Vocal Tech
TC-Helicon Interview with Stewart McClellan (click to listen)
A World Class School
Becoming a singer is one of the most exciting and personally rewarding things an individual can do. Vocaltech exists to help you achieve your dream…
Vocaltech has a spirit, drive and energy like no other. This creates an amazing opportunity to network, play and perform together. We have been training musicians for the music industry for over 20 years - always innovative, always at the cutting edge. We’ve helped a whole generation of musicians, from beginners to well known professionals achieve their goals.
We are dedicated to the art of teaching. We will prepare you for the real world and that’s much more than just singing. We will equip you with the professional skills and awareness required by today’s ever changing music industry. These courses enable young aspiring musicians to develop their skills in a program run by professionals whose love for music brings the best out of them. It gives them the ability to go forward and earn a living by being better, more accomplished musicians in today’s demanding market place. A truly original establishment!
The Way We See It
We deliver revolutionary vocal training. It shakes the traditional and conventional ways of teaching. It is creative, inspirational, yet rigorously structured information. We train and prepare musicians from all over the world like no one else. What we teach and how we teach it is where the difference lies. Our voice instructors draw on years of professional experience to conceive, focus and deliver our material. Clear, concise and powerful, it fast-tracks you to exactly where you need to be. We will teach you how to learn, how to study, how to practice, and most importantly how to perform. Students workshop their live performances skills in dynamic real world performance situations - on stage, complete with full back line, lights and PA. And that’s not all - we empower our students to teach themselves as well as creating and developing in individual ways, through a methodology unique to our group of schools. We know that you seek the real skills to thrive in a tough commercial marketplace. You will value our hands-on approach and our highly supportive working atmosphere. And of course, you will acquire the full range of techniques to express yourselves fully as artists. Whatever your skills and needs, because you put your heart into your music, you deserve teachers that do the same – teachers who can identify your problems, encourage you, motivate you, even tell you things you don’t want to hear, but who never stop giving you the inspiration to make the most of what you’ve got.
Why Choose Vocaltech?
1. Our unrivalled track record – since 1983 we have trained more successful musicians than any one else in Europe
2. In London, the music capital – where everything takes place. A must for networking and getting into the industry
3. Trained teachers and working professionals – great communicators, great players. The best in the business
4. A resource for the industry – record companies, managers and agents know this is THE place to find new talent
5. Small class sizes and individual attention – we maximize your learning experience.
6. Students from all over the world – Vocals, drums, guitar, bass and keyboards. Great for performing together and networking
7. High quality performance facilities – we use the best gear from the top manufacturers.
8. Master classes by world famous performers – check out some of the great musicians who have and will be visiting us.
9. Our industry and jam nights –plug straight into the London live scene
10. Our credibility your guarantee – our reputation is second to none.
Iain Mackenzie
Academic Head
“It’s about enabling people of all backgrounds, cultures, styles, levels and aims to reach their goal. This means unlocking the individual’s potential in order to maximize his or her performance. A passion for music underpins everything that we do. Each and every one of you is an individual - that’s why you’re singers. You will never be made to fit a particular mould. We ask only for your commitment and dedication towards investing in your future.”
Francis Seriau, Hon DPhil, FRSA, MIoD
Director, Drumtech, Vocaltech & Guitar-X
“We excite talent, nurture it, develop it. Don’t expect convention – expect results. … Vocaltech provides the optimum learning environment for all our students. We are dedicated to the art of teaching. We have a commitment to excellence and achievement – and that means great teachers, great facilities and of course great gear. We are delighted that the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers actively support the crucial role of education in the music industry.”
Yak Bondy - Writer/Producer
(Emma Bunton, Gareth Gates, S Club 7, Amy Studt, Lisa Stansfield)
‘Vocaltech is a fantastic place for singers and I often use Vocaltech students for my professional work.’
