TCVA
Singing Teacher Training Academy
Course Content
THE SUBJECTS
The Contemporary Voice Academy offers a complete training programme for singers and teachers alike. Our Singing Teacher Training Academy is divided into five main subject areas; Vocal Technique, Teacher Training, Confidence & Performance Anxiety, Business & Branding, and Artist Development & Musicianship. Each of these encapsulating specific modules and their units. All units can be taught from either the singers perspective, or from the teachers perspective, or you can opt for a combination of both.
To learn more about each subject please select the corresponding tab below:
Our Vocal Technique subject is the go to for Singing Teachers wanting to boost their technical knowledge – want to know why a student may be too “breathy” and know how to confidently help them fix the underlying problem? Or maybe how to help a soft voiced singer learn to belt safely? Delve into a wide range of our vocal technique modules and their units, From understanding the anatomy, to how and why the voice responds to micro movements – we cover everything from resonance and acoustics, laryngeal postures / gestures, working with and blending registers, how to fix problem areas and so much more.
Our Teacher Training modules focus on everything it takes to be a successful singing teacher, From understanding the role of a teacher, to how to plan lessons and create content. Maybe you want to know how to build a safe and effective routine or how to “diagnose and prescribe” fixes for technical issues in singers. You might want to specialise in group teaching working with a wide range of voices. Struggling with challenging behaviour from a student? Concerned about your roles and responsibilities regarding safeguarding? We give you everything you need to build your skillset and your singing teachers toolbox!
TCVA offers a complete course in performance anxiety management which can be taken as an 6 week stand alone course, or units can be selected from this subject and built into one of your stages.
Units include ideas based in psychology, and cover subjects such as; understanding the how’s and why’s of performance anxiety, mindset and self image, how to build coping methods etc. This course can be taken as a focus either on your own confidence or performance anxiety issues, or from the teachers perspective supporting students with performance anxiety.
From setting up your own teaching studio, building a brand for yourself and building a client base, Our Business and Branding modules focus on a wide range of areas to help you build the career you have always dreamed of!
We cover amongst other topics; building a business plan, self employment and tax, building your branding and online presence, promotion, equipment and set up costs, professional conduct etc.
Our Artist Development & Musician modules can act as a “short course” all of their own. These aim to support in furthering the development of musicality for our teachers.
We have short courses in An Introduction to Piano Accompaniment for Singers and Singing Teachers, An Introduction to Music Theory for Singers and Singing Teachers, and Introduction to Songwriting inc musical analysis.
We also have modules on live sound, performance skills and stage craft, interpretation, microphone technique, and building a routine.
PICKING UNITS
Please Note: All units are designed to be undertaken in an hours session. Depending on previous knowledge, interest level and talking points relevant to you and your teaching, these units may require more or less time. It isn’t uncommon for our singing teachers to swap units or add others in to accommodate for this.
We pride ourselves on a flexible approach to training, there isn’t one size fits all when it comes to training a singer, and we believe training singing teachers should be handled the same – with you and your goals as the driving force behind your training and development.
VOCAL TECHNIQUE MODULES
VT1. ESSENTIAL ANATOMY & HOW THE VOICE WORKS
This module focuses on the science behind the voice, learn about the essential structures involved in voice production and begin to understand how it is all connected. When we understand how “The Vocal Mechanism” works, we are able to troubleshoot the issues our singers may face.
The structures of the vocal mechanism may seem daunting or maybe irrelevant at first but once you understand how much the interactions of specific muscle groups and cartilages affect the quality of sound produced and how easy it is to manipulate, you will be amazed how quickly you can get results from a voice!
Some of the areas covered in this unit include (but not limited to):
- The Vocal Mechanism
- The Larynx
- The Vocal Folds
- The “Filter”
Ever wondered how the voice works? What influences the sounds we make? The way we sound is a combination of many things, and we can learn to manipulate all aspects in order to create the voice we want. Creating the perfect sound relies on the combination of many factors, this unit will introduce you to the ideas which can begin to solve the most common voice issues in singers.
Some of the areas covered in this unit include (but not limited to):
- How the voice works (Function)
- What influences the voice (Nature vs Nurture)
- What influences sound at, above and below vocal fold level.
