University of Miami Music Lessons: Theory, Composition, Production & More

Student and Tutor engaged in vocal exercises to improve breath support, register transitions, and melisma execution, and identified the Student's extensive vocal range. They applied these techniques to the song 'Angel' to achieve a more consistent and stylistically appropriate delivery. For homework, the Student will prepare 'Ave Maria' (Schubert), initially focusing on technique using the 'ooh' vowel.

Student and Tutor worked on advanced guitar warm-ups, focusing on right-hand finger dexterity and left-hand clarity. They practiced several fingerpicking patterns with chord progressions in C major and D major, addressing coordination and sound quality. The session also covered music theory, specifically part writing chord progressions in C major, focusing on voice leading and avoiding parallel octaves, with plans to practice in D major next week. The Student received feedback on a pre-practiced guitar piece.

The Tutor and Student began with an initial assessment of the Student's vocal background and goals, focusing on expanding range and smoothing register transitions. They practiced various vocal exercises, including slides with different vowels and consonants to improve breath support and navigate high and low registers. The session concluded with a discussion of potential future lesson topics covering advanced techniques, interpretation, and healthy vocal habits.

The Student and Tutor focused on vocal technique, including breath control, projection, falsetto management, and range exploration, particularly noting the Student's extensive lower range. They applied these warm-up techniques to two songs, 'Drive' by The Cars and 'I Can't Tell You Why' by The Eagles, refining consistency, projection, and vowel usage. Next steps include fine-tuning transitions between falsetto and lower registers and refining song phrasing.

The Student and Tutor practiced various guitar fingerpicking patterns across multiple keys, focusing on right-hand consistency and left-hand chord clarity. They also worked on four-voice writing of chord progressions in C and D major, addressing voice leading and parallel motion. For homework, the Student was encouraged to practice the discussed fingerpicking patterns and a new chord progression, and to explore different online music notation websites for future theory work.

Student and Tutor had an introductory singing session focusing on vocal assessment and fundamental breath support. They practiced various warm-up exercises, including humming, lip trills, and vowel/consonant drills, applying these techniques to familiar songs like 'Happy Birthday.' The session concluded with a discussion of future learning objectives, including expanding vocal range, improving breath control, and learning improvisation techniques.