SLS (Speach Level Singing) Manual Interim 2012

GET CERTIFIED

© 2011 Speech Level Singing International (SLS Inc.) This manual is intended for internal circulation within the pre-certified and certified instructor base only. Each instructor must purchase a manual for personal use. Instructors are advised that this manual, in whole or in part, is not to be copied or distributed to anyone outside the SLS network. However, individual charts included in this manual may be copied for personal use and educational purposes by SLS instructors. Disclaimer: GRAMMY(R) is a registered trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and we are not affiliated with the GRAMMY Awards or the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. Use of the SLS technique does not guarantee a GRAMMY Award.

Table of Contents 1

Foreword

2

Mission Statement

3

The SLS Organization

4

Instructor Codes

5

Instructor Certification Procedures

6

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Foreword Dear Teacher, The Speech Level Singing Family is pleased to offer you this invitation to join us. For the past 50 years, this living technique has changed the way people sing, and I credit both the technique itself as well as the wonderful teachers who over the years have been able to pass it onto countless students. Though we are pleased that so many Grammy award winners have benefited, the real success is achieved one student at a time, one voice at a time. This manual is designed to give you an overview of the certification requirements and of the network of the SLS organization. We hope it will answer some questions and stimulate others. This is not a static process. A Level One Instructor can be a great teacher, but a level five will have many more colors with which to teach. The important thing to remember is you are all SLS, and as such there is more unifying you than differentiating you. I thank you for your interest.

Seth Riggs

SLS BECOME CERTIFIED MANUAL ● REVISION 2.0 ● © 2011 SPEECH LEVEL SINGING INTERNATIONAL

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2 Mission Statement Speech Level Singing’s mission is to provide the most comprehensive voice instruction and support system on a worldwide basis, encompassing both support for students as well as teachers while reaching out to the entire music community.

Objectives



To certify and license qualified SLS instructors.



To license Universities and other teaching organizations to officially use and promote the SLS teaching method.

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To promote and expand the SLS and SR world wide organization.

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To provide additional opportunities for Instructors and students.

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To create paths for talented instructors and students to realize their full potential by connecting the voice education network to the entertainment industry.

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To create synergies between SLS members around the world.

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To create a forum to exchange ideas on teaching SLS.

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To give people the opportunity to train and enhance their voice for everyday conversation, public speaking, and to become the best professional singers.


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3 The SLS Organization Speech Level Singing Organization SLS was created to oversee all SLS activities and aggressively protect its trademark, teachers and students around the world. The SLS organization exists to proliferate officially licensed SLS voice training, develop teachers, establish and monitor SLS standards and create both educational and revenue opportunities for all SLS teachers on a global basis. There has never been a voice organization such as Speech Level Singing. As revolutionary as this technique is, so is this organization – a network of teachers who share the same method of development, helping each other continually grow to new levels as teachers. Learning is without end or limits. No matter how much any of us know as instructors, there is always more to learn. We offer an organization that assures students that their voice instructor has both a clear understanding as well as a correct execution of Speech Level Singing. Although each teacher has his or her own personality and style of teaching, there are certain absolutes in the Speech Level Singing method to which its teachers will be held accountable. To maintain the purity and integrity of Speech Level Singing for the benefit of the student, the Certification Process has been created. Our hope is that the certification process will help our teachers grow and learn to bring forth the beauty and freedom in each student’s voice.


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Master Teachers Maestro Riggs handpicks a number of teachers from around the world to be his Instructor Management Team (MT). The MTs are one of the treasured resources of SLS as they have unprecedented access to Seth Riggs for personal instruction and a global view of the organization and all of its teachers. They are also instrumental in maintaining the ongoing education of those teachers certified by Speech Level Singing. The MTs do not work for Speech Level Singing Intl, LLC.; they are independent voice teachers who maintain Level 5 certification within the Speech Level Singing organization.

