student teacher manual

6th February 2015| v 2.6

Copyright © 2015 Institute for Vocal Advancement Page | 2

Table of Contents

1. Welcome ................................................................................................................... 4

2. What’s next – first steps .......................................................................................... 6

2.1 Login to the Teachers’ Dashboard ................................................................................ 6

2.2 Contact your Area Representative ................................................................................ 6

2.3 Read the Teacher’s Manual ............................................................................................ 7

2.4 Structure your education ............................................................................................... 7

2.5 Book your lessons ........................................................................................................... 8

2.6 Read the IVA newsletters and emails ............................................................................ 8

2.7 Join the IVA Teachers Only Facebook Group ............................................................... 8

3. How to plan your education ................................................................................... 9

3.1 Local events ..................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Private voice lessons ...................................................................................................... 9

3.3 Mock Teacher Tests ..................................................................................................... 10

3.4 Teacher Testing ............................................................................................................ 11

3.5 Required Reading ........................................................................................................ 12

3.6 Online Written Tests .................................................................................................... 13

3.7 Elective Courses ........................................................................................................... 14

3.8 Reflective Learning ...................................................................................................... 14

3.9 Mentoring ..................................................................................................................... 15

4. How to book and journal your lessons ................................................................ 16

4.1 Master Teacher lessons ............................................................................................... 16

4.2 Advanced and Mentor Teacher lessons ..................................................................... 16

4.3 Journaling lessons ....................................................................................................... 17

4.4 Journaling Other Education ........................................................................................ 18

5. Payment of Education ........................................................................................... 19

5.1 Annual License Fee ...................................................................................................... 19

5.2 Lesson fees ................................................................................................................... 19


5.3 Event fees ..................................................................................................................... 19

6. How to prepare for teacher testing ...................................................................... 20

6.1 Practice the six (6) main IVA patterns ........................................................................ 20

6.2 Attend Teacher Trainings ............................................................................................ 20

6.3 Study and use specific terminology ........................................................................... 20

6.4 Include IVA lesson structure and knowledge in your lessons .................................. 21

6.8 Observe the Master Teachers teaching ...................................................................... 21

6.5 Teach many different singers ..................................................................................... 22

6.6 Review the lessons you have taught .......................................................................... 22

6.7 Do mock testing on a regular basis ............................................................................ 22

6.9 Calm your nerves ......................................................................................................... 22

7. The test itself (Master Teacher observing) .......................................................... 23

7.1 Focus on the singer ...................................................................................................... 23

7.2 Listen to the singer’s voice and needs ....................................................................... 23

7.3 Talk to the singer, NOT the Master Teacher .............................................................. 23

7.4 Stick with the IVA lesson structure ............................................................................. 23

7.5 Be flexible ..................................................................................................................... 24

7.6 Don’t teach into the two-minute warning ................................................................. 24

7.7 Take a second and breathe ......................................................................................... 24

7.8 Focus on the improvement of the singer’s voice ...................................................... 24

8. What else can I do to improve my teaching? ....................................................... 25

8.1 Attend IVACON ............................................................................................................ 25

8.2 Participate in IVA book club discussions (Currently on hold) .................................. 25

8.3 Exchange with other IVA teachers ............................................................................. 25

5. Important contact information ............................................................................ 26

Appendix 1 – IVA Scale Patterns ............................................................................... 27


1. Welcome Dear IVA Student Teacher,

Thank you for signing up with the Institute for Vocal Advancement and welcome to

our voice teacher community. We are happy to have the chance to work with you, and

we are committed to provide you with the best educational experience possible!

Ahead of you lies an exciting journey of studying and learning, joining a supportive

community, making new friends, participating in discussions with like-minded voice

professionals, facing new challenges, and growing above and beyond as a professional

voice instructor.

Everyone at IVA is committed to providing you with the most current and up-to-date

vocal and pedagogical knowledge, and supports you in your development as a voice

instructor. It is our goal to help you feel safe and comfortable in your voice studies, as

well as in the IVA community, and to create an inspiring environment for every teacher

to learn and grow.

We all know what it feels like to be a student and to get started with new studies.

