Ensemble Vocal Program: for choirs and a cappella groups
Better individual voices make a better ensemble sound. Online vocal training for new and existing members of choirs and a cappella groups, tailored to your group. Lifetime access.
Course Modules
The course is delivered over four to six weeks. One or two modules arrives every few days, which gives students time to absorb and practice the skills in each module. Each module includes a video lesson with demonstations, explanations and student experiences, a quiz and exercises. Some modules have a handout. Others are optional and others can be tailored for your group.
-
Welcome Message (from your Music Director)
-
How to learn new music
-
Alignment and Breathing
-
Personal and Planned Breaths
-
Onsets
-
Vowels and Diphthongs
-
Tuning
-
Legato singing
-
Visual Performance
My Story
Why I built this course
In my 35 years as a Musical Director, I've trained countless new members into my own chorus.
My dilemma is wanting to train up new members to give them the best chance of passing their audition, and at the same time, not being ‘missing in action’ from my ensemble rehearsals.
So in 2022 I took my new members' training program, revamped it, and put the lessons online. I updated the content to provide specific, relevant vocal training for new members wanting to pass their audition to join my chorus.
Now new members learn skills via weekly online lessons in their own time, and get coaching at weekly rehearsals. This allows me to be present with my ensemble members at rehearsals.
A few of my musical director friends showed an interest in the course, so I duplicated it for others to use. I’m calling it the 'Choirs Vocal Program'. Some are using it for their existing members too, as a ‘refresher’ course.
The program provides the essential, relevant skills new ensemble singers need, in an informal, friendly step by step way over 4 to 6 weeks.
I've been lucky enough to have many fantastic voice coaches over the years. Here are some that have influenced my choices in this program: Dr Jim Henry, Rob Mance, Kim Vaughn, Dale Syverson, Peggy Gram, Charla Esser, Kathleen Hansen, Betty Clipman, James Platt, Janice Chapman, Nikki Blackmer.
This course, combined with personal and group coaching at your rehearsals, helps bring new members up to speed with their ensemble singing skills faster, and free up time for music leaders.
The course can be tailored (to a certain degree) for your own group. A huge thank you to those musical directors who tested the course and provided such valuable feedback. This was both affirming and very helpful!
Course Leader
Course Leader Lea Baker
Lea Baker (she/her) is a vocal pedagogue, Certified Master Director, and NIDA Master of Fine Arts (Voice) graduate with over 20 years of international coaching experience.
Lea specializes in helping singers, speakers, and choir leaders unlock effortless vocal freedom, power, and efficiency. Her approach bridges the gap between vocal science and body-based, instinctive technique - removing tension and confusion to deliver clear, repeatable vocal growth.
As founder and Music/Artistic Director of the multi-award-winning Endeavour Harmony Chorus (7-time Australian Champions and Top-10 International Finalists), Lea has proven her methods on the world stage. Whether training individual vocalists or equipping ensemble directors, she builds practical, evidence-based online programs designed to transform singers and ensemble sound.
Lea serves on the SingUnited International Education Faculty, is an active member of NATS, ANATS, ASME, and NAfME. Lea sings with TrebleMakers quartet, and volunteers with Greyhound Rescue NSW.
Testimonials
From students
Thorough & informative
What an awesome experience this has been. The online training was thorough, informative and very helpful. Having never had formal singing lessons before I found it really interesting and inspiring. Thank you Lea!
5 Stars!
It took me years of learning the right way to do this and you summed it up perfectly in under half an hour! Thank you! 5 stars!
Well paced
There was so much good information in this session. I love the way you present your lessons. You have a lovely speaking voice and it is well paced. It's really good that you have the exercises separate so members can go back afterwards and just do those exercises if they want to. And of course a little quiz is always great. Can't wait for the next session.
Very Easy To Follow
The programme reinforced everything I have learned at rehearsals and in my two singing lessons with Lea. It has helped with my breathing in particular and the use of air without forcing the sound. There is so much to learn and I love that I can go back and do the exercises. It is very easy to follow. Thank you
The Penny Dropped!
I have learned so much from this course.
Lea, your explanation on various topics just made the penny drop as, I have not quite understood a lot of my teachings over the years. You have made things so much simpler for me to understand and I am now able to actually put those teachings into good quality practice.
Thanks so much Lea
Social proof: reviews
Great resource for Chorus
Leslee Edwards
Great course - very clear and well presented. A good refresher and would be very helpful for those new to Chorus - especially being shown what not to do, as ...
Read MoreGreat course - very clear and well presented. A good refresher and would be very helpful for those new to Chorus - especially being shown what not to do, as well as what to do (eg scooping etc).
Read LessAmazing and so useful
Ange Hewerdine
Amazing, informative and so useful. Especially for newbies but also to reinforce existing knowledge.
Amazing, informative and so useful. Especially for newbies but also to reinforce existing knowledge.
Read LessCourse lives up to the title!
Suzie Brookes
Very informative, practical and easy to follow. Thankyou!🙂🙂
Very informative, practical and easy to follow. Thankyou!🙂🙂
Read LessGreat resource for Chorus
Leslee Edwards
Great course - very clear and well presented. A good refresher and would be very helpful for those new to Chorus - especially being shown what not to do, as ...
Read MoreGreat course - very clear and well presented. A good refresher and would be very helpful for those new to Chorus - especially being shown what not to do, as well as what to do (eg scooping etc).
Read LessGreat program
Karen Wolfe
This is a great program with a combination of theory easily explained and exercises you can take with you. Loved the exercise on diphthongs
This is a great program with a combination of theory easily explained and exercises you can take with you. Loved the exercise on diphthongs
Read LessQuestions? Want more information?
Have questions or need an ensemble license?
