VOICE
Forte Studios offers commercial voice for students interested in reaching his/her full potential vocally. A commercial studio focuses on musical genres which include pop, rock, country, jazz, swing, and musical theater. We do not offer classical training, as there are some fundamental differences in regards to training. Our singing techniques are geared toward training vocalists to move forward in commercial music. Below you will find specific information regarding our vocal program.
OUR VOCAL TECHNIQUE
Forte Studios is a commercial vocal studio. We implement commercial vocal warm up techniques and exercises for the following genres of music: Musical Theater, Pop, Jazz, Swing, Country, Rock & Standards. If you are seeking classical vocal instruction and are interested in performing classical material, we are most likely not the best option for you. There are, however, vocal warm-ups and techniques that both classically trained and commercially trained vocalists share. Having said that, there are specific areas of the voice in which the training is different regarding vocal placement, vowel structure and breathing.
OUR MISSION
Our overall mission is to train versatile and dynamic vocalists with strong technique, connected chest and head voice & powerful performance abilities. The long term goal is to help vocalists improve pitch, vocal strength, diction, flexibility, vocal control, breathing, range and overall vocal health and performance. For our younger students, we introduce simple, fun singing techniques as a part of our classes. As students become more advanced, we are able to bring more complex, vocally challenging warm-ups into the picture. If students stay with us over a longer period of time, we are then able to introduce our more advanced vocal warm-ups.
At Forte, our goal is to focus on 3 important areas of the voice, which are chest and head voice and connecting the bridge, or gap between the two.
1. Chest Voice: This is the area of the voice where most singers feel somewhat comfortable. Most beginner singers spend most of his/her time concentrating on. This part of the voice includes the lower range up to the mid/upper part of the voice. Once the voice begins to extend past this area, it enters into the head voice.
2. Head Voice: This is the area of the voice where most beginner singers struggle. This includes the upper range of the chest voice into the higher notes that are too high to sing in chest voice.
3. Bridge: This is the area of the voice where the chest voice extends into the head voice. Often times, there is a break or crack while trying to switch from chest into head voice.
Simply put, the overall objective is to strengthen both the chest and head voice while connecting the two parts of the voice into a seamless transition between the two...connecting the head and chest voice into one smooth voice.
Other vocal areas that we focus on throughout the year are:
* open vowels (avoiding chewing the vowels)
* open space in the throat (this allows air to flow properly though the chords)
* proper mixing of the voice (not letting the sound get too pinched, especially on the high notes)
* proper supporting of the breath from the diaphragm: keeping pressure off of the chords
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A FORTE VOCAL STUDENT
Below is a breakdown of what a typical private/ semi-private voice student at Forte will be studying during his/her time with an instructor throughout each season.
AREA 1: This part of the session deals with vocal technique/warm-ups and music material. Each lesson, students will begin each class with various warm-ups and techniques that will change throughout the year. Along with the warm-ups, each student will choose work songs. Once a work song has been chosen, the instructor will assign a portion of that song to be practiced during the week by the student. The following lesson the student will perform that portion of the song. The voice teacher will then implement constructive feedback regarding technique, performance and overall delivery. After notes are given, the instructor will then assign more of the song to be practiced for the following week. Work songs do NOT need to be memorized. As we get closer to performance time, students will be given a show song which will be performed for the actual show which typically takes place from December- February...this is our vocal showcase. The dates of the show vary from year to year. Unlike work songs, show songs must be memorized with full performance.
AREA 2: This portion of the class involves singing live on a microphone. Once a work song (area 1) has been fully performed and the instructor feels that it is ready for the next step, students will then perform his/her work song on the microphone. Singing on a live microphone is MUCH different than singing without any type of microphone at all. There a many nuances that one can implement while on mic...not to mention this is a great time for students to learn proper microphone technique...proper placement, distance from the mic and when and when not to pull back at the proper time. Again, the instructor will offer feedback to the student and make any necessary changes regarding technique and/or performance.
AREA 3: Once a student has performed on a live microphone and the instructor feels that the student is ready, he/she will then move into our recording studio to make a recording of their song. Again, singing on a studio mic for recording is entirely different than singing with no mic or singing on a live mic. Each and every nuance is captured in the recording studio...this is a fantastic way for the student to hear each and every breath, note, phrase, pitch etc. This is a wonderful learning tool to improve technique and performance. After the song has been recorded, we will send you an MP3 directly to your primary email account with us. Pretty cool.
* As you can see, there is an order to the madness. The one constant in all 3 areas is with proper warm-ups and technique...this is the constant that truly improves the voice and helps students develop into awesome singers.
* GROUP VOICE SINGERS: Due to the number of students in the classes, we are unable to work on microphones as much as private and semi-private students. Having said that, our goal is to get those classes involved in live singing on the mic as well as recording in the studio at least 2 times throughout the year.
