CASAcademy
Welcome to CASAcademy, the all-encompassing a cappella online learning portal!
Check back regularly as we update this area of the CASA website with instructional videos and booklets.
Got an idea of something we should include? Email Dave Brown with any suggestions: dave@casa.org.
Getting Started:
Making Plans for Your New A Cappella Group
by Deke Sharon
Administering Awesome Auditions
How to Use Auditions to Get Your Group Started on the Right Foot
by Deke Sharon
How to Sing in Schools
Advice for Getting Your Pro Group Performing in Grade Schools
by Amanda Aldag
Contemporary A Cappella Arranging in 10 Steps
with Deke Sharon
Los Angeles A Cappella Festival
January 31, 2009
CASA founder Deke Sharon is widely regarded as one of the most influential pioneers in contemporary a cappella. As a professional performer and published arranger, Deke's vast experience with arranging for contemporary a cappella is surpassed by none. In this video, Deke breaks down the arranging process into 10 simple steps that almost anyone can follow to create their own custom arrangement. Check it out!
How to Create a Press Kit
with Bud Anderson
Bud Anderson performs in several a cappella groups including Hookslide and Boyz Nite Out and for over a decade was the principal agent at A Cappella Central (aka Prince SF Productions). In this professionally produced video, Bud takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a press kit and other materials you'll need to get gigs.
Vocal Percussion Technique
with Jake Moulton
Los Angeles A Cappella Festival
January 31, 2009
Jake Moulton was a founding member of the rock a cappella band Kickshaw and later performed with the world-renowned pop/jazz vocal group m-pact. Now performing full-time with The House Jacks, Jake takes time in this video to teach the basics of beginning vocal percussion and answers common beatboxing questions.
Recording Tips
with Bill Hare and Mark Hines
Los Angeles A Cappella Festival
January 31, 2009
With over 25 years in the business, Bill Hare is universally regarded as the pioneer of modern a cappella recording techniques. With just 5 years under his belt, Mark Hines has quickly established himself as a major player in the a cappella recording industry. In this video, these two multi-award-winning studio producers take time to answer some of the most common questions about their work and even give some advice for do-it-yourselfers.
Vocal Instruments
with Deke Sharon and Jake Moulton
Los Angeles A Cappella Festival
January 31, 2009
CASA founder Deke Sharon is widely regarded as one of the most influential pioneers in contemporary a cappella, and is well known for his uncanny ability to imitate instruments with his voice. His House Jacks bandmate Jake Moulton is a longtime a cappella professional vocal percussionist and sound effect maker. In this video, Deke and Jake share tips on how to imitate some of the most common instruments, ranging from strings to brass and everything in between.
The ICCA: Tips for Success
with Julia Hoffman
Los Angeles A Cappella Festival
January 31, 2009
CASA President Julia Hoffman has extensive experience as both a producer and judge at all levels of the International Championship of College A cappella (ICCA). In this video, Julia breaks down the judging rubric, gives a behind-the-scenes look at what judges are considering when adjudicating a group's set, and, using the UCSD TriTones as a hands-on example, dishes out some valuable tips for success.