We’ve all been there, and we believe that all of us, from Student Teachers to Master

Teachers, will never stop learning. You will have many questions, maybe some

insecurities, and probably lots of motivation and dreams for your professional future.

At times you might feel challenged, and at other times a breakthrough. All of this is

part of the process and part of growing as a person and as a professional voice

teacher. Please know that we are here to support you and make the process as smooth

as possible.

You are probably aware of the Student Teacher requirements needed in order to

receive your IVA Instructor I Certificate. In this “Getting Started Guide” we are offering

guidance on the best ways to start your education.


The guide will assist you in structuring your education so you can get started right

away. It will also give you some hands-on advice on preparing for your first IVA teacher

test so you’re set up for success from the beginning.

We hope you enjoy your studies at IVA. We wish you continued success in your

endeavors as a voice teacher and we are looking forward to working with you.

Kind regards,

Stephanie Borm-Krueger

Director of Student Teacher Program


2. What’s next – first steps

2.1 Login to the Teachers’ Dashboard

Now that you have signed up for the Student Teacher Program, take a moment to log

into the teachers’ dashboard and take a look around. The dashboard is central to your

education so it’s important that you familiarize yourself with it. On the dashboard you

will find:

• Details of your Area Representative

• Your Educational Requirements

• Your Education Journals

• Your payments to IVA

• Details of upcoming events and webinars

• Access to the IVA Core Pedagogy keynotes

• The recommended reading list

• Voice Trainers list

It’s important that you log in regularly to the dashboard, as this is your central resource

as a teacher.

2.2 Contact your Area Representative

As a first step you should contact your IVA Area Representative (AR) via email or phone

to introduce yourself. You will find their contact information on the home page of the

dashboard.

The Area Representative is an IVA teacher who is selected by IVA to look after an area

of teachers. They are responsible for organizing events, answering your questions and

looking after teachers in their area.

It’s important that you stay in touch with your AR. The AR will be able to answer most

of your questions regarding the certification process, assist you in journaling your


fulfilled requirements, and keep you informed about upcoming IVA events in your

area.

2.3 Read the Teacher’s Manual

There is a comprehensive Teacher’s Manual available to download from the teachers’

dashboard, as well as information about the educational requirements. The manual

also has details regarding requirements needed once you achieve the Instructor I

certificate. There are additional details about IVA’s procedures and what happens

when you reach higher levels. We highly recommend you read everything so you

know what to expect as you continue with IVA.

2.4 Structure your education

Before you begin you should structure your education, spreading out the

requirements so they make sense in the learning process and you don’t put too much

pressure on yourself.

The dates of regional IVA events, IVA webinars and online training and IVACON, IVA’s

Teachers’ Conference, will be announced in the IVA newsletters. Check the teachers’

dashboard often so you can mark your calendar and work these events into your

schedule.

Private voice lessons with Master Teachers (MTs), as well as Advanced and Mentor

Instructors, Mock Teacher Testing and Testing lessons are flexible time wise and

scheduling is your responsibility.

Teacher testing lessons can only be scheduled once all other educational

requirements have been completed and must be completed between September and

October of each year.

In order to create the best learning situation and process possible, make sure to start

with your private voice lessons immediately and take them on a regular basis.


You will find more detailed recommendations on how to structure the elements of

your education in Chapter 3.

2.5 Book your lessons

Now it’s time to schedule your first lessons with the IVA Master Teachers (MTs) and the

IVA Advanced and Mentor Teachers.

You will find more information on how to structure your private lessons in Chapter 3.2.

The contact information of the IVA Master Teachers, as well as IVA Advanced and

Mentor Teachers can be found on the IVA web site:

http://www.vocaladvancement.com/find-a-teacher/.

All Master Teachers have a 24 to 48 hour cancelation policy. You will be charged for

the lesson if appropriate notice is not given.

2.6 Read the IVA newsletters and emails

Please make sure to read the current IVA newsletters and emails, as well as all Area

Representative’s emails. These notifications will provide you with important

information about the IVA organization, upcoming dates of events, and updates about

IVA education.

2.7 Join the IVA Teachers Only Facebook Group

IVA has a teachers’ forum on Facebook where you can network, share resources, ask

questions and get support from your fellow teachers. IVA will also post important

updates from the newsletters and emails.

