Vocal Courses
These courses are all about exercising your voice! Our voices are one of the most powerful tools we have to communicate how we feel. Explore the variety of opportunities below!
Songwriting 101 (Youth)
with Emily Persha
Cost: $315
Starts Sep 11, 2023, runs for 6 weeks. This class meets once a week on Mondays from 5pm – 6:30pm.
For grades 6-12
Have you ever wanted to write a song but didn’t know where to start…or have you started many songs but don’t know how to finish them? We’ve got you! Jump into songwriting 101 and you’ll come out with a finished song, and an opportunity to perform your song in front of others (if you want)! No previous music experience necessary.
This class takes participants on a guided journey through the songwriting process with the help of professional songwriters and guest artists. In conjunction with “The Bushwick Book Club” you will have the opportunity to write a song inspired by your favorite book or story! Learn about different songwriting methods as you discover yours. We’ll explore and dissect various song forms, instrumentation, and lyric content. We’ll try different writing prompts and offer tips and tricks to get over blocks and doubts.
Each person brings a story, life experience, and value to their craft. In this safe and supportive environment, we’ll have the opportunity for reflection, feedback, and performance. We look forward to creating with you!
REGISTER ONLINE
KPC Community Choir
with Ailisa Newhall
Cost: $99
Starts Sep 11, 2023, runs for 6 weeks. Join at any time! This mixed ensemble (all voices from Bass to Soprano) meets once a week on Mondays from 7:00 – 8:30pm at the Kirkland Women’s Club.
The non-auditioned KPC Community Choir is for those who love to sing regardless of musical experience, ability, or what people have told them about their singing voice. As if you’re singing around the campfire with family and friends, we come to experience music together.
REGISTER ONLINE
Songwriting 101 (Adult)
with Emily Persha
Cost: $315
Starts Sep 11, 2023 at 7 pm, runs for 6 weeks. This class meets once a week on Mondays from 7pm – 8:30pm
Have you ever wanted to write a song but didn’t know where to start…or have you started many songs but don’t know how to finish them? We’ve got you! Jump into songwriting 101 and you’ll come out with a finished song, and an opportunity to perform your song in front of others (if you want)! No previous music experience necessary.
This class takes participants on a guided journey through the songwriting process with the help of professional songwriters and guest artists. In conjunction with “The Bushwick Book Club” you will have the opportunity to write a song inspired by your favorite book or story! Learn about different songwriting methods as you discover yours. We’ll explore and dissect various song forms, instrumentation, and lyric content. We’ll try different writing prompts and offer tips and tricks to get over blocks and doubts.
Each person brings a story, life experience, and value to their craft. In this safe and supportive environment, we’ll have the opportunity for reflection, feedback, and performance. We look forward to creating with you!
REGISTER ONLINE
I SYSA! Vocal Improvisation with Soul – Beginning Vocal Improvisation Class
with Debby Boland Watt
Cost: $315
Sep 13, 2023 at 5:00 pm, runs for 6 weeks
This class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:30pm
SYSA! I ~ is designed for singers of every vocal level who are interested in exploring improvisation within the comfort of a creative and safe environment. Learning to improvise can be a journey of self discovery. Together we will unite our voices as instruments, creating spontaneous a cappella music. Musical forms such as call & response, hocketing, harmony & spoken word will enhance our songs as we pay special attention to our use of rhythm. Attentive listening and collaborative exercises will free your voice!
For over 18 years, I’ve studied with Rhiannon who continues to perform and teach alongside Bobby McFerrin. Rhiannon’s book, Vocal River, will be referenced often as I teach this class. The next intermediate level of SYSA! II ~ will host Bobby McFerrin’s Circle Singing techniques. Please join us!
Please bring: a water bottle and a recording device (your phone will do)
REGISTER ONLINE
II SYSA! Vocal Improvisation with Soul – Intermediate Vocal Improvisation Class
with Debby Boland Watt
Cost: $315
Sep 13, 2023 at 7:00 pm, runs for 6 weeks. This class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00pm – 8:30pm
SYSA! II ~ will include both Vocal Improvisation and CircleSinging. Circle Singing is based on the musical influences of Bobby McFerrin and his Voicestra. Layered improvised parts draw from call and response, hocketing, vocal percussion, storytelling and free spirit improvisation. These incredibly complex pieces are composed on the spot! This class builds upon the exercises taught in the SYSA! I ~ beginners class and will include soloing and directing.
Debby is the area’s best-known Circle Singing teacher and Circle facilitator, according to the Seattle Times. After having worked with Bobby McFerrin, she regularly leads participants into the most beautiful music of their lives. We find our way into the music through collaboration and careful listening. By creating a safe environment for singers on every level we are able to come into a unity that nourishes our Souls. We will SING YOUR SOUL ALIVE! I hope to see you there!
Please bring: a water bottle and a recording device (your phone will do!)