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Los Angeles

Vocal Artist Program


The Los Angeles Vocal Artist Program prepares students to become better singers, songwriters, performers and producers in the entertainment industry.

Reach your full potential as a vocal artist

LOS ANGELES VOCAL ARTIST PROGRAM


At ICON’s Vocal Artist Program in Los Angeles, you’ll unlock the secrets to becoming a better singer, songwriter and performer. Vocal training and singing lessons from a professional vocal coach will help you train your ear and expand your vocal range. Throughout the program, you’ll use advanced songwriting techniques and hone your music production skills to create original, commercial-grade music.

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20::1 RATIO

Small classrooms give you individualized attention and help you master each step of the curriculum.

1::1 TIME

Weekly mentoring sessions in the studio with a vocal coach or professional producer for personalized feedback on your performance.

TRIBE OF TALENT

Team up with skilled producers, spirited vocalists, and music business aficinados.

As a gradute of ICON’S Vocal Artist Program, you'll be able to:

Train your voice and ears

Gain greater range and unlock the ear-mind connection.


Sharpen your songwriting

Boost your impact with better melodic choices and advanced songwriting techniques.


Master the keyboard

Easily play intervals, scales and two-handed chord progressions.


Collabortion on stage and in the studio

Strengthen your vocal and performance techniques. Work with other artists to produce original music projects.


Protect your creative property

Understand the legal aspects of Performing Rights Organizations, publishing, licensing, and touring.


Overcome writer's block

Keep the creativity flowing, no matter what.


12 Months

of vocal artist education

(see curriculum below)

40 Hours

professional mentoring with a vocal coach

800 Hours

of office hours available

(optional)

LIVE Q&A

with guest artists

CURRICULUM

  • Q1 - INTRO TO VOCAL MUSIC

    MTH111 Music Theory I

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    Introduction to the basic concepts of music theory and its applications in songwriting and music creation. Topics include Time signatures, rhythms, major scale formulas, intervals, chords and their function, harmonic analysis and melodic function in music theory.


    HST120 Music History

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    A survey of the history of popular music through the ages. This course utilizes rich multimedia accompaniment to regular class discussion to highlight the lineage of influence which spawns current popular music today. Discussing prehistoric music, through church and classical, gospel, motown, rock, grunge and electronic; this course exposes students to musical technological concepts and innovations that led to the existence of contemporary music as we know it.


    VOC111 Vocal Techniques I

    1 Credit Hour / 20 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    A thorough and rudimentary guide into the techniques involved around using the voice effectively, efficiently, and powerfully. Students work through weekly vocal practice exercises to gain greater control and range within their vocal ability. Sessions in small and large ensembles help students tighten their inner tuning while singing with others.


    EAR111 Ear Training I

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    Functional and philosophical ear training. Investigates basic ear training techniques to help students understand what they are hearing both technically and critically. Practical exercises unlock nuances in the ear-mind connection, empowering students to better understand what they hear and to apply this knowledge towards the development of better music. Engaged weekly in-class transcriptions exercises help solidify this connection through active repetition each week.


    DRP111 Demo Recording & Production I

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    An exploration of the fundamentals of digital recording and the best practices of professional music production. Provides practical introduction to Pro Tools and Ableton as a recording, sequencing and arranging platform. Presentations and exercises include microphone selection and placement, basic signal processing, MIDI, recording, comping vocal takes, editing and basic mixing.


    GTH111 Groove Theory I

    1 Credit Hour /22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    The first level of this interactive course engages students in learning rhythmic concepts, counting meter, subdivisions, and basic grooves through hand percussion instruction. A core component of each student’s foundation in musical knowledge and ability, this course covers fundamentals of playing hand percussion instruments, playing in time, and a study of the evolution of groove through the centuries spanning afro-cuban roots and it’s evolution into contemporary drum and percussion grooves.


    KTL111 Keyboard Techniques Lab I

    1 Credit Hour / 30 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    Introduction to the basic concepts of the playing the piano keyboard. Topics include motor skills, major and minor scales, chords, inversions, and playing 2-handed.


    VMT111 Studio Mentor: Vocal Mentor

    2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: None

    A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional vocal coach. Mentors provide guidance in the development of student’s original music, vocal technique, vocal performance and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing assistance and tutoring where needed. The Vocal Mentor courses provide a constant source of support to help ensure academic success.

