HU Courses and faculty

HU has something for everyone!

Browse by:
Faculty
Topic

• Arranging
• Coaching
• Conducting
• HU Singing Experiences
• Leadership
• Miscellaneous
• Musicality
• Performance
• Private Lessons
• Quartet
• Singing

📄 Download as PDF

Courses by topic

Arranging

Advanced Arranging
David Wright

You already know the basics—now it’s time to make your charts shine. Dive into the techniques that separate a good arrangement from a great one: texture, development, voicing, and those goosebump-inducing moments that make listeners lean in.

Arrangements of Modern Pop Hits
Aaron Dale

Take a deep dive into what makes modern pop arrangements succeed in barbershop contest settings. We’ll study standout examples - mostly from recent top-five quartets and choruses - to uncover the structural, harmonic, and stylistic choices that make them effective. Perfect for arrangers and aspiring arrangers curious about how today’s hits are reshaped into tomorrow’s award-winning charts.

Arranging Lab
Steve Tramack

Ever wonder why arrangements 'work' and wonder how arrangements were inspired and evolved through the arranging process? In this class, we'll analyze several iconic arrangements and look at what made them successful. We'll then apply those concepts as part of the arranging process, both for in-flight arrangements from the students and a new arrangement developed through the week.

Beginners' Arranging
Melody Hine

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at arranging but didn’t know where to start, this class is your friendly launchpad. You’ll learn how barbershop harmony works, experiment with chord progressions, and try simple embellishments that make your arrangements pop!

Beginners' Music Theory
Cay Outerbridge

Discover the building blocks of music in this beginner-friendly class. We’ll explore notes, rhythms, and basic chords, giving you the tools to understand and enjoy the music you love. No prior knowledge needed – just bring your curiosity!

Intermediate Arranging
Clay Hine

You know your way around chords—now let’s make them sing. This class builds on your arranging foundation to explore structure, texture, and creative choices that make arrangements shine. You’ll work on your own pieces and leave ready to take your next chart to the contest stage.

Songwriting for Barbershop
Neyla Pekarek

Got ideas? Let’s turn them into barbershop songs. In this workshop you’ll dig into lyrics, melody, harmony, and form—plus tricks for weaving in that signature barbershop “magic.” Then you’ll workshop new ideas with fellow song-hackers.

Writing Original Material
Melody Hine

If you’ve ever wanted to write your own barbershop material—or just the perfect tag—this workshop is your creative lab. You’ll dissect classic examples, craft your own, and explore techniques for writing lyrics, bridges, and original sections that make arrangements uniquely yours.

The Evolution of the Barbershop Style
Dan Wessler

Grab some popcorn and your curiosity. This class walks you through the ever-changing sound of barbershop. From early quartets to modern interpretations, you’ll see how the definition of “barbershop” has stretched, snapped, and harmonized again over time.

⬆️ top

Coaching

Accommodating A Variety Of Learning Styles
Jen Cooke

We all learn differently—and this class is your toolkit for reaching every kind of singer. You’ll explore ways to adapt teaching by ear, visual, movement, and more, then try them in mini‑labs so you leave knowing how to meet anyone where they are.

Coaching In The Categories
Jill Rodgers-McWha, Charlotte Murray

Ever wish you could see your ensemble through a judge’s eyes? This class breaks down coaching through the lens of the three BHS categories—Musicality, Performance, and Singing—plus how to connect them into one holistic approach. Learn from top BHS judges and walk away ready to coach smarter and deeper.

Ensemble Coaching Observation
Charlotte Murray, Jill Rodgers-McWha

Sometimes the best way to learn is to watch the masters at work. In this observation course, you’ll sit in on live coaching sessions led by top BHS faculty, soaking up techniques, language, and strategies you can use later. It’s like auditing brilliance—quietly.

Hands-On Coaching Lab
Charlotte Murray, Jill Rodgers-McWha

Step into the coaching hot seat! In this interactive lab, you’ll work directly with a live quartet to practice concise, effective feedback and real-time problem solving. Guided by experienced coaches, you’ll sharpen your instincts and build confidence in front of singers.

