Singing Popular Music from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Singing Popular Music!

Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

Vocal Styles and Tone Quality

Vocal style is shaped by language. How you interpret the meaning of the text and phrases impacts your artistry. The tone of your voice—which is essential to your style—is defined by the way you shape and pronounce vowels in words, while consonants give words rhythm. In this lesson we will discuss different vowel shapes and how devices such as vibrato, legato, and dynamics shape your sound. We will focus on gaining vocal self-awareness, practicing breathing techniques, and making style-appropriate choices.

Mix Voice in Contemporary Singing

The mix voice vocal register or placement is a topic of much confusion. In this lesson, we will take a close look mix voice, how it can be helpful for you, and when to use it or not to use it. We will also continue to fine-tune the elements in your own style.

Singing Powerful Styles

In this lesson, we'll take a close look at big singing, when you might use it, and how to do it safely. In today's musical landscape, belting is not required to be successful, but to be the best singer you can be, it is good to explore the full extent of your voice. That exploration includes singing with physical power. As we explore powerful singing, we'll look at what it is and what it is not. This method may be an important part of your sound, or ultimately you may decide that it's not for you. Either conclusion is fine artistically, depending on your chosen style and overall message.

Developing Your Sound: Style Awareness and Integration

In this lesson, we'll focus on how to frame your music, genre-wise. We'll look at whether or not you want to include improvisation in your tune(s), and we'll discuss how to take a cover song and make it your own. Finally, you'll spend time demonstrating your vocal style by covering a song of your choice.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces foundational concepts and practices for refining vocal techniques and developing a unique singing style

Taught by Jeannie Gagne, a seasoned vocal instructor

Suitable for aspiring singers seeking to enhance their vocal capabilities and explore contemporary singing styles

Provides practical guidance on breathing techniques, vocal exercises, and tone production

Focuses on developing mix voice and belting techniques, expanding vocal range and versatility

Encourages learners to apply techniques to a cover song, showcasing their vocal style and interpretation

Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly singing techniques

Learners say that this beginner-friendly course on popular music presents fundamental singing techniques in a fun and engaging way. It is well-received by students, with overwhelmingly positive reviews applauding its easy-to-follow structure and informative content. Students say the course provides a strong foundation for developing their vocal skills. Overall, the course is seen as a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their singing abilities.

Friendly and supportive instructor who provides constructive feedback.

"The teacher is awesome."

"The instructor gave us a great information for singer should know."

"Creo que la profesora es excelente, muy clara y precisa en sus explicaciones."

Assignments provide opportunities to practice and improve skills.

"I became more confident in my singing after enrolling this course."

"The assignments could be more related to the material discussed."

"I gave much effort and energy to complete my cover song."

Fun and interactive lessons that keep students motivated.

"I really enjoyed this course!"

"The instructor is very lively and takes us on a beautiful vocal journey."

"The course content is great and I learn lots of things."

Thorough and well-structured lessons with clear explanations.

"The course is well-structured and easy to follow."

"The instructor is very clear and precise in her explanations."

"I learned a lot with her course."

Peer review system can be unreliable.

"The course's feedback is exclusively dependent on peer review."

"peers just didn't do it"

"they didn't follow the rubric in giving feedback"

Some topics may not be covered in enough detail.

"The videos lack depth."

"The instructor tends to speed through many key topics without giving proper definitions and examples."

"Week 1 contains 4 video lessons, with a total of 15 mins."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Singing Popular Music with these activities:

Practice vocal exercises

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Practice vocal exercises to improve vocal technique and range.

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Warm up your voice with scales and arpeggios.
Practice vocal exercises that focus on vowel quality, tone production, and breath control.

Watch video tutorials on vocal techniques

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Watch video tutorials to learn from experienced vocalists and improve your singing skills.

Browse courses on Vocal Techniques

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Search for video tutorials on specific vocal techniques, such as mix voice or belting.
Take notes on the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
Practice the techniques in your own singing practice.

