Spotlight Seminars > Next-Level Practicing Alums: A Singer’s Guide

Next-Level Practicing: A Singer’s Guide (for Alums!)

Hello, wonderful singers! Do you remember the changes to your singing practice that came about during your participation in How to Practice? The insights, the peer support, and the new motivation? Whether or not you’ve continued the trajectory you started then, Co-Vo’s new summer-long experience, Next-Level Practicing, will propel your singing practice to the next level!

What is “next level”? That depends on where you’re starting from! If you’re not practicing regularly, or still resist or are challenged to practice, “next level” might mean finally developing a consistent practice habit that you actually enjoy. If you are practicing regularly, “next level” might mean improving your efficiency, effectiveness, or goal-setting skills. And if you are now a veteran and enthusiastic practicer, “next level“ might mean taking your practice to new heights of creativity and joy. 

What does this new experience include? 

• Four working sessions. Four 90-minute online meetings, each of which will include presentation, discussion, and a master-class element. All sessions will be recorded, and can be accessed through September 15. 

• One performance session. A final culminating showcase, where singers who choose to can give a short online performance of a song or aria, to show off the results of their summer practicing. (Performance is optional, but all participants are encouraged to attend and applaud!)

• Online community. A private Facebook group where Julia will offer coaching several times each week, and where participants can share their experiences and questions

• Workbook. A Next-Level Practicing workbook, where you will assess 10 elements of your practice habits in an ongoing way and can log and reflect on your practice sessions

What additional options can you include if you choose?

• Practice group. Participation in a small, singer-led practice group of 3–4 program participants who will encourage each other informally, and meet on their own time occasionally if they choose.

• Master class participation. During each session, Julia will be working with 2–3 singers in a master-class format, guiding them In the demonstration of practice strategies related to that session’s curriculum. Participation as a master class subject is voluntary, and volunteers will be solicited at each meeting for the upcoming meeting.

What elements of your practice habits will we review and work on this summer?

1. Practice time and place

2. Attitude toward practice

3. Practice challenges

4. Vocal exercises in practice

5. Body posture and awareness

6. Monitoring tools

7. Learning new repertoire

8. Applying technique to learned repertoire

9. Interpretation

10. Goal setting and self-assessment

Through both lecture and discussion, we will address questions such as:

• What are the key elements of (and differences between) warming up, vocalizing, score study, and practicing repertoire?

• How can you determine your ideal practice routine, balancing the four elements above?

• What are common barriers to regular practice, and how can they be overcome?

• What types of exercises should be included in a daily vocal exercise routine?

• How do you apply technical work to repertoire practice?

• What is the best way to learn a new piece of music (or an entire score) that trains in good technical habits?

• How can you set meaningful goals for your practice time?

• How can you find more joy in your private practice time? What will make you want to practice? Love to practice?

The program is a series, and participants are registered for all five dates when they sign up.

Date: Tuesdays: Jun. 28, Jul. 12, 26, Aug. 9, 23
Time: 6:00-7:30pm (PT)
Level: All levels
Cost: $240 for the series (regularly $275). This discount is available only for singers who have completed the How to Practice: A Singer’s Guide seminar series!

Recordings available! All participants are encouraged to attend all five live events. However, recordings of all meetings will be available to all registrants through Sept. 15, 2022 (PT).