Vocal Technique: The Relaxation Maneuvers

Whenever you move a muscle outside of its attractor state it’s possible (and even likely) that other muscles will come along for the ride.  Once you can initiate the new movement successfully with a prompt you’ll want to practice sustaining the movement while working to release tension in other areas.  Doing the following relaxation maneuvers…

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Join Zoom Practice Session

Live Practice Sessions Schedule Use this link to login to all sessions: https://goarch.zoom.us/j/92127993689?pwd=Y1Y2cHNYMEhhdFBhSkVqcWxsZXNMdz09 Meeting ID: 921 2799 3689 Passcode: 338047  

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Structures that Contribute to Vocal Quality

In this course you will be introduced to some of the most important structures that contribute to vocal quality and vocal health.  You will study the voice through the lens and terminology of the Estill Voice Method.  You will learn basic anatomy and physiology as well as how to control these structures.  Learning to use…

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Automelon: Thou Art the Joy-Melos

First Mode Intonation (apichima) Thou Art the Joy is in the First Mode.  Before chanting anything in the First Mode it is important to do the First Mode intonation.  An intonation is a little musical phrase that helps the chanter remember how the mode sounds.  If you use the intonation before you practice the hymn…

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Automela, Prosomia and Idiomela

In the services of the Orthodox church hymns can be split into three general categories—Idiomela, Automela and Prosomia  (this is one way to categorize hymns, but there are many more!).  These words can be tricky for English speakers because their singular and plural forms are based on Greek and not English.  At least the endings…

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Parallagi: the Scale Going Up and Down One

The Eight Modes The Orthodox church uses a system of 8 modes to categorize its music.  Some jurisdictions use the word “tone” instead of mode, but we will use mode, as it is more accurate.  Here are the 8 modes, in order: 1st Mode 2nd Mode 3rd Mode 4th Mode Plagal of the 1st Mode…

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ByzB 101 Glossary of Terms

The ByzB 101 Glossary of Terms is in draft form. Here is the link to the Google Doc. Please leave a comment in the class forum if there is a term that you think should be added to the doc.

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Vocal Technique: The Torso

  Anatomy The torso is the trunk of the body.  Within your torso are your lungs, rib cage, all the muscles surrounding them, and your other internal organs.  The position of your torso affects vocal quality, volume, and vocal health.  In your day to day life, it is likely that you have a Relaxed Torso.…

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Modal Theory: Scale Basics and Intervals from Pa to Thi

  Review The Orthodox church uses a system of 8 Modes to categorize its music.  Some jurisdictions use the word “tone” instead of mode, but we will use mode, as it is more accurate.  Here are the 8 Modes, in order: 1st Mode 2nd Mode 3rd Mode 4th Mode Plagal of the 1st Mode Plagal…

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Repertoire: Thou Art the Joy

Continue working on Thou Art the Joy on Melos and work to memorize it. Here is the recording on repeat  Download the Mp3 : Here is the score, written out with mini Ni Pa Vou cards. Thou Art the Joy Ni Pa Vou Here is a document with just the text for you to see…

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