Record yourself singing and analyze your performance

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Record yourself singing to identify areas for improvement and develop your vocal style.

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Record yourself singing a song that showcases your vocal abilities.
Listen to the recording and analyze your performance.
Make a list of the techniques you used well and the areas where you could improve.
Work on improving your vocal style by practicing the techniques you identified.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Join a singing group or choir

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Join a singing group or choir to learn from others, improve your vocal skills, and develop your musicality.

Browse courses on Singing

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Research singing groups or choirs in your area.
Attend rehearsals and performances to get a feel for the group.
Audition for the group or choir if necessary.
Participate in rehearsals and performances to develop your vocal skills and musicality.

Attend vocal workshops and masterclasses

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Attend vocal workshops and masterclasses to learn new techniques and improve your vocal skills.

Browse courses on Vocal Techniques

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Research vocal workshops and masterclasses in your area or online.
Register for workshops and masterclasses that are relevant to your vocal goals.
Attend the workshops and masterclasses and participate actively.
Apply the techniques you learn in your own singing practice.

Contribute to open-source singing projects

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Contribute to open-source singing projects to gain experience and improve your vocal skills.

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Search for open-source singing projects on platforms like GitHub.
Choose a project that you are interested in and has a skill level that matches your own.
Contribute to the project by submitting code, documentation, or other materials.
Collaborate with other contributors to improve the project.

Sing for charity events or community organizations

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Sing for charity events or community organizations to gain experience and give back to your community.

Browse courses on Singing

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Research charity events or community organizations that are looking for singers.
Contact the organizers and offer your services.
Prepare a set of songs that are appropriate for the event.
Perform at the event and share your music with the audience.

Create a portfolio of your singing performances

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Create a portfolio of your singing performances to showcase your progress and share with potential employers.

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Record yourself singing a variety of songs that demonstrate your vocal range and abilities.
Edit and master the recordings to create a high-quality portfolio.
Share your portfolio with potential employers or use it to promote your singing career.

Career center

Learners who complete Singing Popular Music will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Singer

As a Singer, you need to be able to sing in a variety of styles. This course will teach you the essential skills to define your own unique vocal style and sing healthfully. You will learn how to use techniques like mix voice and belting in contemporary singing styles.

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Vocal Coach

As a Vocal Coach, you help singers improve their vocal skills and techniques. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to teach singers how to sing healthfully and in a variety of styles.

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Music Producer

As a Music Producer, you work with musicians to create and produce music. This course will teach you the skills you need to produce high-quality recordings of singers.

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Music Director

As a Music Director, you lead and conduct musical ensembles. This course will teach you the skills you need to work with singers and other musicians to create beautiful music.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you work with students to help them learn and grow. This course will provide you with the skills you need to teach students how to sing and perform.

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Music Therapist

As a Music Therapist, you use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. This course will teach you the skills you need to work with singers to help them achieve their therapeutic goals.

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Performer

As a Performer, you entertain audiences with your singing. This course will teach you the skills you need to perform confidently and effectively on stage.

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Artist

As an Artist, you create and express yourself through your singing. This course will teach you the skills you need to develop your own unique artistic voice.

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Musician

As a Musician, you play and perform music. This course will teach you the skills you need to play and sing together with other musicians.

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Audio Engineer

As an Audio Engineer, you record, mix, and master audio. This course will teach you the skills you need to work with singers in the recording studio.

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Talent Manager

As a Talent Manager, you represent and manage singers. This course will teach you the skills you need to help singers build their careers.

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Songwriter

As a Songwriter, you write and compose songs. This course will teach you the skills you need to write songs that singers can perform.

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Music Publisher

As a Music Publisher, you represent and manage the rights to songs. This course will teach you the skills you need to work with singers to protect their copyrights.

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Arts Administrator

As an Arts Administrator, you manage and operate arts organizations. This course will teach you the skills you need to work with singers and other artists to produce and present music.

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Music Educator

As a Music Educator, you teach music to students. This course will provide you with the skills you need to teach students how to sing and perform.

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