City Lit a cappella

This established group sings original arrangements of jazz and popular songs, and performs regularly. New members with good reading and aural skills are welcome. You will develop your ear, timing, intonation, memory and team work.

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Key course information

Dates
19/09/11 - 02/07/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
32 weeks

Time
19:00 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £366
Senior fee: £366
Concession: £106

Venue
OS - Off site

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Course code
ME638*

Availability
Contact department

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

Practise the skills involved in part-singing: memory, reading music and following a vocal score, good pitch, timing and intonation. You will operate as a performance group.

What topics will we cover?

- Learning to sing 4, 5 or 6-part a cappella arrangements of pop/jazz style songs
- Some work by ear only, but most arrangements are written as a musical score
- Occasional opportunity to improvise, usually during the warm-up
- Performance issues
- Maintenance of a body of repertoire.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Blend your voice into the group sound
- Enjoy increased awareness of harmony and listening to others
- Demonstrate harmony parts and improved timing
- Enhance your understanding of music as a performance art, and yourself as a singer
- Perform with confidence
- Improve your understanding of a cappella possibilities.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is ideal for experienced and committed singers. You must be able to sing in tune, demonstrate reliable musicianship, be keen to perform in a team, and able to learn arrangements by heart. A good sense of musical time is vital.

You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn through short vocal/physical warm up, followed by rehearsal of arrangements of pop & jazz repertoire unique to this ensemble. All group singing work, though sometimes we will try out material in small groups.
Performances as often as possible - at and outside City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Use of cassettes/cd/mp3 for practice, should you wish to record class. Students should keep a folder of photocopied music. You will be expexted to make every effort to attend gig dates as the opportunities arise.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Improved efficiency in rehearsal as the course progresses and confidence as individuals and as a group force. Performance based course.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can progress onto more ambitious groups/arrangements, choirs, solo singing, vocal musicianship studies and own a cappella projects.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Music

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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