You can request to join the group by emailing Corey: [email protected].


3. How to plan your education

3.1 Local events

Local IVA events will be organized and hosted by your Area Representative (AR). The

event is usually one full day of Teacher Training with an IVA Master Teacher (MT),

additional days of private lessons with the MT, and a Public Master Class.

Your AR, the IVA newsletter and teachers’ dashboard will keep you posted on

upcoming events as early as possible. We recommend taking advantage of local

events even if you have already attended an IVA webinar.

Events specific to your area are the opportunity for intensive study with an MT,

networking with IVA teachers in your area, and personal involvement in the IVA

teacher community. Add these events to your calendar and schedule your teaching

around them.

Take advantage of observing the MTs teaching private lessons during regional events

whenever possible. Observation of MT lessons are not mandatory, however, they carry

enormous learning potential towards your education.

If Public Master Classes are offered at your local event you may also bring your

students to learn from an MT and have them study with them while you’re observing

and receive important input on how to keep working with them in the future.

3.2 Private voice lessons

When you sign up with IVA you have 12 to 24 months to complete all the education

requirements.

You are required to complete three (3) hours of private voice lessons with a Master

Teacher and five (5) hours of private lessons with either a Master Teacher, or Advanced

or Mentor Instructors, also known as our “Voice Trainers,” before August


31st of each year, totaling eight (8) hours of private lessons. (Details of the Voice

Trainers can be found on the teacher dashboard)

The Teacher Testing season is September through October of each year, and testing

lessons are to be taken during this time.

These eight (8) hours of private lessons are meant for your vocal development only.

They are not meant for mock testing. Those hours are in addition to your private

lessons.

We recommend taking private lessons on a regular basis instead of rushing to take all

of them in a short period of time.

You should plan to have 30 or 60-minute lesson every other week. Please remember

that the Master Teachers have a busy schedule so you will need to schedule your

lessons far enough in advance so they are able to accommodate you.

If you get the chance to work with a Master Teacher in person at a regional IVA event

you should definitely take advantage of it, instead of only taking lessons via Skype.

Make sure to book these lessons immediately when registration of the regional event

goes online as they fill up quickly.

Keep in mind that the required ten (10) hours of private voice lessons are the

minimum requirement. Most teachers require more lessons for their vocal

development or just choose to do more so they increase their education.

3.3 Mock Teacher Tests

You are required to complete 3 (3) hours of Mock Teacher Testing to prepare for

your testing at the end of your Student Teacher (ST) Phase (September to October).


We recommend completing Mock Tests no later than early August so you have

enough time to reflect and implement the Master Teacher’s (MT) suggestions

regarding your teaching.

Mock Testing is a simulated testing situation. You will teach a singer that you haven’t

worked with before and one of the MTs will observe you, just like in a real testing

situation. You have 20 minutes to complete the lesson. Then the singer leaves the

room and the MT will give you feedback on your lesson regarding all aspects required

in an IVA testing lesson. The feedback will help you work on specific areas of teaching

that need improvement before your official testing lessons.

The three (3) hours of Mock Testing is the required minimum. For most teachers it is

extremely useful to complete additional Mock Tests before their actual testing.

3.4 Teacher Testing

At the end of your Student Teacher phase you will complete testing lessons with a

Master Teacher (MT) of your choice. It’s very important to remember that you will not

be allowed to test with an MT you have studied with the year you are testing in.

Your Testing will involve one (1) 60-minute Voice Test and two (2) 30-minute lessons

of you teaching two singers (30 minutes each), while the MT is observing you (20

minutes of teaching + 10 minutes of feedback for each 30 minute session.) These

testing lessons where the MT observes you teaching must be completed with a

student you have not taught before.

The Voice Test will be structured like a regular voice lesson. The MT will check your

ability to transition through your first bridge in the exercises and will give you

feedback and exercises to improve your voice further. You may also be asked to sing

part of a song.

In the two (2) 30-minute testing lessons with the MT observing you, you will be

teaching a singer that you haven’t worked with before. You will be asked to teach a 20-


minute lesson containing all the aspects of an IVA lesson for the Instructor I Certificate.

