Vocal Foundations I & II
Fall 2026
Progressive Vocal Training for Adult Singers
Vocal Foundations offers adult singing classes in San Diego for singers who want to build healthy technique, expand their range, and sing with greater confidence. Choose Vocal Foundations I or II based on your experience and goals. No audition is required, and classes are held in a welcoming group setting.
Strengthen your voice, build confidence, and develop healthy singing skills in a supportive group setting. Choose the course that best matches your experience and goals.
No audition required. Space is limited.
Fall 2026 registration is now available.
Build technique.
Expand range.
Sing with confidence.
Part of SD Master Chorale’s Learning Studio Programs.
VOCAL FOUNDATIONS - LEVEL I
Build a strong foundation.
September 15–November 3, 2026
Tuesdays | 7:00–8:30 PM
Class dates: September 15, 22, & 29; October 6, 13, 20, and 27; and November 3, 2026.
Strengthen your voice, expand your range, and sing with greater ease and confidence.
Designed for entry- to mid-level singers, Vocal Foundations – Level I is a supportive, skill-building “vocal gym.” Through guided exercises and accessible music, you’ll develop healthy coordination, clearer tone, greater stamina, smoother registration transitions, and practical habits for continued growth.
You’ll work on:
- Breath coordination and efficient alignment
- Clear, resonant tone
- Smoother register transitions
- Safe range expansion
- Legato singing, phrasing, and diction
- Dynamics, agility, and stamina
- Vocal health and effective home practice
Each 90-minute class combines group technique work, musical application, guided feedback, and practical practice strategies.
Vocal Foundations I is ideal for:
- Newer singers
- Adults returning to singing after time away
- Community singers seeking greater confidence and consistency
- Singers who want to strengthen their vocal technique
No audition or previous formal vocal training is required.
VOCAL FOUNDATIONS - LEVEL II
Take Your Technique Further
September 16–November 4, 2026
Wednesdays | 7:00–8:30 PM
Class dates: September 16, 23, & 30; October 7, 14, 21, and 28; and November 4, 2026.
Take the next step in your vocal development. Vocal Foundations – Level II builds on foundational skills to help singers develop greater flexibility, stamina, control, and expressive confidence.
You’ll work on:
- Consistent coordination throughout your vocal range
- Greater flexibility, agility, and stamina
- Dynamic control and sustained phrases
- Resonance, vowels, and tone color
- Clearer diction and more expressive phrasing
- Independent practice and repertoire study
Each 90-minute class combines focused technical training, musical application, guided coaching, and practical strategies for healthy practice. Individual singing and informal sharing are encouraged but always optional.
Vocal Foundations II is ideal for:
- Graduates of Vocal Foundations I
- Singers with comparable vocal training or experience
- Singers comfortable matching pitch
- Singers able to sing short melodic passages independently
- Singers comfortable reading basic sheet music
Recommended prerequisite: Vocal Foundations I or equivalent experience.
CLASS INFORMATION
Tuition: $280 per 8-week course
Advance registration is required. Space is limited and enrollment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Classes take place at SD Master Chorale’s Learning Studio in Mission Valley, on the campus of First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
LOCATION
San Diego Master Chorale Learning Studio
First United Methodist Church of San Diego
2111 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108
WHICH COURSE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Tuition: $280
Choose Vocal Foundations I if you:
- Are newer to formal vocal training
- Are returning to singing after time away
- Want to build healthy foundational technique
- Want greater confidence, range, and consistency
- Have limited music-reading experience
Choose Vocal Foundations II if you:
- Have completed Vocal Foundations I or similar training
- Can confidently match pitch
- Can sing short melodic passages independently
- Are comfortable reading basic sheet music
- Want greater control, flexibility, and expression
Still unsure? Contact us at 858-581-2203 or email duncan@sdmasterchorale.org, and we’ll help you choose.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Duncan Matthew is a conductor, educator, and tenor dedicated to building community through music. He serves as Lecturer in Voice and Choir at California State University San Marcos and as Operations and Engagement Coordinator for the San Diego Master Chorale.
Duncan earned his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Florida State University and his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance from Gustavus Adolphus College. He has held conducting, teaching, and leadership roles with ensembles across the country, including the National Lutheran Choir and the San Diego Master Chorale.
With experience spanning vocal pedagogy, conducting, and music theory, Duncan is passionate about guiding singers of all levels toward confidence, healthy technique, and joyful music-making. Beyond his musical life, he enjoys sewing, spending time with his partner and their corgis Noodle and Soup, staying active through fitness, and exploring the world of video games.
FAQs
No. Vocal Foundations courses are training programs, not auditioned ensembles.
Choose Vocal Foundations I if you are newer to vocal training, returning after time away, or want to strengthen your foundational technique. Choose Vocal Foundations II if you have completed Vocal Foundations I or have comparable experience and are comfortable matching pitch, singing short melodic passages independently, and reading basic sheet music.
If you are still unsure, contact us at duncan@sdmasterchorale.org.
Yes. Advance registration is required for all classes. Space is limited, and enrollment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Class fees are nonrefundable.
Regular attendance is strongly encouraged because each class builds on the previous week. Important concepts will be reviewed and reinforced throughout the course.
There is no formal performance. Informal sharing opportunities may be offered, but participation is always optional.
Bring water, a pencil, and a willingness to experiment and learn.
Yes. San Diego Master Chorale is committed to making Vocal Foundations accessible to all. Scholarships are available for participants with financial need.
Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified within one week of submitting the re and you will be notified within one week of submitting the required application form.
Vocal Foundations is part of the San Diego Master Chorale Learning Studio. Singers can also explore Choral Foundations for ensemble-focused training or discover other community engagement programs.