Spotlight Seminars > Rep Prep: A Singer’s Guide

Rep Prep: A Singer’s Guide (Repertoire Preparation)

Have you ever wondered how to learn a new piece of repertoire “right” the first time, so that good habits, technical ease, and well-developed musical and dramatic interpretations are “baked in”?

You’ll learn the answers, and more, during our brand-new Fall seminar series on Rep Prep! During this two-month program, participants will learn two brand-new, self-chosen pieces of repertoire, and be guided through best practices in repertoire preparation: learning, memorization, practice, interpretation, and eventual (optional) performance!

This cohort will be limited in size, so that each singer who would like to perform has the opportunity to do so multiple times.

What does this experience include? 

• Four working sessions. Four 90-minute online meetings (Sept. 20, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Nov. 29), each of which will include presentation, discussion, master class, and (eventually) live performances from those singers who choose to perform. All sessions will be recorded, and can be accessed through December 15, 2022 PT.

• Weekly coaching. Step-by-step, week-by-week suggestions on how to approach your two new pieces, allowing them to culminate in fully-formed, performance-ready interpretations.

• Ongoing support. Julia will offer brief assignments, coaching, and reminders each week, and participants can share experiences and questions. For singers who are not already working with a private voice teacher, Julia will also be available to consult about repertoire selections.

• Practice group. Every participant will have the option of being assigned to 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. Performing for one another is a bonus!

• Performances. Every participant will be invited (but not required) to share live or recorded performances of the pieces they are working on during the course of the program. Multiple performances of the same piece—in various stages of preparation—are encouraged!

What elements of your repertoire preparation will we work on this fall?

1. Repertoire selection. How to choose repertoire that is appropriate for your voice category, temperament, technical skills and challenges.

2. Pre-learning. Work that must be done before you “dive in” to a new piece.

3. “Inputting” the piece. How to get notes, rhythms, and words learned efficiently, including silent learning strategies.

4. Memorization. A dozen strategies that “make it stick quick”.

5. Applying vocal technique. How to make sure that good vocal/technical habits are “baked in” to a new piece.

6. Musicality. Using the musical tools of tempo, phrasing, articulation, dynamics, etc. to craft a compelling musical whole.

7. Diction. Studying the words, their pronunciation (if singing in a foreign language), and the challenges they pose, to ensure 100% intelligibility.

8. Interpretation. The processes that make your text or character come to life, by using your voice, your face, and your whole body.

9. Preparing for performance. Steps to take pre-performance, including mental preparation, to ensure the most consistent results.

10. Performing! Practice presenting your pieces live, or via video.

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

Date: Tuesdays: Sept. 20, Oct. 11, Nov. 1 & 29, 2022
Time: 6:00-7:30pm (PT)
Cost: $240 for the series

Level: All levels

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