Master Teacers Roles The MT's two primary functions are to educate and to certify the SLS general population.Of the eight hours of instruction that is required per year for certification, 5 of these hours will be spent in instructor development to prepare for the certification process. These are minimal hours and most instructors will need to do more than this to pass the certification standards. Certification Process The function of certify teachers based on universal logic and language all of the SLS general population. There is a total of 3 hours per instructor to be spent with ONE vocal assessment per year. The hours should be arranged as follows:  2 separate half hours of MT watching you teach two students you haven't met.  2 separate half hours of MT teaching your students  1 full hour of one to one private lesson If an instructor chooses to do education with an certain Master Teacher, they are not allowed to test in part or in full with that same Master Teacher. They must test with a different master teacher. These independent teachers have agreed to help oversee the education of the organization’s teachers. Applicant teachers and teachers working on re-certification or advance certification will use the MTs as their main source of education. MTs will also provide the cornerstone of our teacher-mentoring program and can be used as a resource to help any teacher handle a particularly troublesome voice or performance issue.


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Regional Representatives Group The RRG is possibly the most important group of individuals in the SLS organization. These individuals are responsible for making sure all teachers in the network are receiving the attention they need. They are intimately knowledgeable of their regions and the needs of the teachers within those regions. It is highly recommended that anyone any involved with this certification program use their RR often and keep in close contact with them, including regular email correspondence. The following is a summary of the responsibilities of the RR: Responsibilities: 1. Commit up to 5 hours a week 2. Communicate with all the teachers (pre-cert and cert) in their geographic area on a regular basis 3. Report to the Regional Representative Coordinator on a regular basis 4. Innovate educational ideas in their area throughout the year, of which they will become a profit sharing partner 5. Coordinate 2 MT events in their region per year Benefits you will receive: 1. Discounted Certification Fee 2. Profit Sharing in Events created by the regional RR 3. Varying discounts to SLS Events The purpose of this position will be to increase the communication between the many levels of teachers and the MT and administration. This in turn can help fill the needs of the teachers around the world. What we are looking for in these individuals is organizational skills, good people skills, computer skills, positive attitude, and an understanding of interpersonal communication. The benefit is a deeper marketplace, greater financial opportunity and a growing SLS student community.


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4 Instructor Codes INSTRUCTOR CODES These codes were devised by the Seth Riggs Speech Level Singing International for its members as well as its governing board so that they may have clearly defined responsibilities and duties as teachers, colleagues, and students of the technique. In addition, their purpose is to exemplify the mission and philosophy behind Speech Level Singing, to maintain the honor and integrity not only of our founder Seth Riggs, but also of the technique itself, and to facilitate the continued advancement and growth of this program and its members. Adherence to this code will promote cooperation, understanding and good will among its associates.


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Code of Conduct 1

Instructors are not to use the word associate or association in respect to their relationship with Seth Riggs or SLS.

2

Instructors are not to use terms like “tricks” or “magic” when referring to Speech Level Singing technique in advertising and marketing.

3

Instructors will not ask Seth for special favors regarding certification.

4

Instructors will not wait until the end of the certification term to fulfill their certification requirements and create an undo burden on the IMT staff.

5

SLS Instructors must have a current and location appropriate business license.

6

SLS Instructors must have current professional liability insurance and name SLS as additional insured to their policy.

One million dollars minimum aggregate

coverage.

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Official Policy regarding the transfer of students between SLS teachers As the official SLS code of ethics states, “It is unethical to solicit other teachers’ students through direct or indirect means.” When an SLS student* seeks out a new teacher of their own volition, the following policies apply: 

It is recommended that the student speak with their current teacher about any concerns they may have before seeking out new instruction. The current SLS teacher is required to make a recommendation for a transfer if the teacher feels it is in the best interest of the student. Examples of extenuating circumstances could include; location, financial difficulty, or other obstacles faced by the student which could be mitigated by a transfer to another SLS teacher.



As soon as the new teacher becomes aware that the student’s previous teacher is part of the SLS organization, it is policy that the new teacher contact the previous teacher to speak with him or her about the transfer and discuss any concerns. The new teacher should always communicate positively about the previous teacher, remembering that respect and support for fellow teachers is of paramount importance in the SLS organization.


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When an SLS student is introduced to a new teacher through attending an official SLS event such as a master class, clinic, or summer camp, the following policies apply: 

A teacher may not accept a student met through an event for a period of six months after the event’s conclusion. The student should be encouraged to discuss his or her needs and concerns with the current teacher and continue studying with him or her. The current teacher should be supported in meeting those needs through mentoring from an IMT or from the requested teacher. After a period of six months, if the student still wishes to transfer, they can be accepted into the requested teacher’s studio. Again it is policy that the new and previous teachers have an open and positive communication about the transfer. A transfer approved by the current teacher may occur at any time without the six month waiting period.