BENEFITS OF PROPER VOCAL TRAINING AT FORTE STUDIOS
OUR MISSION
Our overall mission is to train versatile and dynamic vocalists with strong technique, connected chest and head voice & powerful performance abilities. The long term goal is to help vocalists improve pitch, vocal strength, diction, flexibility, vocal control, breathing, range and overall vocal health and performance. For our younger students, we introduce simple, fun singing techniques as a part of our classes. As students become more advanced, we are able to bring more complex, vocally challenging warm-ups into the picture. If students stay with us over a longer period of time, we are then able to introduce our more advanced vocal warm-ups.
At Forte, our goal is to focus on 3 important areas of the voice, which are chest and head voice and connecting the bridge, or gap between the two.
1. Chest Voice: This is the area of the voice where most singers feel somewhat comfortable. Most beginner singers spend most of his/her time concentrating on. This part of the voice includes the lower range up to the mid/upper part of the voice. Once the voice begins to extend past this area, it enters into the head voice.
2. Head Voice: This is the area of the voice where most beginner singers struggle. This includes the upper range of the chest voice into the higher notes that are too high to sing in chest voice.
3. Bridge: This is the area of the voice where the chest voice extends into the head voice. Often times, there is a break or crack while trying to switch from chest into head voice.
Simply put, the overall objective is to strengthen both the chest and head voice while connecting the two parts of the voice into a seamless transition between the two...connecting the head and chest voice into one smooth voice.
Other vocal areas that we focus on throughout the year are:
* open vowels (avoiding chewing the vowels)
* open space in the throat (this allows air to flow properly though the chords)
* proper mixing of the voice (not letting the sound get too pinched, especially on the high notes)
* proper supporting of the breath from the diaphragm: keeping pressure off of the chords
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A FORTE VOCAL STUDENT
Below is a breakdown of what a typical private/ semi-private voice student at Forte will be studying during his/her time with an instructor throughout each season.
AREA 1: This part of the session deals with vocal technique/warm-ups and music material. Each lesson, students will begin each class with various warm-ups and techniques that will change throughout the year. Along with the warm-ups, each student will choose work songs. Once a work song has been chosen, the instructor will assign a portion of that song to be practiced during the week by the student. The following lesson the student will perform that portion of the song. The voice teacher will then implement constructive feedback regarding technique, performance and overall delivery. After notes are given, the instructor will then assign more of the song to be practiced for the following week. Work songs do NOT need to be memorized. As we get closer to performance time, students will be given a show song which will be performed for the actual show which typically takes place from December- February...this is our vocal showcase. The dates of the show vary from year to year. Unlike work songs, show songs must be memorized with full performance.
AREA 2: This portion of the class involves singing live on a microphone. Once a work song (area 1) has been fully performed and the instructor feels that it is ready for the next step, students will then perform his/her work song on the microphone. Singing on a live microphone is MUCH different than singing without any type of microphone at all. There a many nuances that one can implement while on mic...not to mention this is a great time for students to learn proper microphone technique...proper placement, distance from the mic and when and when not to pull back at the proper time. Again, the instructor will offer feedback to the student and make any necessary changes regarding technique and/or performance.
AREA 3: Once a student has performed on a live microphone and the instructor feels that the student is ready, he/she will then move into our recording studio to make a recording of their song. Again, singing on a studio mic for recording is entirely different than singing with no mic or singing on a live mic. Each and every nuance is captured in the recording studio...this is a fantastic way for the student to hear each and every breath, note, phrase, pitch etc. This is a wonderful learning tool to improve technique and performance. After the song has been recorded, we will send you an MP3 directly to your primary email account with us. Pretty cool.
* As you can see, there is an order to the madness. The one constant in all 3 areas is with proper warm-ups and technique...this is the constant that truly improves the voice and helps students develop into awesome singers.
* GROUP VOICE SINGERS: Due to the number of students in the classes, we are unable to work on microphones as much as private and semi-private students. Having said that, our goal is to get those classes involved in live singing on the mic as well as recording in the studio at least 2 times throughout the year.
BENEFITS OF PROPER VOCAL TRAINING AT FORTE STUDIOS
* Voice lessons are beneficial for not only individuals wishing to become better singers, but for actors, pastors, public speakers or anyone who wishes to obtain a stronger, more sustainable voice.
*Our goal for both group and private voice classes is to provide each student the proper singing technique, breathing and support, vocal placement, pitch, blend, musicality, ear training and music theory. Forte Studios offers classes for all levels of voice for students ages 7 & up.
* All of our voice classes not only focus on the voice, but a fair amount of time is spent on movement, staging and performance technique as well. Rarely do our singers stand and sing a song. We like to add a variety of performance elements to our shows. This offers our students a variety of fun and interesting techniques at Forte students.
