Vocal Flight taught by Michael Smolens

"VOCAL FLIGHT was great not only for my voice but also for expanding the 'musical space' in my mind. Michael is very detail oriented, and there is nothing that slips by his trained ear...I especially appreciated learning new scales through the North Indian sargam, and feel that this is something I will take with me in any future musical endeavors I approach. A great fun class. I highly recommend it!"

-- Jovani (vocalist and frequently commissioned visual artist)

"Great class today -- both improv games were really fun, everybody was able to hang
while being in new territory, and your accompaniment was rich, varied, lively, supportive, and impeccable.
Right On!"

-- Daniel Tuckman (vocalist/teacher/composer/arranger)

"VOCAL FLIGHT provided me with a hands-on immersion into the world of improvisation and group vocalisation. The wide range of areas we covered, such as vocal percussion, polyrhythms, pitch training and scales, made for an organic and eclectically enjoyable learning experience...Michael couples years of musical experience and technical know-how with a fun, light-hearted approach to vocal improvisation."

-- Ronald Aveling (vocalist/composer/recording artist)


As an improviser, isn't it time for you to build a huge vocabulary of colors and techniques? You've seen other vocalists turn melodies "inside-out", improvise new lyrics, impersonate different instruments, and create magic with the top and bottom of their range. Right?
*VOCAL FLIGHT will take the fear out of improvising in front of others and inspire anyone who you make music with!*
Deep Groove / Syncopation / Polyrhythms Vocal Percussion (via West Africa) How To Solo / How To Accompany (via jazz & pop) Group Counterpoint (via "Circle Singing" & classical) Scales & Modes (via North Indian Raga) Stories Into Songs / Improvised Lyrics (via theatre improvisation)
VOCAL FLIGHT will build your skills from the 'ground up' and show you how to practice more creatively and effectively.
"VOCAL FLIGHT was great not only for my voice but also for expanding the 'musical space' in my mind. Michael is very detail oriented, and there is nothing that slips by his trained ear...I especially appreciated learning new scales through the North Indian sargam, and feel that this is something I will take with me in any future musical endeavors I approach. A great fun class. I highly recommend it!" -- Jovani (vocalist and frequently commissioned visual artist) "Great class today -- both improv games were really fun, everybody was able to hang while being in new territory, and your accompaniment was rich, varied, lively, supportive, and impeccable. Right On!" -- Daniel Tuckman (vocalist/teacher/composer/arranger) "VOCAL FLIGHT provided me with a hands-on immersion into the world of improvisation and group vocalisation. The wide range of areas we covered, such as vocal percussion, polyrhythms, pitch training and scales, made for an organic and eclectically enjoyable learning experience...Michael couples years of musical experience and technical know-how with a fun, light-hearted approach to vocal improvisation." -- Ronald Aveling (vocalist/composer/recording artist)
WHEN: Thursdays, 6:15-7:45pm, for 8 weeks COST: $195 or drop-in $35 per session WHERE: fully-equipped studio with generous PA/ mics, percussion, & grand piano in Berkeley
The class is facilitated by Michael Smolens and based on the work of the groundbreaking 17-person "MIRABAI ENSEMBLE". From 1993-98 the group produced daring structured vocal and instrumental improvisations. He has taught since 1974 and been a vocal consultant for the A Capella Summit, College of Marin, City College of S.F., Grammy award-winning "So Vo So", Sue Walden's "Flash Family" Company, and the "FIREDANCE", "SpiritFire", and "Vegas Vortex" magical arts festivals. As a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist he leads two different project bands and has performed and recorded with members of Bobby McFerrin's "Voicestra". Michael is currently completing his eighth CD.
Michael Smolens can be reached at (510)649-7993 / if no answer, please try (510)684-4852. Also, you can e-mail him Unlimited support for your lessons: call or e-mail me and I'll answer any of your questions that same day. Great Berkeley location ~ just minutes from the Bay Bridge. You can read advice on practicing and musical creativity or read some Words of Appreciation.