VOCAL TECHNIQUES FOR

DIRECTORS
Harmony University 2019
July 21 - 28, 2019
Instructor Information

Instructor Name:                             Dr. Philip S. Grant

Email address:                                 philipstanleygrant@gmail.com

Education and Experience

 BMUS (Opera); University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC

Canada, 2002
 MBA; Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC Canada, 2010
 PhD in Industrial Economics; KTH, Stockholm, Sweden, 2014
 12 years as a professional opera singer (300+ international
performances)
 3 years as a dedicated Barbershopper – Lead of Metzin’ Around.
 Barbershop chorus clinician and voice teacher; 7 local chapters and
150+ singers

Course Description

This course is designed to broaden the director’s toolkit of vocal techniques

and exercises for the chorus members. Following the premise that each
discrete movement of the vocal tract produces a predictable change in
sound, students will learn to isolate and control the major contributors
needed to create any desired ensemble sound. Each day will feature a
combination of short theoretical lecture, group explorations, and individual
volunteer demonstrations.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
 Identify sensations related to movements of various muscles in the
vocal tract
 Recognize the changes in sound resulting from those movements (in
self and others)
 Make appropriate technical choices to serve both music and
performance

1
Expectations and Requirements

Students will need a memorized song (in melody) in any genre, hopefully
that presents a personal vocal challenge. Be prepared to engage in light
physical activity and wear clothing that is comfortable to move in.

2
Projected Course Outline

In addition to the daily discussion, we will spend a great deal of time

applying the course techniques. I will have some ideas and views on what I
think is important and interesting about the topic, and will expect you to
contribute by expressing your views, sharing your experiences, and asking
your questions.

Monday Module 1: Explorations of Physical

Alignment,
Explorations of breath and onset

Tuesday Module 2: Explorations of jaw, larynx,

and tongue
position, and releasing exercises

Wednesd Module 3: Explorations of Resonance

ay Balancing

Thursday Module 4: Exploration of Free

Laryngeal Function:
Sob and Thyroid Tilt

Friday Module 5: Vocal Health and Practicing

Individual demonstrations

Required Materials and Advance Preparation

 Personal learning objectives: please think about what you’d like to

learn.
 Think about problems you have with your singers; we’ll look for
solutions
 Prepare a song (as above) or a phrase you’d like to sing (preferably
one you don’t sing well).
 Please come hydrated.

There are certain articles of faith surrounding this course:

 Active involvement is critical to enduring learning, for it transforms

passive, received knowledge into the active ability to apply that
knowledge effectively.
 We need to master both learning skills as well as knowledge, because
it is through command of the learning process that the mastery of
content is realized.

3
  Fun has a critical place in teaching and learning. Fun permits
breakouts from routine. It enlivens the humdrum and sustains
generosity as all participants give and receive enjoyment along with
the wisdom. So we will have fun!
 I have unbounded faith in the unlimited potential of all of you, I really
believe in your capability for creativity and growth and in how much
we can accomplish together.

If you’re shy... I understand and respect that everyone is different, and will
be more or less comfortable singing in our group. Our class is risk- and
judgment-free, and it’s on me to make sure you feel comfortable sharing
your ideas, perspectives and opinions with your colleagues. Please talk to
me if you need a little extra encouragement.