You will learn all of these aspects in your Teacher Training and Webinars. In the 10-

minute discussion afterward you will receive feedback on your lesson and learn if you

passed or failed.

In order to complete all your requirements for the IVA Instructor I Certificate you must

pass ALL parts of your testing.

If you fail any part of your testing you may repeat that part of the test any time after

four weeks have passed from your original testing date, with the same MT.

Since testing season is always a very busy season for MTs please make sure to schedule

your testing lessons well in advance.

3.5 Required Reading

In order to broaden their understanding of subjects such as vocal pedagogy and voice

science, teachers must read one (1) book or one (1) online article per year. Books and

articles should be chosen from the “Required Reading” list, accessible through the

Teacher Dashboard. This list is organized by educational level and you are expected to

choose a book or article at your level.

After reading each book and article, the teacher should write a write book report of

300-500 words in the Journals section of the Teacher Dashboard. For the book report,

the teacher should include the book title and a short summary of the main points.

For those of you who have no experience writing book reports or have concerns, here

are some informative articles that you may reference:

http://www.infoplease.com/homework/wsbookreporths.html

This article simplifies while touching on the main aspects of the structure of the report:

A proper introduction, a body that covers the content (main thesis and arguments of

the book), and a conclusion. Since it's only 500 words this should be brief.


http://library.concordia.ca/help/howto/bookreports.html

While more involved, the "critical comments" section in this article is extremely

informative. Basically, you should describe the main thesis or point of the book and

article, if you thought the author did a good job developing their argument, and if you

agree or disagree (or maybe you agree with some points and disagree with others.)

We are not as concerned so much about spelling or grammar; however, we are

interested in what you learned from the book and article.

3.6 Online Written Tests

Every teacher will be required to complete online written tests based on the IVA core

pedagogy Keynotes that are available on the Teacher’s Dashboard. These tests consist

of multiple choices and true/false questions where you are required to score 100%.

The system will indicate correct and wrong answers, giving you the opportunity to

revise any wrong answers.

These are “open-book” tests, which means you can answer the questions using the

Keynotes for the answers.

The core pedagogy is set at 100, 200, 300, etc. levels. Basically, teachers are required to

complete all tests for their level of certification; meaning, Instructor 1 teachers will

complete 100 tests, Instructor 2 teachers will complete 100 and 200 tests, Instructor 3

teachers complete 100, 200 and 300 tests, etc.

You will not need to complete all online tests every year. You have the two years you

remain in a certification level to complete all 10 tests for each level. So Student

Teachers have 2 years to complete all ten (10) 100 tests, Instructor I have 2 years to

complete all ten (10) 200 tests etc.


If you are a higher level you will need to take the previous levels retroactively as they

become available, otherwise, you will take the required level as you achieve that

certification tier.

3.7 Elective Courses

It is important to IVA that teachers begin to develop their skills in areas outside of

technique in order to facilitate them becoming a well-rounded teacher. The elective

modules of education cover a variety of things we feel teachers would benefit from

learning as well as those that have been requested. These cover elements of style,

business, musicality, performance and more. Every year we re-examine the elective

modules we offer and introduce new classes as well as refining and expanding old

classes.

All of these classes are delivered online and each course is offered twice a year at

different times of the day to allow teachers all over the world to attend at a convenient

time.

All classes are recorded, however we expect teachers to attend a minimum of two (2)

out of three (3) live webinars. The majority of modules consist of 3 60-minute long

group classes plus an individual 60-minute lesson with the course lecturer.

In some modules the individual lesson may be substituted for another learning tool of

similar value.

Details of the elective courses available are listed on the teacher dashboard with the

links to book a place.

3.8 Reflective Learning

You will be asked to record two 30-minute voice lessons with two of your students

(different students), and listen back to your teaching of that lesson. IVA will provide


sample questions to help you assess the lesson. You can then journal these thoughts

in paragraph or point form in order to receive educational credit.

There is no additional cost for this educational item, however, if you want additional

feedback on your lesson you have the option to book a Master Teacher Assessment of

your lesson. If you choose this option the MT will listen back to the recording you have

uploaded to the system and provide you detailed feedback of your lesson. This can be

helpful if you have a specific student you are struggling with and want a Master

Teacher’s opinion, or if you want to compare your own assessment of the lesson with

that of an MT. The optional cost for this will be $70 per lesson and can be scheduled

through the teachers’ dashboard.

