Singing Voice Workshops and Classes
Coordinated by Mr. Ricardo Hambra
Singer- Percussionist - Composer - Teacher - Music Producer
A brief description of these programs
Classes are focused on the development of the singing voice skills.
It is a progressive training based on modern vocal music workout techniques, that are later combined with multi-language songs and compositions from:
Hindustani Kirtan, Bhajan, Sargam and Raga chant system from India,
Latin Flamenco,
Argentinean Folk and Tango,
American Jazz & Blues,
Brazilian Bossa and Samba,
Mideastern and African songs.
Once you learn how to sing properly, with a strong and tuned voice, then starts the process of building your own repertoire of songs and vocal compositions
Here are the main areas to be covered:
Relationship between the Heart, Mind, Breath and Voice; projecting the voice without straining the muscles,
·Recycling the Attention: how to get and keep focused, training the ‘singing mind’;
·Singing as a creative process: Attention – awareness – control – pitch;
·Conscious singing: art & joy of a melodic voice;
·Singing as a source of peace and happiness, creating one's own melodies and songs as a creative healing process;
·Building a repertoire (for advance students)
Module 1
Warm up exercises: working with breath, vocal warm up exercises, body movements and concentration, for 20 minutes.
Intro to Singing voice: The voice as an instrument; speaking voice and singing voice- differences and similarities.
Voice as a human expression; thinking and feeling our voice, differences between sound and melody. Exercises: tuning the voice, scales: major – minor,
song performance with the whole group.
Module 2
Warm up exercises: working with breath, vocal warm up exercises, body movements and concentration, for 20 minutes.
The singing voice - practice section: Exercises and techniques for a singing voice, low, medium and high octaves, pitch: Baritone – Tenor – Alto – Soprano, how to recognize your own pitch, vocalization, ascending and descending scales, another collective song performance.
Review with audio recordings and graphic examples of some popular songs from Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, in order to give a glimpse of some other ethnic music styles from around the globe.
Module 3
Warm up exercises: working with the breath, vocal warm up exercises, body movements and concentration, for 20 minutes.
The singing voice - Introduction to the North Indian Hindustani music system technique:
Hindustani Ragas: introduction, a brief comment about the origins of this music system. What is a Raga? Melodic characteristics and moods or Rasa, description of the musical notes or ‘Swaras’: Sa - Re - Ga - Ma - Pa - Dha - Ni.
Melodic scales or Thats (pronounce 'Tut'): Bilaval, Kalyan, Khamaj, Bhairav.
Different times of the day for each Raga. Sargam song form, Kirtan or Bhajan Devotional song form. Thumri or 'Light Raga'.
Module 4
Singing Voice Workshop - Conclusions
A review of all the material that has been taught. There will also be a space for participants to ask questions and share experiences.
A live performance would be organized in which volunteer participants as well as ensembles of students will demonstrate some of the singing skills learnt throughout the workshop.
More workshop classes will be added regarding the other musical topics:
Spanish Flamenco, Argentinean Tango, American Blues, Brazilian Bossa, African and Mideastern styles.
These classes will include reviews with audio recordings and graphic examples of some popular songs from Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, in order to give a glimpse of some other ethnic music styles from around the globe.
Note: All audio and graphic examples will be shared with the participants during each class of the workshop.
As a promotional tool, a sample open class of this workshop will be available free of charge for those interested.
For more details regarding our classes, registration fees, schedule, send a message, and we will reply you promptly.
Thank you!
World Music Study Center