Equipment:
• Mics by Shure
• Keyboard lab by Korg
• Amplification by Peavey, Ashdown, Marshall, Line 6 and Fender
• Computers by Apple Mac
• Software by Sibelius
• Drums by Pearl
• Drum Heads by Evans
• Cymbals by Zildjian
• Sticks by Vater
• Percussion equipment by LP
• Electronics by Roland and Yamaha
Facilities
• Practice rooms
• Teaching studios
• Performance spaces
• Tech suite
• Keyboard lab
• Rest areas
• Student support centre and offices
• Air conditioned
London - The Music Capital
Without a doubt, London is one of the world’s music capitals where simply everything takes place. This is the ideal place to start your music career, to network, sing and get into the industry. As well as hosting all the major stars, London has an incredibly vibrant music scene. On any night of the week you can check out acts from the four corners of the globe in every style imaginable. London is also a wonderful environment in which to experience other cultures in everything from food to music. This cultural mix is very much a part of London life and our students from all over the world find their time with us richly rewarding.
Accommodation
Coming to London for the first time can seem like a daunting prospect, whether you are staying for a few days, or relocating on a more permanent basis. We will be happy to provide you with an ‘Accommodation Advice Pack’ containing all the info to help you settle in. In addition, our sharers’ list will put you in touch with other students looking to share accommodation. More information can be found on our website: www.vocal-tech.co.uk
The Industry
Our group of schools maintains an enviable reputation within the music industry, providing students with direct links to management agencies, record labels, producers, songwriters and promoters. Our students are much sought after by the industry and are regularly invited to auditions. We invite key people from the music world to offer practical advice in the form of master classes with invaluable question and answer sessions. Industry representatives are also invited to our graduation festivals and showcase events where students have the opportunity to perform in front of experienced professionals who have worked with some of the greatest names in the industry.
1 Year Full-time Diploma
The One Year Diploma is a full-time vocational course specifically created to equip vocalists with the awareness and skills needed to thrive in today’s ever changing music business. The One Year Diploma is accredited by OTC/OCN (Oxford, Thames and Chiltern/Open College Network). This nationally recognized qualification is a fully fledged access course to many degrees. Naturally many of our students choose to continue their studies with us on our Three Year Bachelor of Music Degree or Master Performance Course.
Entrance is through our assessment procedure. We place no limit on age or previous academic qualifications. Once on the course students are streamed into classes according to their standard (numbers permitting). We require all applicants to take an assessment at the school prior to enrolling onto the course. This can be arranged by calling the admissions team on 00 44 (0) 20 8748 3131. To find out more about assessments, please check “The Next Step” at the end of this brochure.
1 Year Full-time Diploma : Curriculum
Expertly designed by experienced professionals, the One Year Diploma is packed with techniques, theory and performances covering every aspect of contemporary singing. The course develops essential concepts, techniques and styles, as well as a comprehensive musical vocabulary, enabling you to communicate musically and be creatively self-sufficient. Our unique teaching and methodology will dramatically compress your learning time. These skills will be directly applied in our Live Performance Workshops which will enable you to gain confidence as a singer and performer.
Course Structure
The One Year Course has two intakes: one in October and one in April. Our academic year is divided into three ten week terms, each with a break in the middle and at the end.
Graduation
On completion of the One Year Diploma, successful students will be awarded the Vocaltech Diploma as well as the OTC/OCN Award. Our June Graduation Festival takes place at a high-profile London venue. Students perform in front of a live audience of friends, families, students and special guests from the music industry. Prizes are awarded by our endorsers to the year’s star pupils.
3 Month Certificate
The Three Month Course is also an OTC/OCN full-time vocational course, specifically created to start equipping vocalists with the awareness and skills needed to thrive in today's ever changing music business. It features the same innovative and cutting edge curriculum, the same outstanding instructors and the same entrance requirements. And because it is the first term of the One Year Diploma, students wishing to continue their studies with us can seamlessly progress onto terms two and three.
Listed below are the module titles for the Three Month Certificate. Please refer to their respective descriptions as outlined in the One Year Diploma Course Overview.
1 Year Master Performance
Gold Standard
Designed and written following 25 years experience in training musicians for the music industry,
this is the Ultimate Course in Contemporary Music Performance.
Our Master Performance Course equips you with the tools and skills you need to succeed in the music industry as a complete and fully rounded musician. The aim – to create the ultimate modern musician. You will gain mastery of your voice and command key portfolio skills in performance, composition, arrangement, programming and business that will truly set you apart. Our team of professional musicians and teachers, in direct partnership with the music industry, has designed this truly unique and exceptional course for vocalists, guitarists, bass players and drummers. Mastery and performance are at the heart of this course. Nowhere else in the world offers such an intense, focused, high quality performance course. It gets you out there performing and actually earning faster than any other!