3.9 Mentoring

You will need to undertake four (4) hours of mentoring with an Advanced or Mentor

level Instructor. This is still to be finalized by IVA, but will involve the Instructor guiding

you through an IVA keynote, and answering any questions you have.


4. How to book and journal your lessons

4.1 Master Teacher lessons

Currently there are Six (6) IVA Master Teachers (MT) available for your required Master

Teacher voice lessons. You can choose freely what MTs you would like to study with,

but remember that you cannot test with an MT you have private lessons with that

year. All MTs teach out of their own studios as well as remotely (via Skype.)

We recommend the following:

• Take your private voice lessons with more than just one MT. You don’t have to

study with more than one MT, however, it is good to get another perspective

on your voice.

• Pick one of the MTs in January you wish to test with and make sure you don’t

study with that MT during the year.

• Some of the MTs use an online scheduling service on their web site, and some

of them are contacted via email to schedule lessons. All MTs are to be paid

directly for their lessons at a rate of $160.00 USD. This is the IVA rate and is the

same no matter which MT you choose to study with.

Since the MTs have a fairly busy schedule, make sure to plan and schedule your

lessons well ahead of time.

Contact the MTs directly to schedule your lessons. You will find the MTs’ contact

information on the IVA web site in the teacher directory.

4.2 Advanced and Mentor Teacher lessons

You can take three (3) of your eight (8) required private lessons with an IVA Advanced

or Mentor teacher who is part of the “Voice Trainer” group.


You will find those teachers, including their contact information, on the teachers’

dashboard under “Education.”

All Voice Trainers must be paid directly:

• Advanced Instructor lessons are $100.00 USD per hour.

• Mentor Instructor lessons are $125.00 USD per hour.

If you are planning to journal your lesson with an Advanced or Mentor Instructor you

must inform them of in advance.

If you wish to take all ten (10) hours of required private voice lesson with an MT, this is

also acceptable.

4.3 Journaling lessons

You must journal all of your lessons and fulfilled requirements in your online

education journal within 48 hours after completion.

When you log into the teachers’ dashboard under Journals > My Journal

Requirements, you will find your educational requirements for the Student Teacher

phase. Under the “Private Lessons” header you will see where to journal these private

lessons.

The online education journal entry form will ask you for the name of the Master

Teacher (MT) or the instructor, the date and length of lesson, as well as comments

regarding your completed lesson.

Please make sure to compose a comment that clearly reflects what you have learned in

this lesson.

Only journals with clearly stated comments will be approved by the MT. A few lines are

sufficient in the comment session; it does not need to be lengthy or describe a blow-

by-blow account of everything that was done in the lesson.


As soon as the MT has approved your journal you will receive an email notification.

Once the journal has been saved you will received a notification email. You will receive

a second email once the Instructor has approved the lesson.

Sometimes an Instructor will require more information from you, in which case the

system will send you an email asking you to provide more information on the journal.

Once submitted the system will email the instructor and you will receive confirmation

once it’s approved.

4.4 Journaling Other Education

When you log into the teachers’ dashboard under Journals > My Journal

Requirements, you will find your educational requirements for the Student Teacher

phase. Under each header you will see where to journal sessions that belong under

that header.

When you are journaling the session please ensure you select the correct instructor

from the drop-down list.

Once the journal has been saved you will receive an email. You will then receive a

second email once the Instructor has approved the lesson.

Sometimes an Instructor will require more information from you, in which case the

system will send you an email asking you to provide more information on the journal

Once submitted the system will email the instructor and you will receive confirmation

once it’s approved.


5. Payment of Education

5.1 Annual License Fee

During your Student Teacher phase there are no annual fees. Your application fee

covers all administration fees during this portion of your education.

Once you are certified you will pay a yearly license fee of $450. You can choose from

different payment plans (annually, bi-annually, quarterly or monthly) on your profile.