* These policies apply to any student who has had four or more lessons with one SLS teacher and who has studied with that teacher within the last six months.


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Code of Ethics 1

Vocal instruction has a certain degree of risk for the students in the case where improper techniques are allowed. SLS instructors will strictly adhere to accepted SLS instructional techniques and work with their students to enhance and protect their voice.

2

SLS instructors have a responsibility to disclose to their students techniques they might be using that could harm their voice.

3

SLS instructors should maintain a professional attitude in all of their business dealings with their students.

4

SLS instructors should make all the necessary efforts to pass on their knowledge to students and the vocal community when requested.

5

SLS instructors should make all the necessary efforts to promote and support the official policies of SLS.

6

SLS instructors should publicly and privately support SLS and its members.

7

SLS instructors should set an example of professionalism and ethics in all of their public discourse.

8

It is unethical to solicit other teachers' students through direct or indirect means.

9

It is unethical to act in a way that exerts undue power or authority over another in the organization.

10

Each teacher is a member of a team and their actions directly affect all other associates.

11

It is unethical to criticize adversely the work of fellow teachers, unless such statements can be substantiated with proof.

12

It is unethical to advertise falsely regarding themselves or their students.

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It is unethical to adulterate the Speech Level Singing technique with one's own philosophies, methods, or practices that are incongruent with Speech Level Singing. Members are committed to growing in knowledge of this method in order to uphold its purity and integrity.

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It is unethical to air grievances regarding a fellow teacher to other members. If there is a difference of opinion, one must discuss it directly with that specific associate.

15

It is unprofessional to not complete annual education requirements in a timely manner.


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It is unprofessional and unethical to request special treatment or favors with regards to educational requirements from Mr. Riggs or the governing body of this organization.

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It is unprofessional for members to proffer instruction at a level less than their capabilities.

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Members are committed to inspire fellow associates to achieve their highest potential.

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SLS instructors have an obligation to report violations of the code of conduct to SLS headquarters.

Any breach of this Code may result in a number of disciplinary actions including complete revocation of certification, with no refund of fees. Note: Members that have been suspended or expelled will have their name listed as a suspended or expelled member on the Seth Riggs website and the reason for their suspension or expulsion.


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Instructor Certification Procedures

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What does it mean to be certified? SLS is not a static technique, but a process of continual education. The certification process ensures all voice students that their teacher is on course and can therefore lead them into the education that they desire. SLS is a registered trademark and a patent pending technique. Certification allows the certified teacher to market and promote their vocal studio as an official SLS licensed vocal studio. Only certified teachers are allowed to use the Speech Level Singing and Seth Riggs names. Although many singers have benefited by the SLS technique, have studied with a licensed SLS teacher or have possibly even read the Seth Riggs book “Singing for the Stars”, they are not allowed to advertise that they teach the SLS technique unless they are certified through the official SLS organization. While there are many voice teachers there is only one SLS organization and one SLS technique. It is the same in Moscow as it is in Hong Kong or Los Angeles. Certification allows a teacher to be part of a worldwide family and benefit from artistic, business and educational opportunities not found anywhere else. (Certification and Renewal are only issued through SLS headquarters.) The certification process involves private study with an official licensed Master Teacher and yearly Testing with a Master Teacher or with Seth Riggs personally along with observation of SLS teachers, attending workshops and Master Classes, and demonstrating a competent knowledge of the SLS technique through testing and demonstration of teaching ability. (This is described more completely in the Certification Levels section.)


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Certification Process Pre-Certified Instructor The path to SLS certification begins with becoming a pre-certified teacher. If a teacher is interested in SLS or the SLS certification process, they should go to the website and fill out a teacher profile form. This allows the SLS organization to become aware of the new teacher and their desires to learn more about SLS and possibly become involved with the certification process. The new teacher should also look on the SLS website and see who the RR (Regional Representative) in their region. They should contact the RR and let them know of their interest in SLS and in possibly becoming an SLS certified teacher. It is the job of the RR to help all new teachers understand and start on the path towards SLS certification so it is very important for the new teacher to get to know the RR in their region and develop a relationship with them. The RR will guide the new teacher through the certification process and answer any questions they may have along the way. Even if the new teacher hasn’t decided for sure if they want to become certified, they should still contact the RR in their area because the RR can answer any of the questions he or she might have about SLS, the certification process and the benefits of being an SLS Certified Instructor. Once the new teacher has decided to begin the certification process they should do three things:

