Singing Session Information and Costs

All instructional content will be presented in a SESSION format. These sessions are based upon materials contained within the publication “The Practical Singer.” Each session offering will consist of technical information pertaining to the subject area being shared. With each purchased session Mr. Norris will provide as part of the fee, session materials in PDF form, including study sheets.

Although not mandatory, purchasing a copy of The Practical Singer might prove beneficial for students electing to take multiple sessions. If interested, see the dropdown tab labeled “The Practical Singer.”

The basic fee per one-hour session is $150.00 (US) per session hour. If desired, a follow-up review session is available at a reduced cost.

With sessions listing a prerequisite, a brief review of the previously studied session(s) will be included in the presentation.

Explore Sessions Below

TO SELECT AND PURCHASE THE SESSION(S) BEST SUITED FOR YOU, PLEASE VISIT THE “GETTING STARTED & PAYMENTS” PAGE.

Feel free to email Mr. Norris with any questions at: jeff@jeffnorrismusic.com

Vocal Technique Sessions (1-7)

For Sessions 1-4, each session builds on materials shared from the previous presentation(s); therefore, if possible, it is highly suggested that these sessions be taken sequentially.

Session 1: Posture, Breathing: Physiological Aspects, Image Inhalation Approach

With this session, we will explore the various aspects of posture excellence while singing, the physiological characteristics of our breathing mechanism, and present inhalation ideas using image techniques.

Session 2: Physical Inhalation Approach, Singing Exhalation Concepts, Creating a Relaxed Neutral Throat

In this session, we will build upon the ideas shared in session one. We will further flesh out breathing inhalation by studying a physical approach to our air intake as we prepare to sing. We will then move toward the all-important aspect of managing our air while using various breathing exhalation concepts. We will conclude this session by learning to create and maintain a relaxed, neutral throat as we sing.

Session 3: Tongue and Jaw Relaxation, Creating a Mid-Torso Connection

In this session, we will build upon the ideas shared in the first and second sessions. During this study, we will delve into the concept of creating and maintaining a relaxed tongue and jaw as we sing. This aspect of singing is of extreme importance, an essential element that will truly free our singing, giving us a certain ease as we perform. We will then conclude this session by making a connection between our mid-torso and the combined tongue, jaw, and throat areas—again to help create vocal freedom.

Session 4: Lower Back Engagement. Support for the Support, Lower Body Strength, Johnson Breathing Exercises

This session, predicated upon the first three sessions, will embody a study of engaging our mid and lower body areas to assist in our singing—a common technique of the highest-level singers. We will conclude this session by studying what I label the Johnson Breathing Exercises to help cultivate and develop an awareness and development of the musculature we that use with our breathing while singing.

Sessions 5-7 can be taken independently at any time with no prerequisites needed.

Session 5: Register Understanding and Implementation

During this session, we will cover what I believe constitutes one of the most essential elements for a singer's growth and development, with that being an understanding and cultivation of vocal registers. I feel for the vocalist to know their full vocal capacity, this area must be understood and enhanced to the fullest extent. An understanding of registers and their healthy development will lead to a greater ease when going from the lowest notes to the highest tones, creating what I label “one voice.” I cannot emphasize enough how vital an understanding of this area is for the development of the singer.

Session 6: Basic Vowel, Vowel Modification and Consonant Study - Understanding and Implementation

With this session, we will identify and lay out the basic physical formation of the primary vowels in romance languages, as well as several ways in which we can modify these vowels when moving from the lower to the upper range. Finally, we will delve into the formation of consonants for the singer and the best manner to produce and exercise these phonetic entities.

Session 7A: Resonance Understanding. Soft Palate Lift, and The Passaggio

In this session, we will unpack a number of elements dealing with the study of resonance—what it is and how it relates to our singing. Additionally, a presentation will be made regarding raising the soft palate while offering tools for implementing this action in the singing process. Finally, we will unpack the term “passaggio” and how it relates to our singing.

