The Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute
July 13-21
2019
Q: Do I have to take session one to take session two?
A: No, the sessions may be taken individually or in succession. Suggested prerequisites are listed for each course.
Q: I’ve always wanted to learn more the various CCM methods that I have read about online. What methods will be discussed?
A: The new Institute format is designed to enable discussions about various approaches to CCM pedagogy and how different methodologies work towards the same goals. Teachers who are trained in trademarked methods are welcome to share their experiences and discuss how those methods do or do not align with the functional training principles that form the core of the Institute's curriculum.
Q: I am already teaching a trademarked method, will attending the Institute require me to change what I teach?
A: No. The institute is no longer offering certification in a trademarked method. Instead, you will learn about voice science and how to integrate fact based teaching into your studio regardless of your background or current teaching method. We will discuss how various methods align with current science and you will find that all methodologies (trademarked or not) are honored and welcome.
Q: I am a singer who has never taught voice lessons before. Will this institute prepare me to begin teaching?
A: Yes. The information presented over the course of the nine days of the Institute is organized in a manner that will give participants a structured way to approach a lesson and a systematic method for developing the voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I receive certification at the Institute?
A: Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for each level they attend. When a participant has completed all three sessions, they will receive a special certificate in the “Foundations of Contemporary Commercial Music Voice Pedagogy” from the CCM Voice Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah Conservatory.
Q: Will this material be applicable to musical styles other than musical theatre?
A: Yes! The new Institute structure includes an entire three days (Session III) dedicated to teaching different vocal styles. Examples drawn from non-musical theatre styles will be used throughout all three sessions and master classes are open to singers of all styles.
Q: Can you describe the method I will be learning at the Institute?
A: You will be learning a systemized approach to functional training for the CCM singer. So what does that mean? Those who teach functionally have an in-depth understanding of how the vocal mechanism works and they use that knowledge to develop exercises that specifically address tensions and weaknesses in the vocal mechanism. During session one participants will learn how to listen for what is happening at the vocal fold level and how to address vocal faults in that part of the mechanism. In session two they will learn how to address vocal function in the rest of the vocal tract and how changes in the vocal tract can affect what is happening at the vocal fold level. In level three, participants will combine all of this information as they learn strategies to teach various styles with a functional approach. There are many ways to get to the same result and participants will explore a wide range of approaches to accomplish each of the objectives in small groups with the Institute faculty.
Q: How did the CCM Institute begin?
A. In 2003 Shenandoah University faculty Edrie Means Weekly and Donna Gullstrand created the summer institute with the guidance and support of Dean Charlotte Collins. Since that time, the Institute has continued to grow and change.
