The Art of Vocal Production from Coursera

This course addresses recorded vocal performances and the technologies used to highlight and support them in modern record production and mixes. Most of us know that vocals serve as the focal point of modern recordings but many do not know the tools used or when the tools are used best in modern record production.

The course begins with simple vocal placement in a mix, where you will also learn the fundamentals of compression and equalization. You’ll further study delays and reverbs before moving to advanced concepts in audio editing, synthetic processing, automatic & graphic pitch correction, time compression, time expansion, flex and elastic audio.

Through analysis and/or hands on projects that the students will post for peer review, the student will gain an understanding of the many choices available to modern record producers as they record and mix with a modern tool set. You’ll see, in action, the Vocoder, Auto-Tune, Melodyne, Elastic Audio, Flex Time, VocAlign, tempo based editing and a host of other file modification protocols that are readily available on most Digital Audio Workstations. This course gives students a thorough look at the expanded choices that have risen in the art of vocal production as a result of these modern tools.

The goal of the course is to help interested novices understand the recordings they are listening to, performers find an expanded language for their recorded voices and for vocal producers to be able to create musically artistic visualizations using singers as their paintbrushes.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome To The Art of Vocal Production

Welcome to The Art of Vocal Production! In this module, we will cover all the details about how this course works and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your course experience.

Natural Vocal Design: How Vocal Producers Create

By the end of this lesson you will understand vocal placement within the stereo field and how recording a vocalist multiple times can create various types of listening experiences. You will understand level, phase, phantom center, panning, balance, equalization and compression concepts used in modern recordings. Your ability to listen to music will be expanded and you will probably never listen to vocals in music the same way ever again once you have been exposed to these simple concepts

Artificial Vocal Design: How Vocal Producers “Sweeten” the Creation

In this lesson, we will lean less on the vocalist and more on tools that can be used to change the way we listen to vocals in music. You will now understand how delays and reverbs have been used in the music you love and their relationship to time and tempo. Your desire to try out some of these techniques will be piqued by the time you finish this lesson.

Vocal Time Compression and Expansion: Tools of the Trade

In this lesson the nature of the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) will be demystified and simplified. You will understand time as an absolute concept, time as a relative concept and further grasp the utility of the sample rate and bit depth parameters in your audio software. You will be shown tools that can change a song from a ballad to a dance record and vice versa. Many modern vocal production tools exist in software that might already be on your computer; but if you do not have such tools, you will document the use of these concepts via in-depth analysis of current and emerging music.

Vocal Pitch Correction and Tuning: More tools of the Trade

In this lesson, you will learn some of the industry standard pitch correction and tuning tools. Although you will gain an understanding and appreciation of how easy the job of a vocalist can be when these tools are used, you will also learn that your first lesson in simple performance and placement is still the most potent skill in your art of vocal production arsenal.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches nuances in how vocalists are recorded and placed, which is valuable for modern audio engineers specializing in vocal recordings

Provides an in-depth look at various vocal production tools and techniques, expanding a learner's post-production arsenal

Delves into advanced concepts like vocal tuning, time manipulation, and audio editing, developing technical proficiency for audio engineers

Suitable for vocal producers, performers, and audio engineers seeking to elevate their craft and delve into the intricacies of modern vocal production

Facilitates independent learning, allowing students to tailor their experience by working on real-time projects and engaging with peer feedback

Led by Prince Charles Alexander, providing insights from an experienced professional in the field of vocal production

Reviews summary

Exceptional vocal production course

Learners say that "The Art of Vocal Production" is an exceptional course that offers amazing and informative content. The course is well-organized, easy to follow, and has great topics. The instructor is knowledgeable, engaging, and explains concepts clearly. Students highlight the value of learning about ProTools, mixing vocals, and vocal production techniques. They appreciate the in-depth discussions and practical exercises. Overall, this course is highly recommended for anyone interested in vocal production, whether they are beginners or experienced professionals.

Accessible for those new to vocal production.