How To Lead Incredible Sectionals
Cay Outerbridge

Sectionals don’t have to feel like lost time—they can be tight, musical, and productive. In this course, you’ll learn how to design sectionals that build independence, energy, and ownership in each voice part.

How To Teach What You Know
Philip Grant

If you’ve ever thought “I could teach this someday,” this class helps you do it—clearly, confidently, and with heart. You’ll learn how to structure lessons, give feedback, and plan progressions that singers can actually digest. You’ll leave ready to turn your deep knowledge into shareable learning.

Musicality Coaching Methods
Dan Wessler

Ever wonder how to coax more musical magic out of a group? In this class, you’ll explore how phrasing, lyric intent, and rhythm shape an ensemble’s artistry—and how to teach those concepts effectively. Expect lively discussion, hands-on coaching, and fresh ideas for motivating singers of all styles.

Performance Coaching Methods
Allen Otto

Want to coach performance? This class arms you with tools to shape storytelling, emotion, pacing, and expression in singers. You’ll try techniques, practice mini‑coaching sessions, and see how small tweaks make big musical impact.

Principles of Coaching
Jill Rodgers-McWha, Charlotte Murray

If you love helping others sound their best, this class is your toolkit upgrade. We’ll unpack the “why” and “how” behind great coaching - everything from vocal production to performance artistry - then put it into practice through interactive exercises. Come ready to listen, experiment, and leave with sharper ears and fresh inspiration.

Quartet Rehearsal Techniques
Theo Hicks, David Zimmerman, Kohl Kitzmiler, Kyle Kitzmiller

Your quartet rehearsals can go from guesswork to precision. In this class, you’ll learn smart rehearsal structures, communication tricks, and techniques from one of barbershops finest - Instant Classic!

Singing Coaching Methods
Philip Grant

How do you coach someone to become a better singer? This class gives you tools, processes, and language to help singers grow with confidence, voice, and joy. You’ll role-play, experiment, and sharpen your coaching voice.

Voice Coaching Under Glass
Steve Scott

How do you coach someone to become a better singer? This class gives you tools, processes, and language to help singers grow with confidence, voice, and joy. You’ll role-play, experiment, and sharpen your coaching voice.

⬆️ top

Conducting

Accommodating A Variety Of Learning Styles
Jen Cooke

We all learn differently—and this class is your toolkit for reaching every kind of singer. You’ll explore ways to adapt teaching by ear, visual, movement, and more, then try them in mini‑labs so you leave knowing how to meet anyone where they are.

Beginners' Conducting Techniques
Rob Mance

Get your arms moving and learn the basics of conducting in this welcoming class designed for beginners. We’ll cover fundamental patterns and gestures, all in a low-pressure setting where you can explore at your own pace – no spotlight required!

Chorus Rehearsal Techniques
Joe Cerutti

This class will explore the many facets of running a successful rehearsal beyond conducting or vocal technique. From working with section leaders and assistant directors, to managing recruitment, retention, and more, this class provides a comprehensive toolkit for creating efficient, engaging, and dynamic rehearsals that keep your chorus thriving.

Conducting Practicum
Dan Wessler, Kirk Young, Darin Drown

Ready to take the next step in front of your chorus? This interactive practicum helps you refine your directing skills through hands-on conducting, feedback, and ensemble work. Designed for developing directors, it’s a supportive lab to boost your confidence and control.

Developing Effective Warm-Ups
Debbie Cleveland

This class helps you build warm-ups that actually work. You’ll experiment with efficient, musical routines that prepare your individual voice, as well as your ensemble, to sing their best in record time. Walk away with a ready-to-use library of exercises that make warm-ups feel like music, not chores.

