Home > Faculty > Voice > Bettina
Sheppard
CURRENT CLASSES:
- Tuesday 10-11 am Vocal Technique
- Tuesday 11 am-noon Vocal Ensemble
- Thursday 10-11 am Vocal Technique
- Thursday 11 am-noon Vocal Solo
Bettina Sheppard is a classically trained singer and pianist and holds Master’s degrees in music and composition. She has appeared in New York and regional theatres as singer, dancer, and actress and has sung classical repertoire in Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, and Riverside Church. She has directed and performed with numerous vocal groups from madrigal to rock, and created the harmony group Satin Dolls, a swing jazz trio who played in Radio City Music Hall, Westbury Music Fair, the Rainbow Room, and Trump Castle as well as recording for film, television, and a syndicated radio show. Solus, her CD of original material was released last year under her Welsh name, Brythonwen.
Bettina served as musical director for TraumNovela; 365 Days/365 Plays by Suzan-Lori Parks (Barrow Street Theatre and Public Theater); Forever Plaid; West Side Story; Copacabana (City Center); Deep in the Darkness; Baby, It’s Cold Outside; Songs My Voice Teacher Wouldn’t Let Me Sing.
Composition credits include Emily Dickinson Poems at Lincoln Center; Millay Poems, American Cathedral in Paris; TraumNovela; 365 Days/365 Plays by Suzan-Lori Parks; The Picture of Dorian Grey; Kindly Direct Me To Hell: An Evening With Dorothy Parker; New York Renaissance Festival; Stillwaters.
Bettina has been teaching voice for fifteen years and is the author of The Everything Singing Book, due for 2008 publication.
Class Description
All Levels: Vocal Technique: This class focuses on individual attention to vocal health and technique as well as performance requirements and musical expression. The first part of class consists of exercises for proper placement of the voice, strength, flexibility, and range, while the second half applies this technique to repertoire. Exercises are designed to learn vocal freedom and the importance of body support, breath management, resonance, articulation, and musical phrasing. Many singing styles will be covered, such as theatre, jazz, and pop, with an emphasis on appropriate audition material. Music will be provided for the technique class.
All Levels: Solo Vocal Technique: This class focuses on solo singing for all styles of music and all technical levels. Students work on finding appropriate material to sing and receive technical corrections as well as suggestions for practice. Each singer will study methods of finding a unique style of expression, effective performance technique, and confidence. Singers are encouraged to bring their own material, preferably 16-32 bars, but musical repertoire suggestions will be provided. Practice material and song examples will be available to study in class if needed. The format is similar to a master class, with one student singing at a time. Listeners are encouraged to observe and learn from the soloist and offer feedback. Class is designed to be technically challenging to all levels in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
All Levels Ensemble Vocal Technique: This class teaches ensemble technique, specifically the ability to hold a musical harmony part and blend vocally in choral work. Ensemble singing is especially important to theater dancers, recording artists, and anyone singing in a group. Movement is incorporated to ensure that ensemble performers can dance and sing simultaneously. The class focuses on musicianship, rhythm, pitch, blend, and how to interact with other singers. Music is provided in class, as well as exercises in improvisation.
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