1

Be at least 18 Years Old

2

Fill out the SLS Pre-Certification Application Form (online) and print a copy

3

Fill out the SLS Instructor Contract at the back of this manual and send it in

4

Send both of these forms to SLS with an non-refundable administration fee of US$450 Mailing Address: Speech Level Singing (Pre-Certification Payment) C/O Corey Wardle 10120 W. Flamingo

Fax:

Suite 4-120

(702) 750-1510

Las Vegas, NV, 89147

Email:

USA

[email protected]


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Once these three things have been done, you will be issued a login name and a password to access the secure teacher section on www.speechlevelsinging.com. The certification requirements for Level One SLS Certification must be completed within a 18 month period. The minimum amount of time spent in the Pre-Certification program is 12 months. However, all testing for certification takes place in November and December with a level advancement in January. As such, teachers who have completed their requirements within 1 year must wait to advance to Level 1 only in January. If a teacher has not completed all the requirements for Level One SLS certification within the 3 year period, they will be removed from the program and must reapply to re-enter the program again at a later time subject to approval by SLS.

The Pre-Certification Process Flowchart

12 - 36 months

SIGN-UP

Continue education & testing within 3 year period

No

PASS?

Yes ?

ADVANCEMENT TO LEVEL ONE ONLY IN JANUARY

Level Advancement ONLY takes place in January of every year

IMPORTANT: There is no license agreement with the new teacher with SLS while the teacher is in the Pre-Certification Program. In other words, while a teacher is in the Pre-Certification Program they are not allowed to use the name of SLS, Speech Level Singing or Seth Riggs in any of their advertising or promotional material for their studio or classes. Only Certified Instructors of at least Level One can use these copyrighted names in promotional material.


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Entry into the Pre-Certification Program gives teachers access to formal teacher training classes and conferences, access to the private area of the SLS website, subscription to the web newsletter, and access to SLS discussion forums. These privileges continue throughout all the levels as certification continues. The Pre-Certification Program also allows teachers to experience the SLS network and see if they have what it takes to grow within the SLS organization. Once the application to enter the SLS Pre-Certification Program has been received from the Regional Representative, the new teacher will receive a password from SLS Headquarters that will allow them to access all of the private areas and videos on the SLS website. They will also be able to log all hours and instructor training they have received which will be counted toward SLS certification. During the 18 month window, a teacher in the Pre-Certification Program must complete at least the following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for Level One SLS status: 

Be at least 18 years old



A minimum of 5 hours private study (that is viewed as development) with Master Teacher



One hour of testing from an Master Teacher

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Pass testing as teaching 2 lessons while an Master Teacher observes

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Pass testing as observing an Master Teacher teaching 2 of their students



Pass the SLS Level One written test

The Pre-Certified Instructor is responsible to log all of their required hours and points on the website. Logging of lessons cannot be more than one month old. The MT has the option to deny anything that is older than one month old. Once the requirements have been reached, upon approval from the MT, the pre-certified teacher will be advanced to Level One status and can begin using the copyrighted names in promotion and advertising. Certification status is given by calendar year (January through December) of each year.


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Certification Levels Level One Instructor Entrance into Level One requires completion of the Pre-certification Program and passing the Level One Test. Level One instructors may use the Seth Riggs name or the term “Speech Level Singing” to advertise for private voice instruction. Except under special circumstances and only with approval from SLS directors, Level One instructors are not allowed to teach public master classes, clinics, workshops, lectures, demonstrations or other forms of public display of the technique. All instructors will remain at Level One status for at least two years. To remain Level One a teacher must continue their education of SLS by completing 5 hours of private study with an IMT-ID, One hour of one to one lesson as test with IMT-IE, receiving 5 points and teaching 2 students while an IMT-IE is observing as well as observing an IMT-IE teaching 2 of your students during each year of certification.

