Listening Lessons-C
New York Voices | In My Life
A new series for the classroom, coming soon!! $125 (Check back please, it's close!)
Listening Lessons is a series of modules for guided listening in the classroom - designed to wake up the ears and inspire while learning about the structural elements of music at the same time! Useful for performance ensembles or any kind of music class, Listening Lessons provides a fun activity for students to deepen their understanding of music and awareness of performance artistry in the music they hear (and sing or play!) Chapters are followed by Quiz questions and suggested Activities to help users deepen their understanding of new concepts.
Listening Lessons walks you through a step-by-step process of focused listening in five main categories:
- IMPRESSIONS: Designed to capture the listener's gut feeling after hearing a performance. After all, in the end the most important question is, "Did I love it?"
- FRAMEWORK: Here we listen to and study the "bones" of the original recording. This helps us set a baseline to better understand the treatment of the artist's performance.
- BLUEPRINT & DESIGN: Was it in a major or minor key? What was the arrangement form? Intro material? Progression? Groove/tempo? Chord voicings? Instrumentation? An analysis of the structure of the arrangement and form.
- PERFORMANCE: An investigation into the defining elements of the artist's expression and overall performance: Vibrato, Dynamics, Phrasing, Rhythmic feel, Style, Mood, Story-telling quality, and so on.
- ARTISTRY: ... How did it make you feel? We'll identify three or four miracle momentsthat had special impact on an emotional level: the moments that made us forget to think...
To use in the Classroom or Workshop: the teacher or school makes a one-time purchase of the course after which they will be sent coupon codes allowing their students to register. Once each student is given their unique coupon code, they can register for the class at no cost. Additional info:
- Access to this class is granted for the entire current school year
- Unlimited seats
- Purchase orders are accepted
- Deferred payments accepted
Featured Track
Module 1 features world-renown vocal group, New York Voices singing the well-known Beatles song, In My Life, arranged by Darmon Meader. This recording is featured on their latest CD, Reminiscing In Tempo.
Future Listening Lesson Modules are in the works, featuring a variety of artists, current and historic, including solo singers, vocal improvisers, horn players, rhythm sections, and other instrumental groups.
If you are a classroom teacher, or a music student or jazz fan who would like to sharpen your listening skills and learn about the nuts and bolts of music in a fun way - this class is for you!
Your Instructor
Michele Weir is a distinguished educator who has made significant contributions to the advancement of vocal jazz education, globally. As an arranger / pianist / vocalist, she is well known for her versatile skill set and ability to inspire. As one student put it, “Thank you again for being such an amazing mentor. You are truly the person I strive to be.”
Michele’s arrangements have been performed by renowned vocal groups such as New York Voices and the Swingle Singers, in addition to orchestral works played by symphonies including the Boston Pops. Michele served as Vocal Producer for the Manhattan Transfer’s 2009 CD release, The Chick Corea Songbook,contributing two arrangements to the project as well. Her numerous educational arrangements are available through various publishers in addition to her online platform, the MichMusic Store.
Currently on faculty at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Michele is an active teacher and clinician. Her expertise has taken her to over 20 countries, presenting at premier music conferences such as the World Choral Symposium, the Jazz Education Network Conference, and the ACDA National Conference. A notable highlight was her invitation to be Keynote Speaker for the inaugural International Jazz Voice Conference in Helsinki, 2015.
Michele’s educational contributions include globally recognized book/CD sets: Vocal Improvisation (Schott Music), Jazz Singer's Handbook, and Jazz Piano Handbook (both from Alfred Publishing). Innovating further, she introduced the first iOS app designed for scat singers, ScatAbility, as well as her online educational resource, MusicHabit, designed for jazz singers, pianists, arrangers, and educators. (www.MusicHabit.com)
Michele is a former member of the Grammy-nominated PM Singers vocal group under Phil Mattson’s direction, and she collaborated with jazz guitarist Bruce Forman on their duo CD, The Sound of Music. As a performer, Michele has headlined as a vocalist for numerous educational events and toured as pianist and background singer for Bobby Vinton, among others. Michele served as Music Supervisor for the DreamWorks film, Prince of Egypt, journeying through Europe and Asia to oversee the music production for the film's international dubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does the Course Start and Finish?
You can start and end your class anytime. Take it at your own pace.
How Long Do I Have To Access the Course?
The class is available through the end of the school year mid June. If you need it a little longer, just ask!
What if the Course Isn't Right For Me?
No problem, we offer a full money back guarantee within the first 30 days.
Can I Give You Feedback or a Suggestion?
Yes! We would really value your input, contact Michele
Where Can I Go for Help if I Need it?
You can ask a question within the class itself at the bottom of the curriculum pages and we’ll respond as soon as possible. Or, visit the MusicHabit Network Facebook Group for peer support.