your songs adequately represent your vocal range, we may ask you to perform some simple vocal exercises at the keyboard or present another song.

Overdone Audition Songs:

Good Morning Baltimore from Hairspray

On My Own from Les Miserables

All That Jazz from Chicago

Maybe & Tomorrow from Annie

Think of Me from The Phantom of the Opera

Hero & Let's Hear It For The Boy from Footloose

Seasons of Love (or any song...) from Rent

Big Spender from Sweet Charity

Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid

Popular from Wicked

I Get A Kick Out Of You from Anything Goes

** If you are considering one of these pieces... either think again or be exceptional at it. Please ensure that the accompaniment part is complete and simple enough for any accompanist to play. The last thing you want is to sing it a cappella!!!