Song Coaching Workshop: Professional Development for Vocal Coaches and Instructors

Goodspeed’s Song Coaching Workshop is a unique professional development opportunity for anyone who coaches musical theatre artists on the academic, amateur, or professional level. Professor Brent Wagner, Emeritus Chair of the University of Michigan Musical Theatre Department, will lead this workshop designed to help educators and artists improve their ability to coach actors at any level on the dramatic interpretation of a musical theatre song. Under Professor Wagner’s guidance, participants will coach singers individually, receiving feedback along with tools for analyzing the specific combination of music and lyrics to interpret the writers’ intent.

For a small additional fee, participants may also observe Professor Wagner lead his Audition Master Class for high school students the previous day, Saturday, August 10th. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to improve your skills as a musical theatre song coach!

Limited spaces. Financial assistance may be available.

Application Deadline: Friday, July 19

Final Notification of Acceptance: Friday, July 26

Schedule (Subject to Change):   

    9:00am        Opening Remarks   

    9:30am        Participant Introductions   

    10:00am        Song Analysis Presentation   

    11:00am        Coaching Practicum Prep Time   

    11:30am        Coaching Practicum*   

    12:30pm        Lunch   

    1:30pm        Coaching Practicum, Continued   

    3:00pm        Break   

    3:15pm        Coaching Demonstration   

    4:15pm        College Auditions Roundtable

*During the Coaching Practicum, each participant will lead a 10 minute coaching session with a student volunteer on a previously selected song. Following each coaching session, Professor Wagner will provide feedback and lead a discussion on the coaching techniques used by each participant.