  • Q2 - SONGWRITING & STUDIO TECHNIQUES

    MTH144 Music Theory II

    2 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Music Theory I

    A continuation of the concepts of music theory and its applications in music creation. Topics include basslines & slash chords, transcription, cadences, voicing and extensions, introduction to modes, borrowed chords, and secondary chords.


    VOC122 Vocal Techniques II

    1 Credit Hour / 20 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Vocal Techniques I

    Continuing on through more advanced vocal work, these lessons dive into more detail with regard to nuance in emotional delivery, stylistic considerations within selected genres, and advanced control techniques in extreme ranges of the voice. Workshops in solo, group and ensemble configurations help solidify concepts in a variety of performance applications from backup singing, leading a band, to full choir performance.


    SNG131 Songwriting I

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: All Los Angeles Level 2 courses

    Examines the core components that make up great songs. Songwriting is examined and demystified as both a career and a process. Instills a greater command of writing lyrics, melodies, and hooks, writing for vocalists, and the collaborative songwriting process. Coursework includes topics such as chord progressions, melody structure, and rhythmic shifts.


    EAR122 Ear Training II

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Ear Training I

    Expands on the technical and critical ear training techniques. Practical exercises in identifying frequencies added or removed from noise, frequency ranges and how content works within these ranges, pitch and tuning. Coursework includes solfege with major intervals and minor intervals.


    DRP122 Demo Recording & Production II

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Demo Recording & Production I

    Continues discussion of digital recording, arranging and music sequencing in both Pro Tools and Ableton. Provides practical introduction to Pro Tools as a recording, sequencing and arranging platform. Presentations and exercises include microphone selection and placement, basic signal processing, MIDI, recording, comping vocal take editing and basic mixing.


    GTH122 Groove Theory II

    1 Credit Hour /22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Groove Theory I

    The second installment of this course continues to expose students to more complex groove patterns, polyrhythms, and ensemble playing experiences. Additionally, learned groove styles are applied to song production techniques in the DAW. Recording, extracting grooves, and manipulating audio all combine in project-based assignments throughout the class.


    KTL122 Keyboard Techniques Lab II

    1 Credit Hour / 30 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Keyboard Techniques I

    A continuation of weekly tasks aimed at improving the familiarity with the piano keyboard. Coursework topics include harmonic and non-harmonic tones including suspensions, anticipations, passing and neighboring tones, as well as expanding harmonic progressions into more complex and compelling extended musical passages. Lessons designed to utilize techniques for finger dexterity, hand placement, accuracy, and timing.


    MNT122 Studio Mentor: Production Mentor

    2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: All Los Angeles Level 1 Courses

    A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional music producer. Mentors provide guidance in the production and performance of the student’s original music and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing assistance and tutoring where needed. The Studio Mentor courses provide a constant source of support to help ensure academic success.

  • Q3 - MUSIC BUSINESS & ADVANCED SONGWRITING

    MTH133 Music Theory III

    1 Credit Hours / 11 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Music Theory II

    This course is designed to give a greater understanding of melody, composition of melody and its relationship to harmony, as well as the basics of counterpoint. Students are given tools to use in creating different types of emotion, as well as transcribing and analyzing existing music.


    CLB132 Collaboration Writing

    2 Credit Hours / 11 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: All Los Angeles Level 2 Courses

    Intro course for collaboration with other songwriters. Students are provided with objectives and guidelines to create music collaboratively in real-world songwriting, recording and “top-lining” sessions. They will learn to establish a workflow, delegate tasks, and deliver song projects on time within specific

    constraints.


    PRL131 Live Performance I

    2 Credit Hours / 11 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Vocal Techniques I

    This course involves weekly performances with backing tracks, a studio musician and four piece band. Real world experience on a stage in front of an audience solidifies vocal performance techniques

    gathered in previous courses. Performances are evaluated by both instructor and peers in weekly exercises. Performances are filmed for students to reflect on their own delivery, stage presence and

    performance.


    SNG142 Songwriting II

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Songwriting I

    Advanced lyric and songwriting concepts. Classwork focuses on writing vocal harmonies, reharmonizing existing melodies, developing hooks, rhythmic melodies, writing songs for others, demo recording of songwriting and fundamental principles of vocal arrangements.


