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VCM STUDENT WORKSHOP

by Chris McNulty

Have you ever wanted to hear more accurately, improvise more freely and increase your knowledge of theory? 

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  • VCM provides a solution all in one method which can be applied across all 12 keys

  • Learn to use the tools that instrumentalists use 

  • Recognize how to pitch and hear every scale and chord shape in the book utilizing just six tetrachords

  • Become more complete musicians by developing a deeper understanding of harmony 

  • Gain more confidence and independence as improvisers, composers and arrangers

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 “Her liquid phrasing and luminous tone underscoring a voice of serene beauty and striking veracity…compelling emotional fervency…One of the foremost singer-composers on the scene today... ”   **** 4 Stars Peter Quinn,  Jazz Wise UK

Details

Details

  • PowerPoint, Piano and Voice

  • Handouts in Sibelius/PDF format

  • 3 hour workshop

  • Introduction to Tetrachords

  • Integrate theory, ear training and improvisation
     

 

Using extracts from Chris’s Vocalist as Complete Musician methodology. The work is based around a series of exercises integrating the use of tetra chords, scales and chords. We start from a simple template, moving on to work from several scale sources. Scales are internalized by using a combination of tetrachords (major, minor 1 (dorian), minor 2 (phrygian), whole tone (lydian), diminished & harmonic). The exercises explore chord/scale relationships in jazz harmony, sourcing several scales – major, minor, melodic, harmonic, diminished (whole/1/2 and 1/2/whole).

The pentatonic scale (minor/major) and be bop scales are also explored over sets of chord progressions. Finally, we move on to creating melodic passages and motifs, using scalar fragments over specific sets of changes/songs.

This work develops the vocal ear for hearing and improvising over more complex harmony. Ear training, improvisation and theory are taught at one and the same time, providing the student of vocal jazz with the same tools that jazz instrumentalists use to navigate their way through musical passages.

By learning how to integrate scalar fragments over various sets of chord changes, the student gains more freedom and confidence as an improvisor. It also gives vocal students a template to analyze and prepare pieces of music for improvisation as well as developing arranging and composing skills. This work is predominately piano based. Workshop presentations require the use of smart board and piano.

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“A most concise, well structured, and easy to understand book for all vocalists (and instrumentalists!) who want to become versatile, have more confidence, and be better overall musicians. Chris McNulty’s Vocalist As Complete Musician is a comprehensive and engaging method designed to help you hear, sing, and play music on a deeper level. Practicing these exercises WILL really enhance HOW you hear, sing, and play music!”

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- Dena DeRose

Jazz Vocalist and Pianist, Jazz Voice Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz, Austria

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