SYSTEM NOTES

The programme has been deliberately designed to be used with backing-tracks and the accompaniments exist only in the various MP3 files and audio CDs which have been created to provide a rehearsal system which does not require the pupil to have keyboard skills nor to have access to a piano, or a pianist.

Both the Manual and the CD-ROM presentations will provide manuscripts of the exercises in one key to encourage a basic level of music reading related to recognition of melodic shapes, assessment of pitch differences, and an understanding of rhythm patterns and note-length. Identification of 'letter-names' of notes and keyboard skills will not be required. The exercises re-cycle several times in the following format [Introduction-Exercise-Modulation-Exercise( in new key)-Modulation - Exercise etc] and there is a code which indicates the direction of the modulation. All exercises are supported by demonstration tracks and by backing tracks to cover the whole vocal range in 5 overlapping ranges.These are accessed either from the music-pages of the CD-ROM as MP3 files or from the audio CDs or the MP3 Data CD as indicated in the menu for each exercise in the manual. In this way the voice is steadily trained to move smoothly into both higher and lower ranges. (see pitch range definition page)The exercises are designed to link up the vocal registers using demanding and disciplined syllabic patterns which relate to what is actually required in singing a song rather than using 'lip-buzzing' and 'fire-siren glissandos' which have little to do with the singing of words over the total voice range.

The Preparatory Calisthenics provide a simple introduction and rehearsal system to gain fluency in the principal syllabic and vowel patterns used in the main calisthenics. The ten basic Calisthenic Exercises are then introduced with explanatory notes as to their use in range extension and voice register smoothing. The Advanced Calisthenics build on this by introducing minor key variations of the basic exercises as well as long-note and descending and ascending interval studies. Further studies will illustrate how the calisthenic ideas and techniques are applied to the learning and presentation of songs and to the development of a voice with the flexibility to sing successfully in different styles.

Selection of media-player.

When this system was devised I was able to set as default a media player which had a small control window which could sit in a corner of the screen and still allow the exercise manuscript to be seen. (eg VLC, or Nero) Unfortunately this seems no longer possible for accessing MP3 files in folders in a web-site as WMP, Real-Player and iTunes, which have full screen control panels, over-ride the default instruction and obliterate the manuscript and text. Short of uninstalling those players it seems that the solution is to use a 'Right-click' (PC) or 'Two-Finger' (Mac) activation of the required music file and choose the 'Open in a New Tab' option. The tab for the media player will open behind the current page, the music should start automatically and the exercise should still be visible. If the player doesn't start then scroll to the end of the page and check for a 'blocked active X' message. Choose allow -the file is quite safe - and you may then have to toggle between the two tabs - press play on the player control and then toggle back to the exercise. For using my website or the CDrom I suggest you set 'Allow active X' in your control panel and that will remove one anoying hold-up. (from START choose 'Control Panel' - 'Security Centre' - 'Internet Options' - 'Advanced' - scroll to 'Security' check the first two options 'allow active content to run......' The 'Open in New Tab' should now give you music promptly. NB - You can repeat the exercise by toggling to the media tab and pressing the RUN button - when moving to another exercise close the media-player tab as another one will open on the next 'right-click.

It may help to trial this procedure first: PLAY

Left-click on the blue PLAY link - if the music plays and you can still see this page then all is well and you can ignore the above instructions - otherwise use the back-button to return to system notes and try the 'Open in New Tab' procedure - if need be check the active X status.

Using the CDrom

The principal resource is the CDrom Version which carries all the
information - The data disc of MP3 files is a useful adjunct for use after you have learnt the patterns and could practice with an MP3 player.

Hope this doesn't seem simplistic.

Step one - insert CDrom version disc into CD/DVD drive.

Step two(a) - if presented with an 'Open with.....' list choose Windows Explorer and you should get a screen of folders and files.

Step two(b) - otherwise choose 'My Computer' from the start menu and double-click on the CDdrive icon - this should give the folders and files.

Step three - Double-click on the START_HERE file and this should bring you to the home page.

Step four - double-click on the 'Preparatory' button on the left of the
topline menu. Should give you the intro to the patterns plus a menu of MP3 file PLAY buttons -

Step five - double click on the first PLAY button - if your default media player is a small window type (eg Nero, VLC) then you should be able to see both the control panel and the exercise and all is well but if the media player has a full page which obliterates the text then proceed to step six. (see detailed instructions above)

Step six - Right click (PC) or two-finger tap (Mac) on the first PLAY button - this will bring up the media player page as a separate tab - left-click on that tab to bring it to the front and then click 'allow blocked content' if you get that message from the over-active Windows Explorer - don't worry - its quite safe. Then left click on the preparatory calisthenics tab to bring that to the front and you should see the exercise and the audio should then be starting. Toggling between tabs will allow you to replay or move on to the next exercise. In the latter case close the player tab as a new one will come up when you right-click the next PLAY button. When you have been through these patterns move on to Basic Calisthenics from the menu and so on

Whew!!!!! Sorry about this - it was all very simple when one could select a small window media player. Hope this solves the problem - should be OK once you've got the click pattern sorted

Return to Start_Here