Level Two Instructor Entrance into Level Two requires completion of at least two years at Level One. Level Two instructors may teach clinics, workshops, lectures, demonstrations or other forms of public display of the technique, but all of these must first be approved by SLS directors. Level Two teachers must continue their education of SLS by completing 5 hours of private study with an IMT-ID, One hour of one to one lesson as test with IMT-IE, receiving 5 points and teaching 2 students while an IMT-IE is observing as well as observing an IMT-IE teaching 2 of your students during each year of certification.

Level Three Instructor Vocal Instructors are eligible for acceptance into the third level after completion of two years at Level Two and will remain at this level for at least two years. Level Three instructors may teach clinics, workshops, lectures, demonstrations or other forms of public display of the technique, but all of these must first be approved by SLS directors. Level Three teachers must continue their education of SLS by completing 5 hours of private study with an IMT-ID, One hour of one to one lesson as test with IMT-IE, receiving 5 points and teaching 2 students while an IMT-IE is observing as well as observing an IMT-IE teaching 2 of your students during each year of certification.


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Level Four Instructor Instructors are eligible for acceptance into the fourth level after completion of Level Three and will remain at this level for at least two years. Level Four instructors may teach clinics, workshops, lectures, demonstrations or other forms of public display of the technique, but all of these must first be approved by SLS directors. Level Four teachers must continue their education of SLS by completing 5 hours of private study with an IMT-ID, One hour of one to one lesson as test with IMT-IE, receiving 5 points and teaching 2 students while an IMT-IE is observing as well as observing an IMT-IE teaching 2 of your students during each year of certification. Level Four instructors will be given the second opportunity to expand into new territories after Level Fives and IMTs. If the need arises, a Level Four may be invited to serve on the IMT. Level Four teachers must also pass Panel Testing which is teaching in front of the IMT and is held toward the end of each year.

Level Five Instructor Instructors are eligible for acceptance into the fifth level after completion of Level Four and will remain at this level. Level Five teachers must continue their education of SLS by completing 5 hours of private study with an IMT-ID, One hour of one to one lesson as test with IMT-IE, receiving 5 points and teaching 2 students while an IMT-IE is observing as well as observing an IMT-IE teaching 2 of your students during each year of certification. Level Five instructors may teach clinics, workshops, lectures, demonstrations or other forms of public display of the technique, but all of these must first be approved by SLS directors. Level Five instructors can also begin their path towards IMT status and it is implicit in their stature that they have a solid business structure in place. Only Level Five coaches can create their own SLS sanctioned studios employing other SLS teachers and coaches. Level Fives also have priority access to Seth Riggs for education and consulting and will be given the first chance to grow new territories. Level Five teachers must also pass Panel Testing which is teaching in front of the IMT and is held toward the end of each year. * NOTE: All hours described above are TESTING hours. They are the minimum amount of hours required for IMT testing. Most instructors need more than this per year, and this can be done with an instructor one level higher than themselves.


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Additional Level Advancement Issues Advancement of levels is mandatory all the way to Level Three. In this way we can ensure the continued growth of teachers. Some may choose to remain at Level Three if their business model or schedule does not necessitate advancement. Also, under some extraordinary conditions, a more rapid advance through the levels can be achieved if certain conditions exist such as exceptional contributions to the organization and previous experience.


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Certification Process Certification is a multi-layered process with an emphasis on continual education. There are six levels of certification, each building on the previous level. All teachers regardless of level are required to complete the following study requirements. Testing will be administered through IMT training and a web interface: *again, please note these are testing hours, and most instructors will need to work more hours per year.

1

At least six (5) hours of private study with Seth Riggs, Master Instructor, or IMT-IDs. Teachers at long distances from Seth Riggs, Master Instructor, or an IMT may fulfill the private study requirement via phone lessons; however, certain restrictions apply to phone lessons. Please see the phone lesson section for a complete description.

2

One (1) testing hour with the IMT-IE

3

At least two (2) separate half hours of being observed by an IMT-IE member or Seth while you teach. If long distance makes observation impossible, videotaping is possible; however, this is a last resort. Questions regarding this should be directed to the Executive Director.

4

At least two (2) separate half hours of observing your students working with an IMT-IE. Questions regarding this should be directed to the Executive Director.


