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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.

1 Foreword

2 Mission Statement

3 The SLS Organization

4 Instructor Codes

5 Instructor Certification Procedures

6 Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

SLS BECOME CERTIFIED MANUAL ● REVISION 2.0 ● © 2011 SPEECH LEVEL SINGING INTERNATIONAL 2

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

Foreword

1


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.

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

To provide additional opportunities for Instructors and students.

To create paths for talented instructors and students to realize their full potential

by connecting the voice education network to the entertainment industry.

To create synergies between SLS members around the world.

To create a forum to exchange ideas on teaching SLS.

To give people the opportunity to train and enhance their voice for everyday

conversation, public speaking, and to become the best professional singers.

Mission Statement

2


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.

The SLS Organization

3


Instructor Management Team

Each year Mr. Riggs handpicks a number of teachers from around the world to be his Instructor

Management Team (IMT). The IMTs 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 IMTs 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. The IMT is split into two groups called Instructor

Developers (ID) and Instructor Evaluators (IE). These two groups have very different

responsibilities.

IMT-ID (Instructor Developer)

These instructors' primary function is to educate the SLS general population as to what the IEs

will be testing for. Of the eight hours of instruction that is required per year for certification, 5 of

these hours will be spent with the ID to prepare for the IE. These are minimal hours and most

instructors will need to do more than this to pass the IE standards.

IMT-IE (Instructor Evaluators)

The primary function of the IE is to test and pass or fail instructors, 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 IE per year. The hours should be arranged as follows:

2 separate half hours of IMT-IE watching.

2 separate half hours of IMT-IE Teaching

1 full hour of one to one private lesson

IE can also function as an ID. However, if an instructor chooses to do education with an IE, they

are not allowed to test in part or in full with that same IE. They must test with a different IE.

Observation for points can be done with ID or IE.

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 IMTs as their main source of education. IMTs 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.


Educational Advisory Group

The EAG 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 EAG often and keep in close contact with them, including regular email

correspondence. The following is a summary of the responsibilities of the EAG:

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 Point EAG 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 IMT events in their region per year

Benefits you will receive:

1. Discounted Certification Fee

2. Profit Sharing in Events created by the regional EAG

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 IMT 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.


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.

Instructor Codes

4


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.

7 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.


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.


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.

13 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.

14 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.


16 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.

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

capabilities.

18 Members are committed to inspire fellow associates to achieve their highest

potential.

19 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.


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 member of the SLS

Instruction Management Team (IMT) Instructor Developer (ID) and yearly Testing with the

Instructor Evaluator (IE) or with Seth Riggs personally along with receiving a number of points

gained by 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.)

Instructor

Certification Procedures

5


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 EAG (Education

Advisory Group Member) is in their region. They should contact the EAG and let them know of

their interest in SLS and in possibly becoming an SLS certified teacher. It is the job of the EAG 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 EAG in their region and develop a relationship

with them. The EAG 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 EAG in their area because the EAG 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 administration fee of US$450

Mailing Address:

Speech Level Singing

(Pre-Certification Payment)

C/O Corey Wardle

10120 W. Flamingo

Suite 4-120

Las Vegas, NV, 89147

USA

Fax:

(702) 750-1510

Email:

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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. A teacher can remain in the

Pre-Certification Program for a maximum of 3 years. The certification requirements for Level One

SLS Certification must be completed within a 12 to 18 month window; in other words, the

minimum amount of time a new teacher must remain in the pre-certification program before

becoming an officially certified SLS teacher is 12 months, and the teacher has up to 18 months

from any given point within the 3 year pre-certification period when certification requirements

have begun to complete all requirements to attain Level One SLS certification status. 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.

The Pre-Certification Process Flowchart

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. A

teacher in the Pre-Certification Program is allowed however to tell people that they are in training

to become an SLS Certified Instructor.

SIGN-UP 12 months

PASS? Yes?

CONGRATULATIONS!

Level One Certified Speech Level

Singing Instructor

No

Continue working up

to 3 years

Only education within a 12-18 month period can be counted toward

certification within a maximum 3 year window

http://www.speechlevelsinging.com/


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 EAG, 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 12 to 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 IMT-ID

(this is minimum)

One hour of testing from an IMT-IE

5 points (Points are received by attending Seth Riggs or IMT Master classes, watching an

IMT or Mr. Riggs teach privately, or watching approved videos of the SLS technique.)

Pass testing as teaching 2 lessons while an IMT-IE observes

Pass testing as observing an IMT-IE teaching 2 of their students

Pass the SLS Level One Testing

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 IMT has the option to deny

anything that is older than one month old. Once the requirements have been reached, upon

approval from the IMT, 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. If a

teacher completes the requirements for Level One status at some point during the year, the

teacher has the option of waiting until the next calendar year (January 1st) to be considered Level

One, or they can become certified at the point in the year when they reach the certification

requirements. Note however, that if the teacher chooses to become certified at some point during

the year, they must fulfill the certification requirements during the remainder of that year in order

to retain certification status for the next year. For example, if a teacher fulfills the requirements

for Level One in June they can wait until January 1 of the next year to be certified, or If they

choose to be recognized as certified right away, from July through the rest of the year they would

have to complete the requirements for the next year, that is, 5 hours of private study, 1 hour of

private testing with IMT-IE, 2 separate half hours with IMT-IE watching, 2 separate half hours of

IMT-IE teaching their students, 5 points from observation. The hours they got which qualified

them for Level One status do not count towards certification the next year.