Entry Requirements
This is an elite course and truly represents The Gold Standard in contemporary music education. You will be selected through an audition and interview process. You will have to demonstrate a high level of potential, commitment, dedication and a passion for music and your craft. You will be very determined and highly aware of what it takes to succeed in the music industry. And above all you must be prepared to work hard. You will be tested on your vocal skills, your reading and your knowledge of music theory.
As a guide we will expect applicants to have at least:
• Singing to Grade 8 standard
• Music Reading at Grade 6
• Music Theory at Grade 6
Or
• The One Year Diploma from Vocaltech with merit or distinction
Audition
Auditions take place all year round.
For details and bookings, please contact the admissions team on: 00 44 (0) 208 749 3131
3 Year Bachelor of Music Degree
The Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Popular Music Performance is a course unlike any other music degree. Designed for vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers, the course provides a level of training previously only available to orchestral musicians.
The Three Year programmed trains performers in popular music to become professionals in an industry that demands many skills, from performance through to programming, arranging and composition. The BMus (Hons)/Dip HE is validated and awarded by Thames Valley University (TVU). All students on the course are enrolled with TVU and are taught at our specialist music facilities. Additional facilities at TVU are available to all degree students. We have constructed the BMus using input from eminent industry partners (see Patrons page for details). They will also contribute to the review and monitoring of the BMus. Through our connections with the industry and by understanding its needs, we are able to ensure that the BMus is in line with industry expectations and will deliver strong, versatile and employable musicians. The BMus combines all of our strengths: academic vision, experience, industry involvement and student employability. The course is extremely well-balanced and has great continuity throughout the three years. The sense of progression is clear, logical and academically strong. Students continue to develop all the skills involved to a higher level with each passing year.
Entry Requirements
Students should normally have:
• 140 points at ‘A’ Level, or equivalent (for the degree)
• 80 points at ‘A’ Level, or equivalent (for the DipHE)
or
• The One Year Vocaltech OTC/OCN Diploma in Popular Music Performance
and
• Five GCSEs grades A-C including Maths and English, or equivalent
• Grade 8 performance standard*
• Sight Singing at Grade 6 standard*
• Music Theory at Grade 6*
*These grades are guidelines only - applicants are expected to be at this level, but are not required to have passed them. Please note that mature students (over 21) will be considered on an individual basis. Because of the specialized nature of the program, it is essential that a high level of competence and experience in pop music performance is demonstrated at audition. Applicants with a background in classical music but little experience in pop styles may not be considered appropriate. We accept applications directly to Vocaltech or prospective students may also apply through UCAS.
Auditions
Applicants are usually required to take a pre-audition assessment. This informal hour-long session gives you a glimpse of how our teachers work and a taste of the Vocaltech atmosphere. It also allows us to advise you on the best course of action in order to get to audition standard. You can look around the college and chat to our administration staff who can advise you on all aspects of being a Vocaltech student. If you are unable to travel to us for a pre-audition assessment you have the option of sending in a demo of your singing. You should call us beforehand to obtain our demo guidelines. If your assessment or demo is judged to be at the right level, you will be invited to audition. Auditions take place between February and June for the following October’s intake. However, we advise you to apply early as places are limited.
At the audition we expect you to:
• Perform a song of your choice (you must prepare a song in advance and bring the chord chart or backing CD with you to the audition) and perform a set piece which will be given on application.
• Perform a short improvisation
• Sing scales and arpeggios
• Sight sing
• Take an aural test
• Sing basic vocal harmony
• Take a theory paper
• Write an essay (applies to applicants who do not have GCSE English or overseas equivalent)
• Demonstrate voice production techniques
The audition lasts around 2.5 hours. Successful candidates will be offered either a conditional or an unconditional place in writing. Conditional candidates will be re-assessed approximately one month prior to the commencement of the course.
Funding
The degree is designated for mandatory funding. You may be eligible for a grant for your course fees (unless you have received an educational grant before or you are not a EU citizen) and will be able to apply for a maintenance grant and a student loan. You should contact your Local Educational Department’s ‘Students Awards Section’ for further details. If you are not eligible for a mandatory award, you may apply for a Career Development Loan from the Department of Education and Employment through Barclays, the Co-Operative Bank or the Bank of Scotland. Another alternative is to look for a grant-making trust which may contribute towards course fees. Your local library will have details of such charitable institutions.
