Introductory Vocal Writing and Recording Production
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2016
Pages: 160
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2016
Pages: 158
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This course explores the craft of writing, arranging, recording, and producing for vocal ensembles and contemporary vocal groups. Topics include vocal ranges, tessitura, vocal characteristics, notation, key selection, lyric setting, phrasing, diction, and writing considerations for lead and background vocals. Students develop skills in a cappella arranging, including chord voicing, pulse maintenance, multi-part textures, and expanded vocal group writing. The course also covers pop vocal scoring, recording techniques, tracking, editing, mixing, EQ, compression, effects, and production workflows. Additional studies include vocal group styles such as barbershop and approaches to creating clear, expressive, and stylistically effective vocal arrangements.
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
Gates Thomas is an Associate Professor in Berklee College of Music’s Contemporary Writing and Production (CWP) department. A vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, violinist, and conductor, Thomas has performed with Choral Chameleon, Rosemary Clooney, Paula Cole, Bill Conti, Christian Fabian, Matt Garrison, Abe Laboriel Jr., the New American Orchestra of Chicago, and Sadao Watanabe. His recording credits include collaborations with Gary Burton, Jim Hall, m-pact, and John Scofield.