Certification Overlap Periods

All Certified Instructors maintain a calendar year certification period from January 1 – December

31 of every year. However, Pre-Certified Instructors may sign up at any time and may get certified

at a minimum of 12 months after. Due to this, certification overlap periods often occur while an

Instructor transitions from being a Pre-Certified Instructor to a Certified Instructor.

In the Speech Level Singing Certification Program, all Certified Instructors are required at each

level to fulfill a complete logbook and fulfill Certification Requirements by November 30.

As soon as a Pre-Certified Instructor transitions to a Level One, he/she is expected to begin a

new logbook and complete it by November 30 of that year. In some cases where this transition

occurs early in the year, completing a new Level One logbook may be easier to fulfill than if this

transition occurred later in the year with only a few months left to November 30. Due to these

overlap scenarios, SLS allows all Pre-Certified Instructors who are due to transition to select if

they would prefer to remain as a Pre-Certified Instructor with a completed logbook and transition

to a Level One the following year OR to transition immediately and begin a new Level One

logbook and fulfilling all the Certification Requirements including payment of Level One fees.

IMPORTANT: All Pre-Certified Instructors may opt not to move on to Level One especially if the

transition happens later in the year and they have very little time in which to fulfill all the

certification requirements for Level One. However, please note that only education within a 12-18

month period may be counted toward certification.


The following case studies may help you understand this concept of overlap period better:

Case Study One (Early Transition)

June 2000 – June 2001 Pre-Certified Instructor

June 2001 – Dec 2001 Level One Instructor

Jan 2002 Level One Instructor


In this scenario, Pre-Cert Jeremy Jones signs up in June 2000. 12 months later, he has a

completed logbook and has fulfilled all Certification Requirements. He decides to opt for the

transition to Level One as at June 2001.

Being a Level One in 2001, he has to pay the Level One Instructor Fees and now has 6 months

to complete a Level One logbook and fulfill all Certification Requirements before December 31

2001. However, these 6 months are not counted in the 2 years that an instructor must remain at

Level One for 2 years (2002 and 2003). In January 2002, as a Level One Instructor, Jeremy has

to pay Level One fees by January 15 either as an annual or quarterly payment.

Jeremy decided to opt for the transition so that he could actively start teaching as a Certified

Speech Level Singing Instructor and with the knowledge that he had the time and finances to

complete a Level One logbook and all the Certified Requirements in the 6 months before

November 30 2001.

As a Pre-Cert

JUNE

2000

DEC

2000 JUNE

2001

12 months

As Level One

DEC

2001

6 months


Case Study Two (Late Transition)

Oct 2000 – Oct 2001 Pre-Certified Instructor

Oct 2001 – Dec 2001 Remain as Pre-Certified Instructor



In this scenario, Pre-Cert Michelle Watkins signs up in October 2000. 12 months later, she has a

completed logbook and has fulfilled all Certification Requirements. She decides not to opt for the

transition to Level One as at October 2001 but to remain as a Pre-Certified Instructor till January

2002.

Michelle may do so because with only 3 months left to January of 2002, she is still within the 12-

18 month timeframe for certification as her logbook would cover a total of 15 months (October

2000 – December 2001)

In January 2002, Michelle is a Level One Certified Speech Level Singing Instructor, makes her

Level One fee payment and begins a Level One logbook.

As a Pre-Cert

OCT

2000

JAN

2001 OCT

2001

12 months

Remain Pre-Cert

DEC

2001

3 months

CHOSEN

OPTION

As a Pre-Cert

OCT

2000

JAN

2001 OCT

2001

12 months

As Level One

DEC

2001

3 months

Possible

Option


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.


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.


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.

Each year 50% of the study requirements must be completed by July 1st.


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, every year (50% of the study

requirements must be completed by July 1.) 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.

5 At least five (5) points should be earned. Points are awarded for:

Attending master classes conducted by Seth Riggs or an IMT staff member (For

example, the two-part master class taught by Seth at the Summer Vocal Camp will be

worth two (2) points.)

The observation of the voice lessons taught by Seth Riggs or an IMT ((2) points for block

of 3 hours with Seth, 1 point for block of 3 hours with IMT member).

Viewing website videos of Seth Riggs teaching (1 point for every 90 minutes of footage).

One (1) point is awarded for each five (5) hours of study with a certified Speech Level

Singing instructor, provided that the certified instructor’s level is one above the instructor

studying. For example, a Level One instructor studying with a Level Two instructor could

earn points for that study. However, a Level One instructor may not receive points for

studying with another Level One instructor. The annual cap on points earned in this way

is three (3).

Other vocal education that Mr. Riggs finds beneficial.


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 18 months and no shorter than 12 months. Any education

that is older than 18 months will not be counted for pre-certification work. 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.


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





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


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:

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.

Due By

JANUARY

15

1ST PAYMENT

2ND PAYMENT

3RD PAYMENT

4TH PAYMENT

Due By

APRIL

15

Due By

JULY

15

Due By

OCTOBER

15


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.


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.

mailto:[email protected]


Q. How long does it take to get certified?

A. It takes 12 months from the first entry in your logbook, but you're considered part of the

program as soon as your administration fee is received and your teacher profile is filled

out.

Q. What does "at least" mean in the certification process on page (remember to fill in

page # when final format complete)?

A. It means that graduation into the next level will take place at the beginning of the next

year. For example, if a teacher is finishing Level One in August, they will become Level

Two January 1 of the next year.

Q. In my logbook, what time frame should all my education be within?

A. No more than 18 months.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

6


(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 <http://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 Date

SPEECH LEVEL SINGING

INSTRUCTOR CONTRACT

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