- Air flow vs Air Pressure (Sub & Supraglottic pressure and how this can affect overall vocal ability)
- How improper function can cause common issues within singing
VT2. THE FUNDAMENTALS
This module focuses on essential techniques which form a basis for efficient singing. From the affect of alignment and posture, on the voice, to breathing and building a routine, these units look to give you a clear understanding of how to begin to develop a singers voice.
Posture and alignment have a significant affect on vocal quality and efficiency, in this unit we begin to address the issues faced by singers either through their own posture or existing conditions which might influence posture on stage.
Breathing is a much debated topic in singing, there are so many approaches and breathing technique is a strong focus in all genres of vocal pedagogy from classical to CCM alike. We will share our science and research based, no nonsense approach to training breath control.
Some of the areas covered in this unit include (but not limited to):
- Posture and alignment how it affects the breath and voice production.
- Types of breathing methods.
- Lower abdominal release / accent method.
- Common issues in breath and breath support
VT3. REGISTERS
Registers, like many things in vocal pedagogy have many nicknames. This module will cut through the confusion and break down the anatomy of each register, how to access each them, and how to troubleshoot common problem areas. Polishing the technique across the registers is the only way to achieve a smooth and seamless voice. The registers below are addressed with their most common known name ‘Head / Chest Voice etc’. The units in this module are split into subsections to allow a more thorough exploration.
In this unit we focus on exactly what coordinations are needed to access our full range, we delve into the ins and outs of what is happening in each register and what is required to manoeuvre between them.
VT3. Unit 1 – Subsection 1 – Registers
Some of the areas covered in this subsection include (but not limited to):
- Outline of the 4 main registers M0/M1/M2/M3
- Body & Cover & Coordination’s required for each register
- Flow VS Pressure
VT3. Unit 1 – Subsection 2 – “Chest Voice / M1”
Some of the areas covered in this subsection include (but not limited to):
- Vocal Fold Conditions (What is going on in ‘Chest Voice’ on a mechanical level)
- What is the “Recipe” needed to achieve ‘Chest Voice’?
- What needs to be practised / exercises needed to achieve a safe technique in this register?
- How to teach ‘Chest Voice’
- What are common problem areas and how to overcome them?
- Helpful Repertoire (Songs) to support development of this ‘Chest Voice’.
VT3. Unit 1 – Subsection 3 – “Head Voice / M2
Some of the areas covered in this subsection include (but not limited to):
- Vocal Fold Conditions (What is going on in ‘Head Voice’ on a mechanical level)
- What is the “Recipe” needed to achieve ‘Head Voice’?
- What needs to be practised / exercises needed to achieve a safe technique in this register?
- How to teach ‘Head Voice’
- What are common problem areas and how to overcome them?
- Helpful Repertoire (Songs) to support development of this ‘Head Voice’.
‘Mix Voice’ and ‘Belt’ must be one of the most debated and questioned topics within singing. With ‘Mix’ – Everyone is looking for it – a lot of people do not know what it is, and some say it doesn’t exist. Belt just like ‘mix’ voice means different things to different people. We cut through the confusion and help you get a grasp on this tricky subject.
VT3. Unit 2 – Subsection 1 – ‘Mix’ Voice
Some of the areas covered in this subsection include (but not limited to):
- What is ‘Mix’ Voice?
- ‘Chest Dominant Mix’
- ‘Head Dominant Mix’
- What is the “Recipe” needed to achieve Chest or Head dominant mix?
- What needs to be practised / exercises needed in order to achieve a safe technique in this voice quality?
- How to teach “Mix”
- What are common problem areas and how to overcome them?
- Helpful Repertoire (Songs) to support development of this voice quality.
VT3. Unit 2 – Subsection 2 – Training Belt Voice – ANCHORING, SUPPORT & BELT
Some of the areas covered in this subsection include (but not limited to):
- What is ‘Belt’ Voice?
- What is the “Recipe” needed to achieve this quality?
- What needs to be practised / exercises needed in order to achieve a safe technique in this quality?
- How to teach ‘Belt’
- What are common problem areas and how to overcome them?
- Helpful Repertoire (Songs) to support development of this quality.
VT4. RESONANCE & ACOUSTICS - COLOUR & TONE BUILDING
This module focuses on developing the overall tone and characteristics of a voice. We look into what creates a strong, powerful, resonant and vibrant voice, and how we can begin to “sculpt’ the voice both ourselves and our students want.