5.2 Lesson fees

Payment of Master Teacher (MT) private lessons, mock testing and testing hours are

paid to the MT directly. Most MTs use PayPal, Credit Card and/or check/cash.

Payments for Advanced and Mentor Instructors are paid directly to them.

5.3 Event fees

Payment for local events, webinars and IVACON (Teacher Conference), are paid via

Credit Card or PayPal on the IVA teachers’ dashboard, or by invoice from IVA.


6. How to prepare for teacher testing Here is some advice on how to prepare for your first IVA testing at the end of your

Student Teacher (ST) phase. Depending on your previous experience some points will

apply more than others.

6.1 Practice the six (6) main IVA patterns

The ability to play the Six (6) main IVA patterns in all keys is a prerequisite to join IVA.

Make sure to keep practicing the patterns on the piano in all keys so you are able to

play them during a lesson without looking at the piano. It’s important to focus on your

student 100% while playing the scales in all keys and different tempos. Appendix 1

has all the patterns in all the keys for practice.

6.2 Attend Teacher Trainings

Attend at least one Teacher Training day in your area during the ST phase. If you can

attend additional webinars it’s a definite advantage for you.

Teacher Training will provide the latest IVA pedagogy, terminology and teaching

advice from the MT. It is also a great opportunity for live, private voice lessons and

mock testing with an MT, as well as networking with other IVA teachers in your region.

6.3 Study and use specific terminology

In voice pedagogy there is specific terminology that is used in Teacher Training and

private lessons. Make sure to become familiar with this terminology and its meaning.

Use this terminology in the lessons with your students in ways that the singer

understands.

You will learn the specific terminology in your private voice lessons with the MTs, on

Teacher Training days and at IVACON (Teacher Conference.) If English is not your

native language make sure to find the appropriate translation.


You are required to do the main parts of your IVA testing in English so you must be

fluent in the specific terminology and IVA phrasing.

6.4 Include IVA lesson structure and knowledge in your lessons

Implement your latest IVA studies into your daily lessons. During testing you should be

able to teach the lesson using the IVA lesson structure, however, IVA language and

execution will also be important.

Make sure you’ve memorized the IVA lesson structure and all other important aspects

and be able to use them under pressure. Teaching all of this in your daily lessons is the

best way to internalize it and have it ready for your testing.

The more comfortable you are teaching these elements in your lessons, the easier and

more natural it will be during your testing.

6.8 Observe the Master Teachers teaching

Even though it is not required for your certification we highly recommend observing

the IVA Master Teachers during their lessons. You will learn a lot of different teaching

aspects by watching the MTs teach. Take advantage of this opportunity whenever you

get the chance. Best occasions are during IVA local events and Teacher Training.

If you live close to an MT’s studio you can inquire about joining the MT for a few hours

of their lesson time. Please make sure to observe the MT quietly and not disturb the

lesson or the student in any way.

Some MTs will allow online observation via Skype. You should contact the MTs to ask if

this is available.

Please remember that permission for observing lessons is ultimately with the student

being taught. If they are not comfortable being observed you will be asked to leave

the room.


6.5 Teach many different singers

The more experience you have with teaching different singers during your ST phase,

the easier it will be for you to be flexible when you teach a brand-new student during

your testing.

If you don’t have very many students yet you can ask friends and colleagues if you can

give them a short lesson in order to practice your lesson structure and teaching skills.

6.6 Review the lessons you have taught

Ask your students if it’s okay to record their lessons. Listen back to the lessons and

write down what worked well and what you would like to improve.

6.7 Do mock testing on a regular basis

There are two (2) 30-minutes of mock testing required in your ST phase that will help

you prepare for testing. Scheduling mock tests on a regular basis with the MTs,

especially in the second-half of your ST phase, will help you to feel more confident in

an testing situation. You can schedule mock testing just like any private voice lesson

with an MT. Additional mock testing will not count toward your certification but can

be entered in your education journal.

6.9 Calm your nerves

In most cases teachers feel nervous when it comes to testing. This is perfectly natural,

however, you want to prepare yourself internally for the testing situations so you can

stay focused. Talk to other teachers who have completed testing to get an even better

idea about what to expect. Sometimes it’s helpful to walk yourself through a possible

lesson.