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Certification Period Each certification period is from January 1st to December 31st of the same year. If an applicant teacher meets the criteria by the end of the first year of study they may receive certification beginning the next calendar year. *Pre-certification may be as long as 24 months and no shorter than 12 months. Once an applicant teacher has met all the requirements for certification, a certificate verifying the new level of achievement (or re-certification) will be sent to the teacher. This certificate is a one-year license and will have a visible expiration date. Only in this way can we maintain our quality standards so important to all. Expired SLS certifications cannot be used in advertising or in promoting a teacher outside of the SLS network. This prevents individuals from taking advantage of SLS’s prominence and expired certificates.

Certification Logbooks All Certified Instructor logbooks begin on January 1 and end on November 30 of the year. All instructors are required to fulfill their certification requirements and log in their hours by November 30. Any education logged after this are not valid toward certification. This is done to ensure that all Certified Instructor certificates are sent out on the first of the following year and that the website listing of all Certified Instructors is up to date as at the first of the year.

Cost of Education Both certification license fees and private lesson fees are required to fulfill the certification requirements.


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Private Voice Lessons Certification fees do not include the cost of continual education through private voice lessons. Cost of continual education is paid directly to the instructor management team member with whom the applicant teacher is studying, and these fees are standard. The rates are: Seth Riggs

US$400 for 1 hour and US$200 for ½ hour

All IMT members:

US$150 for 1 hour and US$75.00 for ½ hour

Certification License Fees Pre-Cert

US$450 Administration Fee

Level 1

US$600 per year

Level 2

US$750 per year

Level 3

US$900 per year

Level 4

US$1050 per year

Level 5

US$1200 per year

Certification License Fee Due Dates Certification fees may be paid in one lump sum or quarterly. Please include the following with each payment: 

Indicate which Level of Certification you are paying for



If paying by quarter, indicate which quarter you are paying for All checks are to be made payable to: Speech Level Singing (Certification Payment) C/O Corey Wardle 10120 W. Flamingo Suite 4-120 Las Vegas, NV, 89147 USA


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If making one lump sum payment, the due date is January 15 and payment may be made by check, money order or credit card. If paying by credit card, a full year fee must be paid by January 15th of that year. If making quarterly payments, only checks or money orders are accepted. Due dates are as follows:

1ST

PAYMENT

Due By JANUARY 15

2ND

PAYMENT

Due By APRIL 15

3RD

PAYMENT

Due By JULY 15

4TH

PAYMENT

Due By OCTOBER 15

Late Payment Annual or quarterly payments must be received by due dates or immediate deletion of the instructor’s name from the Seth Riggs website will occur. A recurring problem with payment from a particular instructor will result in sanctions, and these could include revocation of certification and its privileges. ** Please Note: Our server database will automatically drop any name from the list of certified teachers on the SLS web site if any payment is late. It can take up to two weeks to have your name reappear after payment is received.


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Teacher Reporting Requirements (Education Logbooks) The website now contains a logbook section for each applicant in the “Certified Teachers Area”. Each teacher is responsible to log each of their lessons in this database. IMTs are responsible for acknowledging your time and either accepting or denying the log, depending on the particulars of the lesson, and direction of the IMT. These comments will be shared with other IMTs and the directors. No one else will be allowed to view these comments.

Certified Teacher Activities Most activities surrounding certified teachers would be private instruction within one’s own studio or employment within an educational institute. Directors of SLS must approve any activity outside of this, including clinics, master classes, workshops, private lessons and various forms of public display of the technique. SLS will be providing, on an “as needed” basis, videos, artwork and press support for classes, workshops or local stories on an individual teacher. Only classes taught by IMT members or level 5 instructors might be called “Master Classes”. All other classes will be termed clinics, workshops, lectures or demonstrations as determined. Contact [email protected] to submit requests for these activities.

Speech Level Singing Philosophy: Technique vs. Style SLS offers both its students and teachers a homogenous and reproducible technique for teaching singing. It is an elegant and uncluttered process that concentrates on achieving results quickly and safely. SLS is the only technique that allows students to sing in any style including opera, musical theatre, jazz, pop, country, gospel and rock. As a result of its unique depth, it is important to separate SLS vocal instruction from style. It is important to distinguish the difference between teaching SLS as the technique and teaching someone vocal styling. It should be very clear to any student what SLS is and isn’t. Adding an element of style development is outside of the core education that is SLS the technique must have a clear delineation. The teacher’s philosophy in Speech Level Singing is that we owe it to our students to become wiser, more effective teachers. The information doesn’t belong to us, but passes to others through us. To accomplish this, we need a support system that has proven trustworthy. We are pleased to say that this support structure has grown and changed through this dynamic process and from the comments and observations brought to us by our teachers and students.


