Patricia Helsel
Vocal Techniques for Media is a course unique to the Michigan Tech program. The purpose of the course is to prepare students with necessary skills to succeed in recording various styles and genres of vocal media. With such emerging media as audiobooks, video games, online courses, and interactive voice response telephone systems, opportunities abound for voice actors who can adapt to the vocal and recording needs for each. Students learn techniques to change vocal quality/resonance to create character voices. We work on developing a charismatic announcing voice, while discovering the subtle changes necessary for some types of narration. Additionally, students receive instruction in using digital media for recording, mixing/editing, and distributing their work. The projects assigned in this class have resulted in quality demos, the beginning of each student’s professional portfolio.