Schedule mock tests with different MTs, (NOT with the one you will be doing your

actual testing with), and receive some feedback on your teaching. This will help you

with the emotional aspect of testing and give you valuable input on your teaching.


7. The test itself (Master Teacher observing)

7.1 Focus on the singer

You may be nervous during your testing, as you want to teach your best and pass the

testing. Try to focus on your student and give them the best lesson possible. This

usually takes the focus off you and your nervousness and helps you give your “all” as a

teacher. Remember, it is not about you but about the singer and their improvement.

Remember that the Master Teacher wants you to pass your testing and is there to

support you in the process.

If you are particularly nervous try taking a few deep breaths before you start.

7.2 Listen to the singer’s voice and needs

Your student’s voice and needs as a singer will guide you through the lesson. Make

sure to listen carefully so you will meet their needs and help them improve their voice.

Stay as flexible as possible in your approach, adjusting your lesson goals if necessary.

7.3 Talk to the singer, NOT the Master Teacher

During your testing lesson exclusively talk to your student, NOT to the Master Teacher

(MT)! Act “as if” the MT wasn’t there and completely focus on your student.

7.4 Stick with the IVA lesson structure

Make sure to teach an IVA lesson. Try not to forget important aspects of the method

and don’t add anything that goes against the IVA philosophy, just like in your regular

teaching.


7.5 Be flexible

When following your lesson plan make sure to remain flexible. React to what the

singer brings up and what is happening vocally. If parts of your approach don’t work

don’t insist, but move on to something else.

7.6 Don’t teach into the two-minute warning

The Master Teacher will give you a two-minute warning at the end of your lesson

helping you to end the lesson in time. Stop the lesson then and begin your summary

portion of the testing.

7.7 Take a second and breathe

If you get nervous or confused during your lesson take a few seconds to breathe and

collect yourself. Focus on your student and what you want to teach and keep going.

7.8 Focus on the improvement of the singer’s voice

Even if you feel like certain aspects of your lesson are not going perfectly, keep

focusing on the improvement of your student’s voice. This is the most important part

of your testing. The Master Teacher wants you to pass your testing and will not fail you

on little details if the overall lesson is fine.


8. What else can I do to improve my teaching?

8.1 Attend IVACON

IVA will host a yearly international Teacher Conference, IVACON, that is open to IVA

instructors. This week-long event is the highlight of the IVA year. IVA teachers from all

over the world come together for an intensive week of education, networking and fun.

You do not want to miss IVACON!

The costs for this event are not included in the estimated costs of your Student

Teacher phase. Expect additional expenses for the conference fee, accommodation

and airfare (if applicable).

IVACON dates will be announced as early as possible on the IVA teachers’ dashboard

and in the IVA newsletters.

8.2 Participate in IVA book club discussions (Currently on hold)

Every IVA Student Teacher and Certified Instructor is welcome to join the IVA book

club. On a regular basis there will be announcements of educational voice literature

that the members will read and discuss online.

The book club is currently on hold and will be re-launched in the future.

8.3 Exchange with other IVA teachers

Studying and learning is always more fun and effective with like-minded peers. Make

sure to get together with other IVA Student Teachers and Certified Instructors in your

area on a regular basis. Local Teacher Trainings and IVACON are great ways to network

and exchange knowledge and experience. Other options are the IVA book club (see

above), the IVA Facebook page and staying connected with your Area Representative.


5. Important contact information To schedule your private voice lessons, and for this matter only, please contact the

Master Teachers directly. You will find their contact information on the IVA Web site.

In regard to all IVA matters and inquiries besides scheduling of lessons please contact

Corey: [email protected]. (Corey does schedule for Jeffrey Skouson, so

you can contact her for his schedule as well.)

In regard to payment and technical problems, please contact Tom,

[email protected].

All the best in your studies with IVA!


