PROGRAMS + CLASSES
Vocal Technique
(Classes are taught by Grammy nominated vocalist, Renée Manning)
This five level program is designed to get vocalists on the right track technically. There is strong emphasis on breath, placement and proper projection methods. Development of muscles and control in a relaxed manner is key.
Vocal Tech 1 Introduction to method, developing relaxation skills, strengthening breathing, ear training and rhythm.
(Beginner) To Be Announced/ $400 60 minutes
Vocal Tech 2 Advance exercises, placement, projection, presence and articulation.
(Returning Students) Monday 6:00-7:00 pm/ $400 60 minutes
Vocal Tech 3 Advance exercises, presence and articulation. Introduction to song delivery and interpretation.
(Returning Students) Monday 7:30-9:00 pm/ $505 90 minutes
Vocal Tech 4 Advance exercises, focus on delivery, interpretation, stage presence and thinking “outside the box”.
(Returning Students) Wednesday 6:00-8:00 pm/ $700 120 minutes
Professional Preparatory is a two hour class which prepares you to step out into the world of performance. A full set of songs (7-8) are chosen by student to present in performance with a full rhythm section. Focus on arrangements, delivery, tempos and set flow are key in this class.
(Professional Students Only) Audition Required Limited Availabilty: 6
Discount available when you sign up for more than one class or private lessons. Seniors receive a 10% discount.
Master Classes
These classes offer an extraordinary opportunity for students to learn the essence of their craft in a friendly and supportive atmosphere with the help of a professional rhythm section. Communication, choosing material and arrangements are some of the topics addressed. Focus of Master Classes will vary and be announced. Private Lessons are personalized according to the level and needs of the student.
Class Location
Excelsior Music Studio
196 Park Place- Bell#2
Brooklyn, New York
718-783-2231
One of the best ways to improve one’s ear is through ensemble singing. This will develop your harmonic instinct, pitch and rhythm in a social and fun setting. Our “In Harmony” Class, Teen R&B and Swinging Seniors choirs will provide musical joy in an open-armed, fun and team spirited way. Each ensemble gets a half hour of Vocal Tech at the beginning of class, so there’s no auditions. The ability to read music is not required, but a smile is! These choirs will also have performances once, if not more per semester.
Mac Teens (Choir)
This is an empowerment program. Teens build self esteem, confidence and discipline through song and performance during our 12 week semester. Exercises in proper breathing, ear training, memory skills and harmony are done weekly, and the repertoire is R&B/Soul 1950-1990. We have created a comfortable, non-competitive, team spirited setting which helps build great social skills. Everyone’s a star in this choir!
Call for the special pricing of this class and schedule. 718-783-2231
In Harmony
This class will help bring out the background vocalist in you! Learn how to hear and sing harmony in a fun group class. “Oooo, what a little theory can do”!
Call for the special pricing of this class and schedule. 718-783-2231
Prospect Hill Senior Choir
Come get in touch with the voice you’ve been hiding for so long with a fun and social group. Class begins with Breathing and vocal exercises that will not only wake up your vocal folds, but make you healthy too. Good breathing practices will strengthen your abdominal and intercostal muscles and enhance your lungs’ function, giving you better circulation. Program includes Ear training, and you will learn to hear and sing in harmony. There are performances throughout the seasons, open to the public. We are an open armed choir with NO requirements except a smile and a taste for fun.
Wednesday 1:30-2:30 pm
Prospect Hill Senior Services Center St. Matthew-Emanuel Lutheran Church
283 Prospect Ave. Brooklyn (5th and 6th Aves.)
Free Membership, All are Welcome!
Excelsior Music Studio: 718-783-2231
Prospect Hill: 718-499-9574
Senior Band
Learning to play a musical instrument sharpens the mind and lifts the spirit. Itʼs never too late to exercise your talents.
Call for the special pricing of this class and schedule. 718-783-2231
Blues Ensemble
Blues is a gateway to many of the other forms of music, including jazz, R&B, and others. This class will combine student’s vocal and instrumental prowess, coming together as students immerse themselves in the world of blues. This class will run once a week, and an audition is required.
Thursday 7:30-9:00 pm/ $425 90 minutes
5 Exciting Ways to Learn More about Contemporary Music!
Applied Theory Fundamentals
Learn the basics of contemporary theory in a non-threatening way. This course puts you on track, teaching you the chords, progressions and scales that are used for jazz, pop, gospel, hip-hop, salsa and other forms of music. If youʼre heading into any of these forms, this is the theory course for you.
TBA/ $350
Arranging Workshop
Starting with the basics, this course helps you develop the skills needed to become an arranger. Beginning orchestration, composition and harmonization skills are enhanced. (Knowledge of major scales, diatonic chords and rudimentary reading skills required.)
Call for the special pricing of this class and schedule. 718-783-2231
Sight Reading 101
Teaches you how to develop your ability to sight read. Students learn a sight reading method that allows them to become consistent with this skill. Basic note identification skills required.
Call for the special pricing of this class and schedule. 718-783-2231
Discount available when you sign up for more than one class.