"this course was insightful and have help [sic] me observed the errors i have been making in the area of vocal production, it was easy to follow and learn i just love the aspect"

"Well, to be honest, I think that this program will be a good start for those who actually know nothing about vocal production and music in general."

"The tutor gives some basic knowledge about these themes, but the way how he explains some topics is really controversial."

Hands-on learning with ProTools.

"It's a good experience and learned many new thing [sic] about music"

"This course gave me a detailed knowledge about vocal production."

"It helped me to learn more about ProTools and also to know more about what I can do to produce different singers"

Covers key points in vocal production.

"This course covered a lot of key points which otherwise remains unexplained while starting off with music production."

"Very comprehensive course."

"I learned a couple of things that I didn't know of and now, I feel a little bit confident about my skills in mixing vocals."

Knowledgeable and engaging instructor.

"Excellent course and a fantastic professor!"

"The explanations are very elaborate which make it very easy for us to understand."

"Prince Charles is an awesome instructor, whose passion for this course shines through."

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 The Art of Vocal Production with these activities:

Read 'The Art of Mixing' by David Gibson.

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Enhance understanding of audio mixing by reading a foundational book, providing insights into essential techniques and principles.

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Obtain a copy of 'The Art of Mixing' by David Gibson.
Read through the book, paying attention to the sections relevant to vocal production.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.

Review microphone placements.

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Review microphone placement techniques to enhance understanding of vocal production during recording.

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Research different microphone placement techniques for vocals.
Experiment with different microphone placements in a home recording setup.
Listen back to your recordings and compare the results.

Follow tutorials on compression techniques.

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Explore compression techniques for vocals through guided tutorials, improving understanding of vocal dynamics control.

Browse courses on Compression

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Find reputable online tutorials on compression techniques for vocals.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, applying the techniques to your own vocal recordings.
Experiment with different compression settings to understand their impact on vocal sound.

Six other activities

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Practice equalizing vocals.

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Enhance equalization skills by practicing on vocal tracks, developing the ability to shape vocal frequencies effectively.

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Identify the frequency ranges that need adjustment in a vocal track.
Apply equalization techniques to enhance the vocal clarity and presence.
Compare before and after equalization to evaluate the improvement.

Participate in vocal production workshops.

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Engage with peers in workshops to exchange ideas, learn from others' experiences, and refine vocal production techniques.

Browse courses on Vocal Production

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Identify workshops or online forums related to vocal production.
Attend the workshops and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Share your own insights and experiences with the group.

Create a vocal production demo.

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Solidify vocal production knowledge by creating a demo that showcases your skills in recording, editing, and mixing vocals.

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Record high-quality vocal takes.
Process the vocals using the techniques learned in the course.
Mix the vocals with other instrumental tracks.
Master the final mix to enhance overall sound quality.
Share your demo with others for feedback and evaluation.

Produce a vocal cover of a song.

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Apply vocal production techniques by producing a cover of a song, combining performance and technical skills.

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Choose a song that aligns with your vocal range and style.
Record your vocals and experiment with different takes.
Process and mix your vocals using the techniques learned in the course.
Create an accompanying instrumental track or collaborate with musicians.
Finalize the mix and master your cover song.

Seek guidance from experienced vocal producers.

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Connect with experienced vocal producers for advice, feedback, and guidance to enhance your vocal production skills.

Browse courses on Vocal Production

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Attend industry events or join online communities to meet vocal producers.
Introduce yourself and express your interest in mentorship.
Be respectful of their time and prepare questions that demonstrate your commitment to learning.

Attend workshops on advanced vocal processing techniques.

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Expand knowledge of vocal processing by attending workshops, gaining insights into advanced techniques and industry trends.

Browse courses on Audio Production

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Research and identify workshops focused on advanced vocal processing techniques.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.