Hand Independence
Kirk Young

Your hands can say way more than “1-2-3-4.” In this dynamic workshop, you’ll train them to lead with clarity and precision—so your ensemble actually sings what you mean. Through movement drills, partner exercises, and feedback, you’ll learn to separate time from expression and conduct with new confidence.

How To Lead Incredible Sectionals
Cay Outerbridge

Sectionals don’t have to feel like lost time—they can be tight, musical, and productive. In this course, you’ll learn how to design sectionals that build independence, energy, and ownership in each voice part.

How To Teach What You Know
Philip Grant

If you’ve ever thought “I could teach this someday,” this class helps you do it—clearly, confidently, and with heart. You’ll learn how to structure lessons, give feedback, and plan progressions that singers can actually digest. You’ll leave ready to turn your deep knowledge into shareable learning.

Voice Coaching Under Glass
Steve Scott

A rare peek behind the curtain of healthy voice coaching. In this interactive session, singers of all levels will experience real-time vocal coaching, learning from each adjustment and discovery along the way. You’ll gain insight into your own voice and how to listen like a pro.

⬆️ top

HU Singing Experiences

eXtreme Quartetting Harmony Brigade
Luke Miller

Harmony University Chorus
Theo Hicks

Jump into the full chorus experience! Under the direction of Theo Hicks, the HU Chorus brings together singers of all backgrounds for a week of learning, laughing, and performing barbershop harmony. From warm-ups to stage presence, you’ll explore every side of ensemble singing—culminating in a thrilling performance that caps off your Harmony U adventure.

NextGen Chorus(18-30)
Neyla Pekarek

Under the direction of Neyla Pekarek, join the NextGen Chorus and sing in an ensemble built just for singers 30 and under—explore youthful sound, tight harmonies, and the joy of blending with new friends. You’ll get coached, learn repertoire, and experience the energy of a chorus designed for the next generation of barbershoppers.

⬆️ top

Leadership

Accommodating A Variety Of Learning Styles
Jen Cooke

We all learn differently—and this class is your toolkit for reaching every kind of singer. You’ll explore ways to adapt teaching by ear, visual, movement, and more, then try them in mini‑labs so you leave knowing how to meet anyone where they are.

Inclusive culture
Melody Hine

Barbershop is for everyone—and building that reality starts here. This open, thoughtful session dives into what inclusion really looks like, from everyday interactions to organizational systems. Bring your questions, ideas, and heart for harmony beyond the music.

Chorus Culture and Leadership
Joe Cerutti

A chorus is more than music—it’s people, purpose, and the energy they share. In this class, you’ll explore how to shape a healthy culture, lead with intention, and build the kind of trust that turns a group into a true community. Walk away with practical tools to make your chorus feel like home for everyone.

Chorus Rehearsal Techniques
Joe Cerutti

This class will explore the many facets of running a successful rehearsal beyond conducting or vocal technique. From working with section leaders and assistant directors, to managing recruitment, retention, and more, this class provides a comprehensive toolkit for creating efficient, engaging, and dynamic rehearsals that keep your chorus thriving.

Connecting The Dots
Steve Wyszomierski

An interactive and immersive week-long dive into all hiccups and frustrations that can potentially stagnate a chapter and also the successful programs and initiatives that can propel a chapter to success. Participants will also experience their turn in various collaborative leadership positions that are challenged with several imaginative hurdles to explore successful results.

Designing A Suitable Repertoire
Sean Devine

Choosing songs feels like picking your outfit—you want it to fit *you*. This class walks you through how to select music that suits your voices, your goals, and your audience, then build a set that shines.

Developing Effective Warm-Ups
Debbie Cleveland

This class helps you build warm-ups that actually work. You’ll experiment with efficient, musical routines that prepare your individual voice, as well as your ensemble, to sing their best in record time. Walk away with a ready-to-use library of exercises that make warm-ups feel like music, not chores.

District Leadership Bootcamp
Steve Wyszomierski, Robert Rund, Erik Dove

This class is designed for district leaders to dive deep into problem-solving, team dynamics, and the unique needs of their districts. Through immersive discussions and collaboration, leaders will have the opportunity to shape strategies and forge stronger connections with the Society, ensuring their districts thrive. Open to district leaders only.

