The Center for Group-Voice Pedagogy and Research
The Center for Group-Voice Pedagogy and Research in the Department of Music at Coastal Carolina University was established in 2023 to advance the field of group-voice pedagogy through innovative research, professional development, and community engagement. We are dedicated to empowering independent, K-12, and academic voice educators of all styles and genres with evidence-based knowledge, practical skills, and creative solutions to enhance their teaching, learning, and performance. We hope to build a vibrant and inclusive community of voice professionals dedicated to advancing the art and science of teaching voice in group settings. We believe that by working together, we can effectively engage individuals across the world in the life-changing experience of learning and singing together.
2024 Group-Voice Pedagogy Intensive
August 6 – 9, 2024
The Center for Group-Voice Pedagogy and Research will be offering our annual intensive workshop experience in group-voice teaching from August 6–9 in Conway, SC—just 15 minutes from sunny, beautiful Myrtle Beach. This year, we are also offering a one-day additional add-on course on the fundamentals of voice pedagogy and health.
Session 1: Fundamentals of Voice Pedagogy and Health
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 (9:00 am-6:00 pm)
We designed this one-day fundamentals course for voice teachers, singers, choral conductors, music educators, and anyone who wants to explore the inner workings of the voice but has not been able to take a science-informed voice pedagogy class. Attendees will leave this course with knowledge of the fundamental basics and terminology needed in order to more successfully understand principles in the Group-Voice Pedagogy Intensive and CCU Voice Intensive.
We are also excited to welcome our guest lecturer, Dr. Lucinda Halstead, Vice-Chairman for Resident Education in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and the Medical Director of the MUSC Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice and Swallowing in Charleston, SC. Dr. Halstead will present on voice health and hygiene for singers and voice teachers and when to refer, followed by a Q&A.
This course will cover the following topics:
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Basic voice acoustics
- Basic principles of applied voice teaching in respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation
- Voice and hearing health and when to refer
- Professional ethics for singing voice teachers
- Resources for continuing education
Session 2: Group-Voice Pedagogy Intensive (GVPI)
Wednesday, August 7 – Friday, August 9, 2024
The curriculum will focus on group-voice pedagogy—that is, concepts and ideas related to training solo singers through paired lessons, small groups, large groups, and voice classes. We will cover pedagogical strategies related to group-voice teaching in multiple settings (independent studios, academic voice programs, choral programs, K-12 classrooms, and more), inclusive of all vocal styles and musical genres. You will come away with new knowledge and skills related to both general voice pedagogy and group-voice pedagogy.
The intensive will be led by Dr. Amelia Rollings Bigler, director of the Center for Group-Voice Pedagogy and Research at Coastal Carolina University and inaugural winner of the Clifton Ware Group-Voice Pedagogy Award given by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Dr. Rollings Bigler will be joined by members of our experienced faculty who will contribute pedagogical content and lead workshop sessions.
Past participants have included independent voice teachers; choral conductors; K-12 vocal music educators; academic applied voice, choral, music education, or musical theatre faculty; church choir and ensemble directors; or any voice professional wanting to learn more about teaching singing in group settings. Our faculty will work closely with you to ensure that you leave with tangible ideas on how you might incorporate group-voice experiences into your own program, studio, choir, or classroom. Our program encourages active participation and group work as we provide hands-on experience for you to apply and practice the concepts in real-time. You will also be able to make valuable connections with other voice professionals, share and collaborate, and perhaps enjoy an afternoon at the beach!
Sample Schedule and Topics (Subject to Change):
Day One (Wednesday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm):
Group-Voice Pedagogy Core Curriculum
- Introduction to Group-Voice Pedagogy
- “In the Key of We: Research and Theories Related to Group-Voice Pedagogy”
- Group-Voice Pedagogical Strategies 1 and 2
- Structuring Your Group-Voice Lessons and Classes
Day Two (Thursday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm) :
Group-Voice Pedagogical Content
Potential Topics:
- Synergy: Building Group Cohesion in Any Setting
- Teaching Group-Voice Lessons and Classes Online
- Diversity in Group-Voice Settings
- Integrating Group-Voice Lesson Options Into Your Independent Voice Studio
- Starting a Group-Voice Class in Your Community
- Choosing, Structuring, and Scaling Repertoire for Group-Voice Teaching
- The Master Class 2.0 – Strategies for Incorporating Group-Voice Principles Into Studio Classes and Master Classes
- Strategies for Teaching and Incorporating Class Voice in Higher Education Curricula
Day Three (Friday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm):
Applied Group-Voice Pedagogy
*This day is a crossover day with the beginning of the CCU Voice Intensive. GVPI Participants will be able to see content and strategies applied with participants attending the CCU Voice Intensive.
- Applied Individual, Paired, Small Group, Large Group, Voice Class, and Master Class Lessons with Teachers and Singers
- Celebration Dinner
2024 CCU Voice Intensive
August 9 - 11, 2024
The CCU Voice Intensive includes singers of all levels and styles. In 2023, we had singers ranging in age from 17-73!
Session 3: CCU Voice Intensive
Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11, 2024
Participants will gain improved artistic and technical singing skills. Training will be offered in group-voice settings; however, participants will be singing independently throughout sessions. Past singing participants have included local pre-professional and professional performers of all genres, high school juniors and seniors, avocational singers, and community and church choir members. This immersive program promises to be a transformative learning experience!
Sample Schedule and Topics (Subject to Change):
Day One - Friday (August 9, 2024, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm): Small and Large Group Singing Lessons
*Day One is a crossover day with the end of the Group-Voice Pedagogy Intensive (GVPI) for singing teachers. Attendees of the GVPI will be observing lessons and classes throughout the day.
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- Getting to Know You and Singing Together
- Singing Fundamentals
- Small and Large Group Singing Lessons (Optional 1:1 Lessons, if available)
- Celebration Kickoff Dinner
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Day Two - Saturday (August 10, 2024, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm): Workshops
Potential Topics:
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- Analysis of a Song
- Small and Large Group Singing Lessons (Optional 1:1 Lessons, based on teacher availability)
- Microphone Technique
- Pop/Rock Technique 101
- Soaring High: A Workshop on High Belting
- Making Your Best 16-Bar Cut for Your Next Audition
- College Auditions Q&A
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Day Three - Sunday (August 11, 2024, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm): Putting It Together!
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- Small and Large Group Singing Lessons (Optional 1:1 Lessons, if available)
- 4:00 PM Celebration Concert *Each participant will be given the option to perform a song.
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Tuition, Registration, and Accommodation:
Upon registration, we will notify you of local hotel blocks and connect you with a social media group where you can meet other attendees looking to share housing and/or transportation.
Enrollment is limited for all intensives, so reserve your spot today!
Final Registration Deadline: July 15, 2024
Session 1: Fundamentals of Voice Pedagogy and Health (August 6): $125
Session 2: Group-Voice Pedagogy Intensive (August 7-9): $397
Session 3: CCU Voice Intensive: $225 (All CCU and Horry County Junior and Senior High School Students receive a 50% discount.)
Package Discounts:
Sessions 1 and 2: $467
Sessions 2 and 3: $557
Sessions 1 and 3: $315
All Inclusive Package (Sessions 1, 2, 3): $597
*No refunds will be offered at this time, so please confirm travel and schedule details prior to registration.
For more information about our campus, driving directions, and airport information, please click here.
Director
Amelia Rollings Bigler
Center for Group-Voice Pedagogy and Research and Assistant Professor of Music
Edwards 155 | arollings@coastal.edu