Session 7B: Chest and Head Voice

With this session, we will study both Chest and Head Voice concepts as resonance areas. In this presentation, we will precisely identify both of these elements, how we produce them in a healthy manner, and unpack the concept of placement within these areas of resonance.

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Music Development Sessions (8-9)

In sessions 8 & 9, Mr. Norris presents ideas to implement foundational methods to embellish the vocalist’s song literature learning and to promote musical singing. 

Sessions 8-9 can be taken independently at any time. with no prerequisites needed

Session 8: Practicing, Fioritura and Memorization

With this session, we will explore three primary areas of need for the vocalist. First, we will give philosophies and concrete methods for the singer, sharing with them how to practice in an organized, thoughtful manner. We will also give tools for the singer to help them sing fast fioritura passages (runs) that sometimes occur within their music. Last, we will share precise, well-defined methods for song memorization – a tool that all singers need.

Session 9: Text to Emotion / Musical Singing

In this session, we will unpack the presentational aspect of bringing our music to life by cultivating a connection to the text embedded within our musical offering. When harnessed, this aspect of our performance can draw in the audience before us and enhance the artistic moment for our listeners. Also, in this session, we'll explore what it means to be a musical singer. When fully realized, this sometimes-overlooked aspect of singing can create a certain deeper level magic on the stage for all those in attendance.

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College Level Audition Session

In these extremely vital sessions Mr. Norris draws upon his wealth of knowledge that seeks to enhance the preparation and execution of a student’s audition for university and conservatory level programs in classical voice. In these presentations, Mr. Norris draws upon his extensive experience having prepared and guided hundreds of his private students through many thousands of successful auditions.

College Level Audition – Session 10A: Music program comparisons. Selecting schools and vocal instructors. Discussions of program offerings.

Music Program Comparisons of College, University and Conservatory programs. How to select your proposed new school and vocal instructor. Discussions of early decision, double degree and dual enrollment programs.

College Level Audition – Session 10B: A very comprehensive, practical study working toward college level audition excellence as we cover all aspects of the actual audition process. 

A very comprehensive, practical study of audition preparation, concerning pre-audition elements, strategies for the actual audition presentation, and post audition evaluation. Music choices and preparation, working with collaborative accompanists “on the spot” and interview strategies will also be covered.

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High School Solo & Ensemble Preparation Session

In session 11, Mr. Norris offers a one-hour solo and ensemble session to critique and advise the young student desiring to best present themselves in this traditional High-School musical competition. 

Session 11: Solo and Ensemble Preparation for High School Students

This session's materials pertain to the facets of the younger student preparing for the typical high school solo and ensemble event. In this session, if we are early in the process, and the student desires to have me help them choose appropriate literature, I will ask the student to sing a piece for me so that I can get to know their voice, and I will then endeavor to give them several possible pieces to consider for their upcoming competition. For those farther along in the Solo and Ensemble preparation timeline, I will ask them to present their songs to me as if they were performing for their upcoming event. I will then offer my feedback and advice pertaining to their literature and presentational skills. If appropriate, I may also give them technical vocal concepts to consider.

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Miscellaneous Sessions

Singing In Tune

This session will offer advice and practical steps toward developing the singer’s “ear” for those needing to enhance this all-important element in their singing.

Learning To Roll an “R”

In many singing languages, rolling the “R” consonant is an expected element and would be a positive development for the singer lacking this ability. In this session, we will lay out the factors involved as we learn to roll an “R” while singing, giving specific exercises to cultivate this linguistic capacity.

Cultivating Vibrato

Within most classical music solo endeavors, a vibrato in the tone will be part of the expected norm. For those challenged in this area, we will present a short study with targeted exercises to begin the process of seeing this aspect develop within one's singing. While usually not a fast progression, I have seen success in this realm numerous times given patience and perseverance.

The Healthy Speaking Voice

The relationship between a healthy singing voice and speaking voice has a high degree of correlation. To this end, this session will highlight the facets of producing a healthy speaking voice and unpack the aspects to be aware of in an unhealthy vocal production, Additionally, we will share concrete methods to begin corrective measures, if needed.

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