Appendix 1 – IVA Scale Patterns

& c1

œ œ œ œG

œ œ œ œ w œb œb œ œbAb

œb œb œ œb wb

&7 œ œ œ# œA

œ œ œ# œ w œb œ œ œbBb

œ œb œ œ wb

&13 œ œ# œ# œB

œ# œ œ# œ# w œ œ œ œC

œ œ œ œ w

&19 œb œb œ œbDb

œb œb œ œb wb œ œ œ# œD

œ œ œ# œ w

&25 œb œ œ œbEb

œb œb œ œ wb œ œ# œ# œE

œ œ œ# œ# w

&31 œ œ œ œbF œ œb œ œ w œ# œ# œ# œ

F# œ# œ œ# œ# w#

5T - 5 Tone Scale

& 431

œb œ œBb œb œ œ œb œ œ .˙b

&5 œ œ# œ#B œ œ œ œ œ# œ# .˙

&9 œ œ œC œ œ œ œ œ œ .˙

&13 œb œ œbDb œb œ œ œb œb œ .˙b

&17 œ œ# œD œ œ œ œ œ œ# .˙

&21 œb œ œbEb œb œ œ œb œb œ .˙b

&25 œ œ# œE œ œ œ œ œ œ# .˙

1R - Octave Repeat

&29 œ œ œF œ œ œ œ œ œ .˙

&33 œ# œ# œ#F# œ# œ œ œ# œ# œ# .˙#

&37 œ œ œG œ œ œ œ œ œ .˙

&41 œb œ œbAb œb œ œ œb œb œ .˙b

&45 œ œ# œA œ œ œ œ œ œ# .˙

2

& 431

œ œ œG

œ œ œ œ œ œ#D7

œ œ œ .˙G

&6 œb œ œbAb

œb œ œb œb œb œEb7

œb œb œb .˙bAb

&11 œ œ# œA

œ œ# œ œ œ œ#E7

œ œ œ .˙A

&16 œb œ œBb

œb œ œ œb œ œF7

œ œb œ .˙bBb

&21 œ œ# œ#B

œ œ# œ# œ œ# œ#F#7

œ# œ œ# .˙B

&26 œ œ œC œ œ œ œ œ œ

G7

œ œ œ .˙C

&31 œb œ œbDb œb œ œb œb œb œAb7

œb œb œb .˙bDb

1.5 - Octave & Half

&36 œ œ# œD œ œ# œ œ œ œ#A7

œ œ œ .˙D

&41 œb œ œbEb œb œ œb œb œ œBb7

œb œb œ .˙bEb

&46 œ œ# œE œ œ# œ œ œ# œ#B7

œ œ œ# .˙E

&51 œ œ œF œ œ œ œb œ œC7 œ œb œ .˙

F

&56 œ# œ# œ#F# œ# œ# œ# œ œ# œ#C#7 œ# œ œ# .˙#F#

2

& 431 œb œ œBb

œb œ œ œb œ œ œb œ œ œb œ œ .˙b

&7 œ œ# œ#B

œ œ# œ# œ œ# œ# œ œ# œ# œ œ# œ# .˙

&13 œ œ œC

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ .˙

&19 œb œb œDb

œb œ œb œb œb œ œb œ œb œb œb œ .˙b

&25 œ œ œ#D

œ œ# œ œ œ œ# œ œ# œ œ œ œ# .˙

&31 œb œb œEb


&37 œ œ œ#E


1D - Octave Down

&43 œ œ œF


&49 œ# œ# œ#F#

œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# .˙#

&55 œ œ œG


&61 œb œb œAb


&67 œ œ œ#A


2

& 431

œb œ œBb

œb œ œ œb œ œ œb œ œ .˙b

&6 œ œ# œ#B

œ œ# œ# œ œ# œ# œ œ# œ# .˙

&11 œ œ œC œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ .˙

&16 œb œb œDb œb œb œ œb œb œ œb œb œ .˙b

&21 œ œ œ#D œ œ œ# œ œ œ# œ œ œ# .˙

&26 œb œb œEb œb œb œ œb œb œ œb œb œ .˙b

&31 œ œ œ#E œ œ œ# œ œ œ# œ œ œ# .˙

1B - Octave Broken

&36 œ œ œF œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ .˙

&41 œ# œ# œ#F# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# œ# .˙#

&46 œ œ œG œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ .˙

&51 œb œb œAb œb œb œ œb œb œ œb œb œ .˙b

&56 œ œ œ#A œ œ œ# œ œ œ# œ œ œ# .˙

2

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