Introductory Vocal Writing and Recording Production

The Voice
Solo Range Chart (trained voices)
Choral Range Chart (trained voices)
Choral Range Chart (untrained voices)
Range vs. Tessitura
Characteristics of the Voice
Mechanics of Vocal Notation
Middle C in 5 Clefs
Choosing the Right Key
Lyrics: Mechanics
Exercise: Word Division
Lyrics: Phrasing and Artistic Considerations
Diction
Lyrical Considerations for Background Voices
Assignment #1: Setting Prose to Music
A cappella Challenges I: Creating Complete Chord Sounds
Drill: Voicing Techniques
A cappella Challenges II: Maintaining the Pulse
Assignment #2: Pulse Exercise
Additional Considerations in a cappella Writing
2-Part Writing Textures
Maintaining Strength and Clarity of the Lead Voice
Assignment #2: Basic Tracking Exercise
Scoring for Pop Vocals
3-Part Writing
3-Part Triadic Writing Technique
Assignment #3: Triadic Writing Technique
Writing for Expanded Vocal Groups
Recap of Writing Concepts
Recording Production I: Tracking
Vocal Group Recording Configurations
Tracking Considerations
On Leading A Recording Session
Recording Production II: Editing
Joints: Splices and Crossfades
Clams and Flams
Mix Edits
In-Class Exercise: Creating Your Own Mix Edit
Recording Production II: Mixing
Frequency Registrations and Descriptions for Selected Instruments
Vocal Registration and Colorization
Frequency Ranges of Musical Instruments
Tonal Characteristics of Frequency Registers (Selected Instruments)
Track Height: Equalization
Placement and Perspective
Mix Transparency
Track Depth: Ambient Effects
Compression
Getting Started On a New Mix
Style Study: Barbershop Quartet Writing
Survey of Vocal Group Styles