Contemporary & Jazz Singing

Αρχική 5 Departments 5 Contemporary 5 Contemporary & Jazz Singing

Contemporary Singing is divided into 4 levels. It is always possible to select an open program of studies in order to meet the particular needs of students that fulfill such conditions, after the student has made the necessary arrangements with his supervising professor and the administration of the Conservatory.

1st Level
Developing the proper breathing technique – exercises to increase the voice range and loudness – singing in tune – establishing the correct posture and basic stage performing principles – call and response ear training and basic ear training on simple rhythms and harmonic patterns – repertory with a range of up to 6th intervals, with basic rhythms and simple structures (the repertory is selected through the cooperation of the student and their supervising professor, depending on the student’s voice and skills).

At this level, we prefer down tempo tracks and ballads, and we often borrow repertory from the musical. The tracks are accompanied by piano or guitar, but also by backing tracks, so that the students can familiarize themselves. It is advised to attend theoretical and ear training group lessons and choir.

It is recommend to attend ensemble courses (ensembles 1) in cooperation with the LCM suggested Grades: 1, 2 to 3. It is obligatory to attend the conservatory’s progress exams, as well as the concerts of the corresponding department.

2nd Level
Introduction to specialized techniques of contemporary singing (depending on the repertory preferred by and that suits the student, as well as their skills) – particular emphasis on articulation and the correct pronunciation of foreign texts; repertory in at least 2 foreign languages – vibrato (types and correct use) – introduction to different styles (genres). Greater emphasis on easy commercial jazz, pop and soul tracks, as well as mainstream rock – demanding vocal range extension exercises.

At this level, we want the voice to open at its full range, even if it is not completely skillful – repertory with a range of up to an octave, with the possibility of conversions within the tracks and changes in tempo and rhythm – study with music scores, lead sheets, piano vocal scores and a guide – introduction to more complex rhythms (5/4, 9,7/8, 12/4) – backing vocals – introduction to improvisation (easy exercises for ad lib and small improvised parts). Tracks accompanied as above.
It is advised to attend theoretical & ear training lessons and the choir, as well as a second instrument, preferably the (compulsory) contemporary piano. It is recommend to attend ensembles (ensembles 2 or 3) in cooperation with the LCM suggested Grades: 4, 5. It is obligatory to attend the conservatory’s progress exams, as well as the concerts of the corresponding department.

3rd Level
Emphasis on perfecting the technique, more extensive exercises requiring great skill. At this level, technique takes up a larger part of the course – emphasis on specialization in at least 2 genres (soul, pop, r’n’b, rock, metal, commercial jazz etc.) – emphasis on improvisation – repertory exceeding 1 octave and with complex structures and rhythms.

Songs at this level are extremely demanding – study of songs in Greek. Selected tracks of the Greek repertory, higher difficulty in terms of skill – specialized knowledge: transposition, vocalisms, basic scat singing, basic distortion techniques, belting, twang etc.

At this level, the student together with their supervising professor will focus on and form the student’s individual style; the goal is to create their personal repertory and style. Obligatory attendance of theory and ear training; recommended to attend compulsory piano; obligatory attendance of the choir. Recommended to attend ensembles (ensembles 3 or 4, jazz ensembles 1) In cooperation with the LCM suggested Grades: 6 & 7. It is obligatory to attend the conservatory’s progress examinations, as well as the concerts of the corresponding department.

4th Level
Additional vocal range extension exercises with a very high level of difficulty. Greater emphasis on technique. At this level, it is now safe to move on to particularly demanding techniques for loudness and range, endurance as well as flexibility – emphasis on expression.

Now having all techniques at a higher level, we focus on demanding techniques requiring expressive skill – specialized repertory of transcendental difficulty by top musicians of the genre – handling of all basic styles of the contemporary music literature and industry – selected repertory tracks of exceptional difficulty from the musical – further improvisation – professional stage performance setup and posture – basic accompaniment of the student by the same, using a piano or guitar, depending on the student’s selection, and establishing a relevant degree of independence.

At this level, the student is now able to sing professionally in various ensembles. We place great emphasis on personal, special song covers, so that the student can learn how to present themselves in the style that suits them. Obligatory attendance of theory and ear training; compulsory piano; obligatory attendance of the choir. Recommended to attend ensembles (ensembles 4, jazz ensembles 2) in cooperation with the LCM suggested Grades: 8 and performance diploma in popular music vocals. It is obligatory to attend the conservatory’s progress examinations, as well as the concerts of the corresponding department.

Note: At this level, it is suggested that the student, having now completed the style and repertory that suits them, being better at performing and having a skillful technique, should prepare their concert for obtaining their diploma, in order to graduate and acquire the Conservatory’s Contemporary Singing degree.

Τελική Συναυλία των Μουσικών Συνόλων στο Gazarte

Teachers

Lia Hide

Musical Theater, Contemporary Singing, Monody

Iliana Tsakiraki

Contemporary & Metal Singing, Monody

Nasia Gkofa

Jazz Vocals

Elias Doxakis

Contemporary and Musical Singing

Contemporary Department

The studies at the Contemporary Department of Musical Praxis Conservatory are based on the combination of specialization (personalized teaching) with the possibility to practice and participate in ensembles of the school’s students, as well as in seminars and workshops by distinguished musicians.
Contemporary Department