Singing Popular Music

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/singing-popular-music

Introduction

### Course Review: Singing Popular Music on Coursera If you’re an aspiring vocalist looking to refine your skills and truly shine in the world of popular music, Coursera’s **Singing Popular Music** course could be the perfect fit for you. This comprehensive program goes beyond the basics, digging into the nuances of vocal techniques that can define and enhance your unique sound. #### Course Overview Designed for those who have already established a foundation in vocal technique, this course provides a structured pathway to honing your craft. From understanding vowel quality and tone production to mastering the intricacies of mix voice and belting, this course aims to empower you as an artist. It’s ideal for singers who want to explore their potential while maintaining healthy vocal habits. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is thoughtfully divided into several key lessons: 1. **Welcome to Singing Popular Music!** - Here, you’ll get an introduction to the course layout and how to maximize your learning experience. 2. **Vocal Styles and Tone Quality** - This lesson delves into how language shapes vocal style and the importance of vowel pronunciation. You’ll learn about vibrato, legato, and dynamics—crucial elements for shaping your sound and enhancing your artistry. 3. **Mix Voice in Contemporary Singing** - Mix voice can be a confusing area for many singers. In this section, you will uncover the mechanics of mix voice, gain clarity on its application in different contexts, and continue refining your unique vocal style. 4. **Singing Powerful Styles** - Here, you will explore the concept of "big singing." The lesson will guide you on how to safely incorporate powerful singing techniques like belting into your repertoire. You’ll learn to differentiate between styles to decide what fits best with your artistic identity. 5. **Developing Your Sound: Style Awareness and Integration** - This final lesson focuses on genre framing and encourages you to bring your individuality to cover songs. You'll have an opportunity to demonstrate your own vocal style by covering a song of your choice, which fosters creativity and personal expression. #### Why You Should Enroll What sets **Singing Popular Music** apart is its focus on fostering self-awareness and individuality in vocal performance. Each module is crafted to build upon the last, allowing you to progress systematically and confidently. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have a deeper understanding of vocal techniques but also a clearer vision of your personal sound and artistry. Moreover, the course is well-suited to singers of various backgrounds, whether you’re a beginner with some vocal knowledge or a more experienced performer looking to refine your skills. The lessons encourage practice and experimentation, which are essential for any artist striving to develop their craft. #### Final Thoughts In conclusion, if you’re looking to enhance your vocal journey and explore the world of popular music with guided expertise, **Singing Popular Music** on Coursera is highly recommended. The structured approach, combined with practical vocal techniques, offers a robust learning experience that will elevate your singing skills and help you find your unique voice. Whether you're aiming for a professional career or simply wish to make singing a fulfilling hobby, this course provides the tools to succeed. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to shine as a vocalist!

Syllabus

Welcome to Singing Popular Music!

Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

Vocal style is shaped by language. How you interpret the meaning of the text and phrases impacts your artistry. The tone of your voice—which is essential to your style—is defined by the way you shape and pronounce vowels in words, while consonants give words rhythm. In this lesson we will discuss different vowel shapes and how devices such as vibrato, legato, and dynamics shape your sound. We will focus on gaining vocal self-awareness, practicing breathing techniques, and making style-appropriate choices.

The mix voice vocal register or placement is a topic of much confusion. In this lesson, we will take a close look mix voice, how it can be helpful for you, and when to use it or not to use it. We will also continue to fine-tune the elements in your own style.

In this lesson, we'll take a close look at big singing, when you might use it, and how to do it safely. In today's musical landscape, belting is not required to be successful, but to be the best singer you can be, it is good to explore the full extent of your voice. That exploration includes singing with physical power. As we explore powerful singing, we'll look at what it is and what it is not. This method may be an important part of your sound, or ultimately you may decide that it's not for you. Either conclusion is fine artistically, depending on your chosen style and overall message.

In this lesson, we'll focus on how to frame your music, genre-wise. We'll look at whether or not you want to include improvisation in your tune(s), and we'll discuss how to take a cover song and make it your own. Finally, you'll spend time demonstrating your vocal style by covering a song of your choice.