District Leadership Bootcamp Elective
Steve Wyszomierski

District leaders are invited to this evening session to share insights, discuss challenges, and reflect on the day's boot camp. This open forum provides a space for collaboration, troubleshooting, and strengthening connections to help districts thrive.

How To Lead Incredible Sectionals
Cay Outerbridge

Sectionals don’t have to feel like lost time—they can be tight, musical, and productive. In this course, you’ll learn how to design sectionals that build independence, energy, and ownership in each voice part.

How To Teach What You Know
Philip Grant

If you’ve ever thought “I could teach this someday,” this class helps you do it—clearly, confidently, and with heart. You’ll learn how to structure lessons, give feedback, and plan progressions that singers can actually digest. You’ll leave ready to turn your deep knowledge into shareable learning.

Membership Recruitment and Retention
Samantha Tramack, Cay Outerbridge

Unlock the keys to building and sustaining a thriving chorus. This class addresses the top challenges facing our chapters, offering practical strategies to attract new members and keep them engaged. Learn how to grow your ensemble and foster lasting connections within your organization.

Practicing Leadership
Steve Tramack

Leadership doesn’t live in meetings—it lives in daily habits. This class shows you how to build small, repeatable leadership practices that transform culture and momentum over time. You’ll leave with a “leadership toolbox” you can start using right away.

⬆️ top

Miscellaneous

Ensemble Web Design
Kyle Kitzmiller

Your group has a voice on stage—let it show online. In this course, you’ll learn how to build or refine a chorus/quartet website with smart navigation, good visuals, and content that sings your story.

History of Barbershop
David Wright

Take a in-depth journey through barbershop’s origins, evolution, and cultural significance. This course traces the genre’s early development, historical context, and the founding of the Barbershop Harmony Society as a reflection of American musical traditions.

Music Education Implementation
Debbie Cleveland

Music educators, this one’s for you! Join colleagues from across the globe to share insights, classroom strategies, and inspiration from your week at Harmony U. Together you’ll brainstorm ways to bring barbershop harmony and its educational value back to your students.

⬆️ top

Musicality

Ear Training
David Zimmerman

Want to finally *hear* what you’ve been singing about? This workshop sharpens your ears and tunes your instincts through fun drills, games, and rehearsal practices. By the end of the week, you’ll recognize—and reproduce—barbershop’s most satisfying harmonies without needing a pitch pipe. Bring your curiosity (and maybe your tuning fork).

Musicality Coaching Methods
Dan Wessler

Ever wonder how to coax more musical magic out of a group? In this class, you’ll explore how phrasing, lyric intent, and rhythm shape an ensemble’s artistry—and how to teach those concepts effectively. Expect lively discussion, hands-on coaching, and fresh ideas for motivating singers of all styles.

Rhythm for Barbershoppers
Kirk Young

You’ve got the harmony down—but does your rhythm make it dance? This class gives you rhythmic tools to sharpen syncopation, groove, and pulse in traditional barbershop and beyond. You’ll try ensemble clapping, subdivision practice, and rhythmic phrasing games.

Sight Singing
Erin Odell

Ready to stop guessing and start reading? This course turns sight-singing into a skill you’ll actually enjoy. Through fun, bite-sized drills and guided practice, you’ll learn to read notation, recognize intervals, and feel more confident when new music lands in your hands.

Tune It Or Die
Steve Tramack

Your ears will never be the same! This fan-favorite course unpacks the science and art of tuning—why chords lock, overtones ring, and certain notes bend just right. Expect mind-blowing audio demos, laughs, and practical takeaways for your chorus or quartet.

You Be the Judge
Steve Scott, Steve Tramack, Allen Otto

Your ears will never be the same! This fan-favorite course unpacks the science and art of tuning—why chords lock, overtones ring, and certain notes bend just right. Expect mind-blowing audio demos, laughs, and practical takeaways for your chorus or quartet.