* Students will focus on several different styles of music such as Musical Theater, Vocal Jazz, Pop, Country, etc. all of which will be based on a strong foundation of proper singing.
* We use grades as a guideline for classes. If however, the instructor feels that the student will be more successful in another group, we will move them to the more appropriate class.
GROUP VOICE CLASSES (Grades 2-12): 30-45 minutes. We will focus on proper singing technique through a series of vocal exercises and games as well as ear training techniques to improve overall musicality. As students progress, these exercises will become more challenging, yet remain fun. We will then apply these techniques to material that will be learned during class as well. Some material will be learned solely for classroom purposes while other material will be learned for specific shows that will be happening throughout the year.
PRIVATE VOICE (Grades 5-12): Spaces are limited and are offered for our intermediate/advanced students only. One on one instruction provides students with more personal attention to detail. Music theory is offered to those who are excelling in private voice.
SEMI-PRIVATE VOICE (Grades 5-12): Offers the social aspect of singing in a small group with the benefits of private instruction. Class is not to exceed 3 students.
* All private and semi-private voice lessons are 30 minutes in length.
* Due to time constraints, only 1 missed private/semi- private lesson per quarter can be made up. If a student is not attending his/her private lesson on a regular basis, the instructor reserves the right to discontinue lessons with that student.
*Our goal for both group and private voice classes is to provide each student the proper singing technique, breathing and support, vocal placement, pitch, blend, musicality, ear training and music theory. Forte Studios offers classes for all levels of voice for students ages 7 & up.
* All of our voice classes not only focus on the voice, but a fair amount of time is spent on movement, staging and performance technique as well. Rarely do our singers stand and sing a song. We like to add a variety of performance elements to our shows. This offers our students a variety of fun and interesting techniques at Forte students.
* Students will focus on several different styles of music such as Musical Theater, Vocal Jazz, Pop, Country, etc. all of which will be based on a strong foundation of proper singing.
* We use grades as a guideline for classes. If however, the instructor feels that the student will be more successful in another group, we will move them to the more appropriate class.
GROUP VOICE CLASSES (Grades 2-12): 30-45 minutes. We will focus on proper singing technique through a series of vocal exercises and games as well as ear training techniques to improve overall musicality. As students progress, these exercises will become more challenging, yet remain fun. We will then apply these techniques to material that will be learned during class as well. Some material will be learned solely for classroom purposes while other material will be learned for specific shows that will be happening throughout the year.
PRIVATE VOICE (Grades 5-12): Spaces are limited and are offered for our intermediate/advanced students only. One on one instruction provides students with more personal attention to detail. Music theory is offered to those who are excelling in private voice.
SEMI-PRIVATE VOICE (Grades 5-12): Offers the social aspect of singing in a small group with the benefits of private instruction. Class is not to exceed 3 students.
* All private and semi-private voice lessons are 30 minutes in length.
* Due to time constraints, only 1 missed private/semi- private lesson per quarter can be made up. If a student is not attending his/her private lesson on a regular basis, the instructor reserves the right to discontinue lessons with that student.
* CHANGE TO MAKE-UP DATES POLICY. We are changing the way we handle make up classes. We have had a huge number of absences so far with our private and semi-private voice classes. You may not realize this, but voice teachers are typically still at the studio even if you aren’t. They still have to come for other classes and are often stuck for 30 minutes at a time with no students. Due to the number of absences this quarter, we have had to re-think our make-up policy which would require vocal instructors to give up a whole weekend when they were already at the studio during the scheduled lesson. We hope you understand this dilemma and we hope students will have fun with the new plan. If Forte has to cancel classes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will still do individual make ups.
Otherwise, a group make up class will be scheduled for anyone who can make it. The class will be set up like a workshop and will likely be 1.5-2 hours long. This will hopefully be a fun way for students to make up their missed lessons by having an opportunity to sing for each other and learn from each other!
Mr. Wes will be in contact with all private and semi-private voice students about times for the upcoming make-up workshops!
DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS
Comfortable clothes that are modest and do not restrict movement. No half tops, low cut tops, or short shorts. Undergarments should not be visible when standing or sitting down. Shoes will need to be removed in dance studios.
Otherwise, a group make up class will be scheduled for anyone who can make it. The class will be set up like a workshop and will likely be 1.5-2 hours long. This will hopefully be a fun way for students to make up their missed lessons by having an opportunity to sing for each other and learn from each other!
Mr. Wes will be in contact with all private and semi-private voice students about times for the upcoming make-up workshops!
DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS
Comfortable clothes that are modest and do not restrict movement. No half tops, low cut tops, or short shorts. Undergarments should not be visible when standing or sitting down. Shoes will need to be removed in dance studios.