The Professional Training Ground at Flashback Theater Co. presents a November masterclass for the musically inclined. In the Vocal Techniques for Rock Musicals Masterclass, participants will learn from Guest Artist, Maria McNeil Phelps, the techniques they need to perform in rock musicals. They will be taken through the process of understanding their voice and substyles within rock musicals, warming up the body and voice, and practicing important techniques. A number of participants will get the opportunity to be coached by McNeil Phelps while other participants observe and learn from the developments being made to apply to their own practice. There will also be a lunch forum designed to open up the conversation about past experiences with singing and voice so participants can identify how these relate to their technique and practice.
Scholarships and payment plans are offered through the registration process.
Masterclass Info
Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
Located at Flashback Offices- 209 A East Mount Vernon Street Somerset, KY 42501
Price: $85 per artist
Deadline to Register is November 13th
Masterclass Schedule
Saturday, November 15th 1o a.m. to 2 p.m.
10:00-10:30 a.m.- Getting to Know your Voice: Participants will discuss and make discoveries about what types of vocalization feel good in their voice and receive a primer on how vocalization works.
10:30-11:30 a.m.- Exploring the Techniques: Maria McNeil Phelps will discuss the unique elements of rock musicals as well as how stylistic differences exist between different subgenres. Participants will learn the types of techniques and exercises that best support various styles as well as what type of audition material is appropriate.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.- Lunch Forum Discussion: What are your experiences with singing and voice and how do they impact your technique, attitudes, and relationship with your voice?
12:30-1:00 p.m.- Group Warm Ups and Exercises: Warm up the voice for rock style singing and work through some of the exercises that best prepare the voice for the task.
1:00-1:45 p.m.- One-on-One Coachings: Up to 3 participants will receive personal coaching from Maria McNeil Phelps on a piece they have brought to the class. Other participants are encouraged to actively observe and apply the information to their own practice as well as ask questions.
1:45-2:00 p.m.- Wrap Up: Solidify main takeaways and share discoveries with the group
About the Master Artist
Maria McNeil Phelps is a singer songwriter, voice teacher/vocal mentor and owner of Realign Voice Studio. She has clients online and in-person in Somerset, KY and currently supports singers around the world. With nearly 20 years of experience mentoring singers, Maria is known for her holistic approach to voice teaching and encourages her clients to embrace a compassionate curiosity that fuels the entire singer- mind, body and soul. Maria’s goal is to create a kind, compassionate and curious space for exploring with sound.
From the age of 10, Phelps has studied voice and performed various styles of music. Originally from Chicago, Maria had the opportunity to study under well-accomplished singers/musicians and graduated with honors from the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Phelps later attended and graduated from Berklee College of Music with a professional music degree focusing in vocal performance and songwriting. After graduating, Maria performed her own original music in Chicago, Boston, New York City. She is currently working on new music projects but focuses most of her time now on teaching. Though Phelps has experience singing in many styles, her influences are mostly jazz, r&b and neo-soul music.