⬆️ top

Performance

Advanced Performance Practicum
David McEachern

Enhance your performance journey in this lively, hands-on practicum designed for singers more experienced to theatrical expression. You’ll explore storytelling through music and discover how to make your performances more authentic, expressive, and memorable.

Beginners' Performance Practicum
Allen Otto

Lights, acting, harmony! This dynamic performance lab blends acting principles with barbershop performance craft. You’ll workshop scenes, explore storytelling through song, and develop the tools to make your onstage moments truly unforgettable.

Comedy Dos & Don'ts
David McEachern

Want to sprinkle wit without cringing? This class gives you the keys to humor in performance—what lands, what bombs, and how to keep your audience laughing *with* you, not at you. Expect examples (both good and bad), demonstrations and experiments, and a few jokes gone sideways.

Impactful Performances Outside of Barbershop
Allen Otto, David McEachern

What makes a performance unforgettable? Together we’ll explore jaw-dropping moments from a wide variety of performance art outside of the barbershop genre to uncover what makes audiences *feel*. Then we’ll turn those discoveries inward to elevate our own barbershop storytelling.

Performance Coaching Methods
Allen Otto

Want to coach performance? This class arms you with tools to shape storytelling, emotion, pacing, and expression in singers. You’ll try techniques, practice mini‑coaching sessions, and see how small tweaks make big musical impact.

The "POW" In Powerful Performance
George Gipp

What makes a performance grab you by the heart? In this work-session, we’ll dissect and practice “POW” moments—those musical-emotional hits—so your performance lands deeper and shines longer.

The Art of Performance
Marty Lovick, David McEachern, Joe Hunter

Performance is more than notes — it’s expression, connection, and presence. In this class, you’ll experience various approaches to character, authenticity, and storytelling through analyzing various performance examples, both in and out of the barbershop genre.

The Mental Game of Performing
Kyle Kitzmiller

Stage fright, blanking, pressure—yeah, we all face those. In this session you’ll build mental muscle for performance: visualization, focus, resilience, and practical strategies to keep calm and connect under pressure.

You Be the Judge
Steve Scott, Steve Tramack, Allen Otto

Ever wish you could peek behind the scoring sheets? In this immersive experience, you’ll step into a judge’s shoes for the week—listening, analyzing, and scoring. You’ll discover what makes performances truly shine and how judges think about artistry and excellence.

⬆️ top

Private lessons

Private Arranging Lessons
Steve Armstrong

Private Conducting Lessons
Don Campbell

Private Voice Lessons
Ryan Wisniewski

⬆️ top

Quartet

Comedy Dos & Don'ts
David McEachern

Want to sprinkle wit without cringing? This class gives you the keys to humor in performance—what lands, what bombs, and how to keep your audience laughing *with* you, not at you. Expect examples (both good and bad), demonstrations and experiments, and a few jokes gone sideways.

Designing A Suitable Repertoire
Sean Devine

Choosing songs feels like picking your outfit—you want it to fit *you*. This class walks you through how to select music that suits your voices, your goals, and your audience, then build a set that shines.

How To Be A Great Baritone
Kohl Kitzmiler

Ah, the mysterious baritone—unsung hero of every ringing chord. In this class, you’ll uncover the secrets of the part that holds it all together, guided by stories, humor, and plenty of “aha” moments from a lifelong barbershop aficionado.

How To Be A Great Bass
Kyle Kitzmiller

The bass line: the heartbeat of barbershop. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned rumbler, this class digs into the techniques and mindset that make great bass singing irresistible. You’ll study examples from barbershop’s legendary lows and leave with tools to anchor any ensemble.

How To Be A Great Lead
Theo Hicks

Step into the spotlight—literally. This class unpacks what it means to be a compelling lead: from vocal color and phrasing to emotional storytelling. You’ll observe some of the very best and learn how to sing with confidence and intention while keeping the quartet sound beautifully balanced.