2 year Diploma in Higher Education
Dip HE Popular Music Performance
The Diploma course consists of the first two years of the degree program and is also validated and awarded by Thames Valley University. The two-year course remains a popular choice for musicians wanting professional vocational training but who may not want to dedicate three years to their study. This course is also ideal for those who wish to enter higher education but do not possess all the necessary qualifications to start at degree level. You will still learn to sing to a professional standard and will be capable of dealing with most live and studio situations. At the same time, you will develop arranging, programming, and composition skills. Providing you pass the first two years of study, you may decide to complete the third year of the degree. This will perfect your singing and technical skills, refine your arranging and composition abilities and give you a broad knowledge of the music business.
10 Week Part-time
Courses
At Vocaltech, we cater for every singer - whatever your experience, style or level. We provide a professional, informal and relaxed environment where you can learn from the best teachers. Whether you are taking the first steps, or have your sights set on the top - we have the right level of training for you.
Each part-time course runs for ten weeks and has four intakes a year
(January, April, July and October)
Foundation One
(2 hours per week)
A fun course for beginners learning the basics of singing technique:
• Intro to physical warm-ups
• Basic voice production technique
• Basic microphone technique
• Applying voice production technique to performance
• Building song repertoire
Foundation Two
(2 hours per week)
Building on vocal techniques and
introducing performance skills:
• Extending range of vocal technique
• Applying vocal technique to modern styles
• Development of personal vocal style through technique
• Awareness of audience through performance
• Extending song repertoire
Intermediate One
(2 hours per week)
For more experienced singers.
Working on a solid base of technique with specific training for (live public) performance.
• Placement and vocal expression
• Utilizing technique to develop style
• Supporting intention with physicality
• Communication with audience
• Refining microphone technique
Intermediate Two
(2 hours per week)
For the experienced singer. Building up repertoire, backing vocals, presentation, movement and audition skills
• Interpretative choices
• Do’s and don'ts in backing vocals
• How to handle auditions
• Pop duets - listening, blending, sharing focus
• Basic choreography
Band Performance Workshop
(3 hours per week)
Warm-up routine, lead and backing vocal
prep (harmonies etc.) followed by performance with live band.
• Techniques in blues, pop, funk and rock
• How to front a band
• Understanding performance dynamics
• Cues and trouble shooting: communicating with a band
• Developing harmony skills through backing vocals
On successful completion of each course, students have the opportunity to progress directly onto the next level of tuition. It is also possible for our part-time students to move onto full-time study at Vocaltech.
Open Days
See the Schools in action and experience the vibe. Four times a year (Jan, March, June and Sept) we put on performances that showcase every aspect of what we do.
• See teachers and students perform live
• Attend master classes
• Tour the facilities
• Get your questions answered
• Meet the teams
There is simply no substitute for experiencing all this at first hand – and it’s absolutely free! Places are strictly limited and should be booked through our office. For dates and times please call us or visit our websites.
The next step
Assessment
Remember you can join at any level. All we ask is that you take an assessment before enrolling. So what is it? It is not an audition. It is not an exam. But it is a great opportunity for you to work with a teacher to help determine where you’re at, what works and what doesn’t. We give you a selection of specific exercises covering:
• technique
• theory
• aural
• stylistic knowledge
• musicality
• reading
We ask you to prepare a contemporary song. We look at your potential, your experience so far and your goals. We give you professional and detailed feedback and suggest a plan of action for the future. After your assessment you can discuss all your questions with a member of the admissions team. We strongly recommend that you take this opportunity to tour our facilities and get the feel of what it’s like to study with us.
To book an assessment call us on:
+44 (0) 20 8749 3131
We look forward to welcoming you at the school.
Where To Find Us
We are located in the West of London with easy access to Heathrow Airport via the M4/A4 and the centre of London via the A40. The nearest tube station is Turnham Green (District Line) and a bus number E3 will bring you to within a short walking distance of the school. Bus number 207 will also bring you to us from Shepherds Bush (Central Line or Hammersmith & City Line). Acton Central (Silverlink overground) is a five minute walk away. If you would like further details or assistance in planning your journey, please call the admin team.
Contact Information:
www.vocal-tech.co.uk