    TAM1310 THE ARTIST MINDSET

    1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: All Los Angeles Level 2 courses

    Introduction to techniques used to tap into an artist’s creative potential and talent. Students learn how to overcome writer’s block and continue the flow of creativity throughout the process of developing their music. Discussions focus on critical analysis and overcoming fear, trusting their creative intuitions, developing exercises to maintain inspiration, and learning to apply discipline, dedication, and faith in the development of a unique artistic path.


    SPT110 Studio Performance Techniques

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Vocal Techniques II

    This course provides a foundation for vocal techniques in studio recording sessions. Real studio recording sessions are hosted by and instructor in a variety of formats which exist in the modern era of vocal recording. Terminology, standards, expectations, preparation, communication and professional etiquette are covered in detail within the weekly exercises in this course.


    KTL133 Keyboard Techniques Lab III

    1 Credit Hours / 30 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Keys Lab II

    Designed to expand upon the ideas presented in Keys Lab I & II, this course explores melodic and harmonic complexity, the use of rhythm in harmony and melody as well as the arranging of sections within songs to create full-length compositions. Coursework involves combining parallel scales, diatonic substitutions, modal interchange, harmonic rhythm and continuing techniques for finger dexterity, hand placement, accuracy, and timing.


    VMT133 Studio Mentor: Vocal Mentor

    2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: All Los Angeles Level 2 courses

    A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional vocal coach. Mentors provide guidance in the development of student’s original music, vocal technique, vocal performance and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing assistance and tutoring where needed. The Vocal Mentor courses provide a constant source of support to help ensure academic success.

  • Q4 - ADVANCED COLLABORATION & LIVE PERFORMANCE

    MTH144 Music Theory IV

    2 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Music Theory III

    A continuation of the concepts of music theory and its applications in music creation. This course is designed to introduce students to a wide range of musical genres. Taking what was learned in Theory I, II, and III students will analyze and compose music in a variety of genres utilizing authentic techniques and concepts employed by those regions historically. Focuses will include chords/harmony, rhythm & groove, melody, transcription, chord & rhythmic notation, composition and collaboration.


    CLB142 The Collaboration Project

    2 Credit Hours / 14 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Collaboration Writing

    Capstone course focusing on how to work successfully in teams and overcome obstacles to produce a musical project. Students are provided with objectives and milestones to create a 3 song EP in a

    collaborative effort. Topics include song creation, writing sessions, sound design, branding, recording, mixing, and mastering.


    PRL242 Live Performance II

    2 Credit Hours / 11 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Live Performance I

    Continued weekly performances aid students in continuing to refine their performance craft. On a stage with a live band, students dig deeper into finer performance techniques. Topics include refining stage presence, and creating charts of original songs to perform with a 4 piece band. Peer evaluations help students evaluate each other and their own recorded performances more objectively.


    SNG213 Songwriting III

    2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Songwriting II

    Expanding on previous concepts, students are exposed to advanced lyric writing, harmonic choices, unique song structures, timing & delivery, and other general songwriting concepts. Classwork focuses on in-depth analysis of classic and contemporary songs and utilization of the concepts learned within.


    BIZ141 Music Business I

    1 Credit Hour / 11 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: All Los Angeles Level 3 courses

    Establishes a foundation of general business practices for music industry entrepreneurs. Coursework includes how to navigate the entertainment industry, protect their intellectual property, and function within the ever-evolving music industry.


    SPL140 Studio Performance Lab

    1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Studio Performance I

    Students book their own recording sessions with a staff engineer to record a set of demos for their portfolio. 2 hours are required per week in real world session exercises where students bring their own backing tracks and demos to record with.


    KTL144 Keyboard Techniques Lab IV

    1 Credit Hour / 30 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: Keys Lab III

    Designed around the concepts of playing familiar songs and comping essential chord progressions in a range of keys and tempos. Students learn to play a variety of songs by the end of the course, utilizing all of the concepts learned. Includes increased difficulty in practice techniques for finger dexterity, hand placement, accuracy, and timing.


    MNT144 Studio Mentor: Production Mentor

    2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

    Prerequisites: All Los Angeles Level 3 courses

    A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional music producer. Mentors provide guidance in the production and performance of the student’s original music and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing assistance and tutoring where needed. The Studio Mentor courses provide a constant source of support to help.

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