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VT5. REPERTOIRE
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VT6. VOCAL HEALTH & RECOVERY
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VT7. COMMON VOCAL PROBLEM AREAS
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TEACHER TRAINING MODULES
TT0. INTRODUCTION TO TEACHER TRAINING (EXAMPLE COURSE)
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TT1. TAILORING TO YOUR STUDENT
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TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 1 – FACH, VOICE TYPES & TESSITURA (What makes a voice unique?)
TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 2 – Female Voice
TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 3 – Male Voice
TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 4 – Young people / Children transitioning into puberty
TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 5 – Aging Voice
TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 6 – Transitioning Voice / Transgender Voice
As a teacher your student looks to you to give them the tools they need to build a strong and healthy voice. We have a duty of care to make sure that the training we are providing is safe and suitable for each of our students, this unit will give you the knowledge you need to build a safe and reliable voice, no matter the age, gender or current vocal ability of your student.
Some of the areas covered in this unit include (but not limited to):
- Considering your singer as a whole and how to develop a routine to support them as an individual
- Considering your students history, training and current ability
- Difference between Warm Ups and Technicals
- What makes a great routine
- Developing Muscle Memory & Stamina
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- Unit 2. Subsection 1 – Understanding Barriers to Learning
- Unit 2. Subsection 2 – Professional Conduct & Challenging Behaviour
TT2. Lesson Planning & Content
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TT3. Building Your Skillset
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TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 1 – Diagnostic Tools – How to diagnose / prescribe fixes for technical issues in singers
TT3. Unit 1. Subsection 2 – Training Your Ear – how to listen effectively and what to listen for as a teacher
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FOR FURTHER TRAINING TO BUILD YOUR TEACHER TRAINING TOOLBOX:
Training Your Instrument – Vocal Health & Training For The Practitioner
Introduction to Music Theory – Add on Short Course
Introduction to Piano – Add on Short Course
PLEASE SEE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT & MUSICIANSHIP FOR MORE INFO
TT4. Specialist Areas
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CAN BE CREATED FOR YOU
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- TT4. Unit 1. Subsection 1 – Contemporary & Commercial Music – (CCM)
- TT4. Unit 1. Subsection 2 – Teaching Music Theatre Styles – “Legit”
- TT4. Unit 1. Subsection 3 – Teaching Music Theatre Styles – “Contemporary”
- TT4. Unit 1. Subsection 4 – Teaching Music Theatre – Characterisation
- TT4. Unit 1. Subsection 5 – Rock Vocals
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- TT4. Unit 4. Subsection 1 – Setting Up For Teaching Online
- TT4. Unit 4. Subsection 2 – Teaching for Audition Prep – MT & CCM
- TT4. Unit 4. Subsection 3 – Supporting Vocal Health & Recovery
- TT4. Unit 4. Subsection 4 – Teaching In The Recording Studio – coming soon
- TT4. Unit 4. Subsection 5 – Coaching Alongside Other Teachers / Directors / Producers – coming soon
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TT9. Further Support & Hands On Training
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BUSINESS & BRANDING MODULES
Some of the topics here might be more relevant than others, and a general consultation session regarding business and branding may be more suitable initially rather than multiple units selected from below. As this course is tailored completely to your current needs and skill set you may need general advice or you may need more of a hands on approach for your branding and social media.
Website, Social Media and Branding Design services are also available for those who need it.
B&B1. Building Your Business - Your Personal Journey
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B&B2. Branding & Social Media
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CONFIDENCE & PERFORMANCE ANXIETY MODULES
Over the past 16 years we have worked alongside singers from all walks of life. Of all ability levels, and all experience levels. The one thing that unites every singer? Fleeting confidence issues and Music Performance Anxiety, Whether you have had a bad experience, rebuilding your voice and mind after a vocal injury, feel like you have a lot to live up to? or just very aware of the demands of this industry? Everyone suffers with confidence issues at some point in their singing journeys, some suffer from slight nerves and some are destroyed by fear. Our Confidence & Music Performance Anxiety Module can be taken as a complete short course (recommended) or individual units can be selected as part of your Pick “n” Mix Course, – please discuss your interests before hand so we can be sure the unit is appropriate for you as a standalone unit within your training.
CONFIDENCE & PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
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B&B2. Branding & Social Media
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