Summer@Eastman is excited to offer its first-ever gospel singing workshop: You Too Can Sing Gospel Music! – ONLINE, a weekly online course for anyone interested in the history, style, and experience of gospel music. Summer@Eastman’s Marketing Assistant, Joyce Tseng, talked with instructor Dr. Crystal Sellers Battle (Eastman’s Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion and Director of the George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion in Music) to learn more about this workshop.
JT: What are the objectives and focus of the workshop?
CSB: The focus is twofold: first, to provide a unique experience learning about gospel singing for someone who may not have sung in the style before, and second, to provide support and reintroduce things to those who have sung in the style. We will learn a bit of the history of gospel, including key figures in the singing style. Each participant will explore and develop their own gospel singing style tools.
JT: Who should register for this workshop?
CSB: Anyone and everyone who is interested in gospel singing: no previous gospel experience is required to participate! The class is open to high school, collegiate, and adult participants, with any level of gospel experience: absolute beginners, seasoned vets, and everyone in between.
JT: Do students need to prepare anything before the workshop?
CSB: Just prepare to have fun and in doing so, keep an open mind.
JT: Are private lessons included?
CSB: Yes! A one-on-one session is included for each student in the class.
JT: What unique opportunities will be offered?
CSB: We will put together a virtual gospel choir from members of this course to be presented at the end of the course.
JT: What is your teaching philosophy?
CSB: I want students to learn quickly and intensely, but in a fun way. I am very fast-paced, but I will definitely take the time to make sure that each student feels connected to the subject matter of the day. Gospel music has a powerful connection to the history of this country, and I want to make sure that this is embedded in what we do.
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You Too Can Sing Gospel Music! – ONLINE runs as a weekly synchronous course during our six-week Summer Session (June 26-August 4, 2023). Visit our website for course details and more information.