How To Be A Great Tenor
David Zimmerman

Float above the chords with confidence! This class dives into the unique art of barbershop tenor singing—how to blend, tune and soar while keeping the quartet sound in balance. You’ll leave with new tools, techniques, and appreciation for some of the very best tenor singers in our art form.

Quartet Rehearsal Techniques
2015 International Champion, Instant Classic: Theo Hicks, David Zimmerman, Kohl Kitzmiler, Kyle Kitzmiller

Your quartet rehearsals can go from guesswork to precision. In this class, you’ll learn smart rehearsal structures, communication tricks, and techniques from one of barbershops finest - Instant Classic!

⬆️ top

Singing

Advanced Vocal Techniques
Philip Grant

If you’ve ever wondered how to squeeze even more color, resonance, and control from your voice, this class is your playground. Each day we’ll explore advanced vocal production techniques and discover how subtle adjustments can completely transform your sound. You’ll leave with new tools, sharper awareness, and a deeper connection to your own instrument.

Developing Effective Warm-Ups
Debbie Cleveland

This class helps you build warm-ups that actually work. You’ll experiment with efficient, musical routines that prepare your individual voice, as well as your ensemble, to sing their best in record time. Walk away with a ready-to-use library of exercises that make warm-ups feel like music, not chores.

Fundamental Vocal Techniques
Cay Outerbridge

Whether you’re brand new to singing or looking to rebuild solid fundamentals, this class breaks down how your instrument really works. Each day focuses on practical, hands-on vocal techniques that strengthen consistency, control, and tone. No experience required—just curiosity and a voice!

Posting Like A Pro
Tim Waurick, Philip Grant

Take your posting skills to the next level! In this class, you’ll learn techniques to extend, strengthen, and refine those long-held notes that define barbershop, all while blending seamlessly with your ensemble. Join our expert faculty and master the art of posting with confidence and flair!

Reading Session
David Zimmerman, Kohl Kitzmiler

Think of this as a jam session for your eyes and ears. We’ll flip through new charts—quartet and chorus, basic to spicy—and sing as much as your voice allows. Expect instant musical discovery.

Sight Singing
Erin Odell

Ready to stop guessing and start reading? This course turns sight-singing into a skill you’ll actually enjoy. Through fun, bite-sized drills and guided practice, you’ll learn to read notation, recognize intervals, and feel more confident when new music lands in your hands.

Singing Coaching Methods
Philip Grant

How do you coach someone to become a better singer? This class gives you tools, processes, and language to help singers grow with confidence, voice, and joy. You’ll role-play, experiment, and sharpen your coaching voice.

Sound Management
Darin Drown

If you’ve ever thought “I hear it—but how do I fix it?” this class is your answer key. Learn practical, repeatable strategies for diagnosing ensemble challenges and building steady, measurable improvement over time.

Using Estill Voice Language
Darin Drown

Curious how professional voice folks talk about “voice stuff”? This class introduces Estill Voice Training so you can speak (and listen) more precisely about breath, stability, and expression. We’ll experiment, test, and demystify vocal anatomy language together.

Voice Coaching Under Glass
Steve Scott

A rare peek behind the curtain of healthy voice coaching. In this interactive session, singers of all levels will experience real-time vocal coaching, learning from each adjustment and discovery along the way. You’ll gain insight into your own voice and how to listen like a pro.

You Be the Judge
Steve Scott, Steve Tramack, Allen Otto

Ever wish you could peek behind the scoring sheets? In this immersive experience, you’ll step into a judge’s shoes for the week—listening, analyzing, and scoring. You’ll discover what makes performances truly shine and how judges think about artistry and excellence.

The 50 Best Tags According to David Wright
David Wright

Fifty tags. Endless joy. Join this legendary sing-along led by Dr. David Wright as you explore (and sing!) his all-time favorite tags—the ones that define the sound and soul of barbershop harmony.

⬆️ top