Arranging & Reharmonisation for A Cappella
In this six-week online evening course, you will explore a broad range of contemporary vocal arranging techniques to equip yourself with the skills needed to create your own a cappella reimaginings of classic and contemporary songs.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Wednesday evenings, 26 April–31 May 2023
- Course times:
- 6.30–8.30pm, BST (UTC+1)
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £275
- Deadline:
- 5pm, Friday 21 April 2023
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- Online
- Venue:
- Online
- When:
- Evening Courses | Summer Courses (April–June)
Course info
Book Now
- Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged.
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 21 April 2023 or when the course reaches full capacity.
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Wednesday evenings, 26 April, 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 May 2023
6.30–8.30pm, BST (UTC+1)
About Arranging & Reharmonisation for A Cappella
In this six-week online evening course, you will explore a broad range of contemporary vocal arranging techniques to equip yourself with the skills needed to create your own a cappella reimaginings of classic and contemporary songs. You will be encouraged to learn theory, arrange and record yourselves, whilst unleashing your creativity.
Who is the course for?
- Harmony enthusiasts, aged 18 and over, who wish to develop their vocal arranging skills.
- We strongly recommend participants to have an understanding of basic music theory, as well as an inquisitive outlook to explore the many different creative methodologies covered on the course.
- Participants with prior arranging experience looking to take things to the next level will be most suited to the course. Professionals and newcomers are still welcome to join in on the fun, and join our community - but the focus will be on intermediate-level topics and skills (listed below).
What can I expect?
You can expect to learn about:
- Vocal group history and analysis
- Harmony and voicing theory
- Reharmonisation techniques
- Voice-specific arranging techniques (including ranges and use of syllables)
- Intention and communication of themes (including word painting and reinforcing lyrics)
- Transcription and analysis of arrangements
You will have homework between weeks to experiment with what you have learnt and you will be invited to submit your main arrangement project for feedback in the last session.
Do I need anything for the course?
You will need access to the following pieces of software:
- Any form of music notation software such as Sibelius, Dorico or MuseScore. MuseScore and Sibelius both have free versions available.
- Any form of recording software such as Audacity, Reaper, Cubase, Logic or Pro Tools. Audacity is free, Reaper has a free 60-day trial with no registration required and Pro Tools has a free version available.
Course Fee
£275
Book Now
- Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged.
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 21 April 2023 or when the course reaches full capacity.
Eligibility
- For everyone aged 18+.
- Approximate music theory knowledge of Grade 3 ABRSM (minimum).
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands.
Online Short Courses Requirements
All sessions will take place online using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you in advance of the course start date with further instructions.
To participate in online classes you will need the following:
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A laptop/tablet/desktop computer with a microphone and camera (most have these included)
- Speakers/headphones (the speakers in your laptop/tablet/computer should be sufficient)
- A fully updated web browser able to use the most up to date version of Zoom, or a fully updated Zoom client
If you have any questions regarding joining one of our online courses please contact us.
About the Course Tutor
The course is taught by James Rose.
James Rose is a prolific arranger, composer, performer, producer & educator, based in London. Over the years, James has become a veteran performer of a cappella and vocal harmony, touring worldwide with acclaimed internet sensation group 'Accent' (www.accentvocal.com).
James has an extensive portfolio of arrangements and originals for prominent groups, choirs and bands, including The Real Group, Voces 8, Naturally 7, The Swingle Singers, Rajaton, Perpetuum Jazzile, NBC's The Sing Off winners, Committed, The Filharmonic, Arturo Sandoval, Peter Hollens, Women of the World and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. James worked as a vocal group mentor and arranger for BBC1's prime-time show, Pitch Battle, collaborating closely with Bebe Rexha. Additional TV vocal arranging and coaching work includes BBC's The One Show & CBBC.
Driven by a love of teaching, James taught at Guildhall School of Music & Drama and works as a group director at A Cappella Academy (acappellacademy.org), alongside workshopping internationally with vocalists and choirs worldwide. James also composes for videogames, creates musical apps (www.cync.app), and is a producer of original electronic music (www.terranemusic.com), currently gearing up to release a second solo record.
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