Career center

Learners who complete The Art of Vocal Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers work with recording, editing, and mixing music and other audio content. They work in various settings, including recording studios, live venues, film and television post-production studios, and broadcast studios. Those who work in recording studios collaborate closely with musicians, producers, and music groups to achieve the desired sound. This course helps learners gain proficiency in audio engineering software, understanding of audio signal processing, and the ability to make critical listening evaluations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the creation of music recordings. They work with musicians, engineers, and other creative professionals to develop and produce music for various purposes, including commercial releases, films, and television shows. This course helps Music Producers develop a refined ear for identifying areas for improvement and a solid grounding in audio recording and mixing techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Musician

Musicians can pursue careers as performers, composers, and teachers. They may work in various settings, including orchestras, bands, choirs, and music studios. Understanding the art of vocal production can empower Musicians as they seek to refine their performances and collaborate with other musicians to create memorable music.

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Sound Designer

Sound Designers create and manipulate sounds for various purposes, including movies, television, video games, and live performances. They collaborate with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to achieve the desired sonic experience. This course provides Sound Designers with a solid understanding of audio editing and mixing techniques and the ability to create and manipulate sounds using various tools and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Audio Editor

Audio Editors work with recorded audio content, enhancing and refining it. They may work in various settings, including recording studios, film and television post-production studios, and broadcast studios. This course provides the skills and knowledge needed to excel as an Audio Editor, including proficiency in audio editing software, understanding of audio signal processing, and the ability to make critical listening evaluations.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers instruct students in the theory and practice of music. In addition to teaching vocal production techniques, they may also teach music history, music theory, and music composition. This course provides Music Teachers with knowledge and skills to effectively teach vocal production techniques, enabling them to inspire and guide their students.

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Voice Actor

Voice Actors use their voices to bring characters and stories to life in various media, including commercials, animations, video games, and audiobooks. They collaborate with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to convey emotions and messages through their vocal performances. This course provides Voice Actors with a strong foundation in vocal production techniques, enabling them to deliver captivating and impactful performances.

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Radio Presenter

Radio Presenters host and produce radio programs, engaging listeners with their voices and personalities. They may work for various radio stations, presenting music, news, talk shows, and other content. This course helps Radio Presenters develop strong vocal skills and an understanding of audio production techniques, enabling them to captivate their audience and deliver engaging radio programs.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians are responsible for organizing, preserving, and providing access to music collections in various settings, including libraries, archives, and museums. They may also provide research assistance and educational programs. An understanding of vocal production techniques can enhance a Music Librarian's ability to catalog and appreciate music, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of musical heritage.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write and report on music-related topics for various publications, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also conduct interviews with musicians, review concerts and albums, and write feature articles. An understanding of vocal production techniques can inform Music Journalists' writing and analysis, enabling them to provide insightful commentary on the music industry.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. They work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. An understanding of vocal production techniques can enhance a Music Therapist's ability to use music effectively for therapeutic purposes, enabling them to better support their clients.

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Music Promoter

Music Promoters organize and promote musical events, including concerts, festivals, and tours. They work with artists, venues, and other stakeholders to create and execute successful events. An understanding of vocal production techniques can provide Music Promoters with a deeper appreciation for the artistic aspects of music, enabling them to effectively market and promote musical performances.

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Talent Manager

Talent Managers represent and manage the careers of musicians and other entertainers. They negotiate contracts, book performances, and handle various aspects of their clients' careers. An understanding of vocal production techniques can provide Talent Managers with a deeper understanding of their clients' artistry and help them make informed decisions about their careers.

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Music Consultant

Music Consultants provide advice and guidance to individuals and organizations on various music-related matters. They may specialize in areas such as music licensing, music production, or music education. An understanding of vocal production techniques can enhance a Music Consultant's ability to provide informed advice and support to their clients, particularly in areas related to vocal performance and recording.

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Music Executive

Music Executives oversee the operations of music companies, including record labels, music publishers, and music streaming services. They make decisions on artist signings, album releases, and marketing campaigns. While an understanding of vocal production techniques may not be directly required, it can provide Music Executives with a deeper appreciation for the artistic and technical aspects of music, enabling them to make informed decisions that support the success of their companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Executive