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Instructor Certification Status Renewed Instructor in good standing and Certification License fees paid in full. Probation Instructor in good standing and Certification License fees not paid in full. Suspended Instructor with alleged violations of conduct. Pending investigation into allegations. Expelled Instructor with confirmed violations of conduct. Their name will be posted on a public list of instructors no longer affiliated with the SLS organization.

Instructor Evaluation Forms Instructor Crossover from other techniques Instructors from other disciplines can crossover into SLS.

Sabbatical Program Acceptance of a sabbatical is subject to a review by the SLS. Please submit requests to the Admin Director, Corey Wardle at: [email protected]

Final Note The information in this manual is subject to change and may be updated by quarterly updates.


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6 Frequently Asked Questions Q.

How long does it take to get certified?

A.

The Pre-Certification period is LIMITED TO 2 YEARS. The minimum time is 1 YEAR. However, all testing for certification takes place in November and December. Level advancement only takes place in January of every year. As such if a teacher passes testing in 12 months they will still be a Pre-Cert till January of the following year. SLS does not offer early advancement.

Q.

Can I get certified or move through levels accelerated?

A.

No. Time is part of the certification process.

Q.

It sounds like I have to study with only Mr. Riggs or one of the IMT's. Is that right?

A.

No, actually only hours needed for certification require study with an IMT member or Mr. Riggs. The hours required for certification are a minimum amount of study and in many cases teachers will need to study more than that, and that can be done with any teacher that is certified and Seth or an IMT member recommend.

Q.

Is it okay for me to ask Seth for special favors regarding certification?

A.

NO.


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SPEECH LEVEL SINGING

INSTRUCTOR CONTRACT (Please print and mail a signed, initialed and dated copy of the following letter of agreement.) Note: All teachers need to read, understand and agree to the following in order to be accepted into the SLS community of teachers. SLS offer teachers a 12-month renewable license that requires them to perform and adhere to minimum standards defined by SLS. There are standards for vocal performance, teaching skills, demonstrable knowledge of the SLS technique, passing barrier testing, meeting the obligations set forth in this document and for professional conduct that reflects well on the reputation of Seth Riggs, SR International, SR Worldwide, and their directors and staff. It is further agreed that if a teacher chooses to leave the organization or fails to meet certification requirements, such teacher will no longer use or in any way make reference to the name, logo and trademark of "Seth Riggs", Speech Level Singing or SR International and such teacher will not make any reference to Seth Riggs, SLS and/or SR International the celebrity endorsements, web sites, books, DVDs, camps, master classes, clinics or workshops, other than in their resumes, which resumes shall provide the following language: " X (name of teacher) was a teacher from (date to date) in the legendary Speech Level Singing (tm) network created by Seth Riggs(tm) www.sethriggs.com but is no longer licensed to teach this technique." No modification of this language will be acceptable. Each teacher hereby agrees that any media or form of communications including but not limited to, performance, spoken word, printed or electronic and web site, that mentions any of Seth Riggs, SLS or SR International must cease and be changed within one week of the expiration or revocation of certification. Teachers who fail to meet their financial obligations will be dropped from the Seth Riggs web site and will be warned of additional consequences as befits the circumstances. It is further agreed that teachers who meet or exceed their requirements will have full use of these terms as approved by SLS or SR International, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Teachers agree that students in vocal technique must be referred to other SLS teachers first should said teacher be unable or unwilling to assist a student. Teachers will make best efforts to refer students to SLS approved teachers for style, and will explain clearly the difference between style and vocal technique and SLS approved teachers and non-approved teachers. Under no circumstance is an SLS teacher to denigrate another SLS teacher in a public forum or otherwise. If a teacher has a problem or notices issues in another that could compromise the SLS quality standards, they are to report the issue to the SREG board of directors, either in writing or by email, and in such event, their identity will remain confidential. Violating the terms of this agreement is a serious matter and could cause irreparable damage to SR International, SLS, its teachers and staff, thereby necessitating the commencement of legal action.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------Print Name Clearly -----------------------------------------------------------------------Signature

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SLS (Speach Level Singing) Manual Interim 2012

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