5-day Summer Course

The 5-day summer course is aimed at singers who wish to work intensively on singing technique for 5 consecutive days. The course is suited for singers from all styles of singing - all genres of music are welcomed.

The goal is for the acquired vocal techniques to be usable immediately after the course. The course will take the individual singer's technical and artistic vocal abilities as a starting point. If the participants wish so, the last day of the course will end with a concert. A piano player will be present for accompaniment.

Practical information

Dates and cities
Please view the information box to the right.

Course language
English

Course fee
DKK 7500,- / € 1000 in Denmark. € 1250 in all other countries. The full course fee is to be paid within 2 weeks after your sign up. Your payment secures your place on the course. The course fee is not refundable if you choose to withdraw from the course. Please read our standard terms.

Number of participants

8-12 pr. group

Teachers
The teachers are authorised Complete Vocal Technique teachers and they will teach their specialist subject. Only highly qualified and experienced teachers of the highest professional standard will teach on the course.

Preparation for the course
The participants are asked to bring at least 5 songs, or parts of songs, containing vocal technical difficulties to be worked on. Also, bring charts/ sheet music/ CD's. This material will be given to the course pianist. The participants are encouraged to consider technical difficulties they wish to work on. Also, examples for analysis are welcome - bring CD's. All styles of music are welcome. The book & sound library Complete Vocal Technique are important tools during the course. All the participants are expected to own a copy of the book & sound library, which can be ordered via our webshop.

Application and general conditions for acceptance to the course

To qualify for the course, go to How to Apply. Furthermore, applicants should have read and understood the book Complete Vocal Technique. Minimum age limit is 18 years.

Contact information

Complete Vocal Institute
Hausergade 3, 5th floor
1128 Copenhagen K
Denmark.
Mail: cvi@shout.dk
Phone: +45 33 32 77 24
Fax: + 45 33 32 77 25.

Deadline for application is NOW. The courses are filled up on a first come, first serve basis.

The Course

The course takes place over a period of 5 days. Work with individual vocal questions and difficulties the participants may have will be the starting point of the course. For example: equalization of difference in timbre, the ability to sing at the same volume level in the low part and the high part of the voice, the ability to reach higher and lower notes, or solving of problems with hoarseness.

Examples of topics to be worked on

The anatomy of the voice and the principles for correct use of the voice.
The use of the functions Neutral, Curbing, Overdrive, and Edge.
Adjusting and altering the sound colour (timbre) of the voice.
Hoarseness, damages to the voice, prevention and immediate help.
Healthy production of effects such as distortion, growls, screaming, vocal breaks, adding air to the voice, vibrato, and ornamentation techniques for rapid run of notes etc.
Phrasing and improvisation.
Rhythmic work and swing.
Expression and performance.

Using theory as the basis, the course will focus on the practical use of theory. The vocal technique part of the course is designed to fit the needs and wishes of the participants. In this way, the technical aspects are fitted to suit the group and the individual singers.

During the course, the vocal technical, and the artistic abilities of the individual singers will be worked on. Each singer will get to thoroughly know his/ her voice, and each singer will learn to meet his/her own expectations, and solve issues that might occur.

No academic requirements

Since artistic quality and technical skill do not depend on academic training, admittance to CVI does not require exams from other institutions of education.

No upper age limit

Artistic quality has never been exclusive to a specific age group, and commercial applicability of musical expression is not interesting in respect to artistic competence. For this reason, CVI has no upper age limit for admission. All singers holding an adequate artistic skill level are welcome.

No subsidiary subjects

The course encompasses all aspects of singing: vocal technique, expression, performance, improvisation, phrasing and singing with other singers. The course aims at the greatest improvement possible of the singers' professional and artistic skills. For this reason, all subjects not related to singing are left out. Vocal subjects of practical use make up the core of the course.

Course elements

Individual vocal development, including the solving of vocal technique issues and development of potential.
Acquisition of practically based theoretical knowledge.
Training fast recognition and use of vocal techniques, and training in recognition of vocal technique issues.
Musical and artistic approach to singing.

The course is laid out as group instruction. It is necessary for the well being of the individual participant that the course takes place in an atmosphere of openness and trust. The participants will gain in-depth knowledge about the learning processes of other singers, and about strengths and weaknesses concerning technical and artistic sides of singing.

The goal is an intense and effective course that will make it possible for the participants to make use of the newly acquired skills immediately after the course.

It is considered important that the course is designed especially for the diverse group of singers that make up the particular list of participants. This has to be done with great knowledge and love of the craft. Also, it is important to respect personal expression and avoid the breaking down of artistic uniqueness.

Individual vocal development

The individual singers' technique, and vocal and artistic skill level, will be worked on during the course. Each singer will gain in-depth knowledge of his/ her own voice, and become able to meet his/ her own vocal expectations, and solve issues that might occur.

Training in the use of vocal techniques includes the three overall principles and the use of the modes Neutral, Curbing, Overdrive, and Edge. All this in relation to singing and speaking, working with sound colour and effects, various vocal issues and how these can be solved. Also, working through muscular memory, parameters for determination of notes, and centre work will be touched upon. It is important that the participants consider what they wish to work on, how, and what results they wish to achieve.

Acquisition of practically based theoretical knowledge

Classes will include in-depth awareness of the voice. Theory is always illustrated by practical examples. The foundation of the course is that all theory has to be practically applicable.

Training fast recognition and use of vocal techniques

The participants will practice recognizing techniques used by singers live as well as on recordings. This will help the singers in achieving the desired sounds, in using the right methods in developing the voice, and in solving issues they might encounter during their careers.

Musical and artistic approach to singing

The technical aspects are meant to serve as a means to get the intended musical and artistic message across. Hence, work on expression and performance is an important part of the course. Also, work on intonation, swing, improvisation and phrasing, performance, awareness of presence and authority is included.

The concert

A small concert will be arranged on the last day of the course, if the singers wish so. Singers are welcome to invite friends and family as audience. The concert is meant to strengthen live performance on stage. A piano player will be present for the singers. Furthermore, the concert will give the singers the opportunity to test their newly acquired skills in technique, improvisation, rhythm, expression, and performance.

Methods

Instruction is planned as a combination of theoretical and practical training. Work will revolve around process as well as results, and the practical learning will be connected to the techniques. From the beginning, each participant will be part of the group as a singer, and as part of the audience. This creates a sense of security in the group situation.

Vocal technique introductions
The introductions regarding vocal technique will consist of theoretical discussion and practical work with theory. The content will be adjusted to suit the needs and wishes of the participants. Thereby, technical aspects will be tailor made to fit the group and the individual.

Masterclass
Masterclasses (singing with pianist) are an important part of the course. The vocal technique subjects introduced can be worked on during the masterclasses (singing with pianist). This will take place as individual vocal technical and artistic sessions in the presence of the group. The participants will be given the opportunity to work with songs of their own choice, accompanied by a pianist, and guided by an instructor. Even though the participants will sing one at a time, the master class takes place as group instruction - all participants will be involved in every session. Hereby, everybody will benefit from the subjects the other singers wish to work on.

Pianist
A pianist will be present during parts of the course for accompaniment.

Certificate
A certificate will be issued to the singers who complete the course.