Squad Harmonix
All-kids a cappella training program for dedicated singers
What is Squad HARMONIX?
Squad Harmonix is an advanced vocal training program designed for passionate singers and beatboxers who are ready to grow, belong, and perform as part of a high-level musical team. With a focus on contemporary a cappella, the program combines expert technique training with ensemble collaboration, helping each student refine their individual voice while contributing to a powerful, cohesive group sound.
​Structured for Growth
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Squad Harmonix is built on a tiered system that allows students to progress as their skills evolve
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HOW TO ADVANCE THROUGH THE SQUADS
To advance through the squads, students must meet specific criteria, including:
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FRINGE FESTIVAL, SCOTLAND, 2024
LINCOLN CENTER, NEW YORK, 2025
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Pop Squad – Entry-level a cappella, designed for those new to a cappella singing and equivalent to an intermediate- level choir.
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Junior Squad & Senior Squad – Team-based a cappella ensembles designed like a true team with multiple performances per year, analysis of performances, and huge development for experienced performers ready for greater musical and performance challenges.
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Varsity Squad – Our most advanced, college-level team for elite vocalists and beatboxers, which includes national and international performances, featured performances on world-class stages, as well as industry-standard album and music video releases every year as part of our SQUAD HARMONIX ARTIST.
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MUSIC ABILITY: Passing vocal/beatboxing assessments, music theory, and sight-reading tests
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STAGE PRESENCE: Ability to handle a crowd, showing consistent confidence on stage and focus while performing.
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CHOREOGRAPHY: Consistently showing ability to take direction on blocking and movement while performing. The further up the Squads, the more complex the dance choreography that is required.
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ACADEMIA: Being consistent with meeting deadlines, homework assignments, practicing, and preparation.
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CHARACTER: Being supportive of team members, showing leadership qualities, staying on top of all communication, and the ability to focus in class without distracting others.
DISNEYLAND, 2024
THE END GOAL
Those who complete the full program and train at Varsity Squad level graduate with an exceptional level of ability, equipped with the skills, discipline, and real-world experience to perform as true professional artists. They leave the program with the power to command a room, engage an audience, and take the stage with ease, confidence, and authenticity.
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This level of presence doesn’t just apply to musical performance—it translates to leadership in college, the workplace, interviews, and any environment where confidence, communication, and poise are essential.
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In addition to the advanced skills they develop, students also leave Squad Harmonix with a tight-knit group of friends who share their passion for music. Through years of training, growing, and performing together, these students build deep, lasting friendships and unforgettable memories, creating a supportive community that extends far beyond the stage.
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From first harmonies to high-stakes performances, Squad Harmonix offers a clear pathway for serious vocalists to master their craft in a supportive, high-energy community.
LIVE PERFORMANCE OPPERTUNITIES
Squad Harmonix members can perform over 35 shows per year with LJMA, depending on the level of training. Squad Harmonix offers students regular opportunities to take to the stage and grow as live performers.
From community events and festivals to professionally produced concerts, each show builds on-stage experience and confidence.
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As students move up through the levels—from Pop Squad to Junior, Senior, and Varsity—the number and scale of performance opportunities increase significantly.
Higher-level squads are featured in more high-profile events, advanced stage productions, and industry-level showcases.
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The further you progress, the more you perform.
Live performance is an essential part of our training model, preparing students for both professional and academic opportunities in music and beyond.
It builds not only vocal excellence, but also confidence, independence, and real-world stage experience—skills that transfer directly to college, professional work, and beyond.
DOROTHY CHANDLER, 2023
SANTA MONICA FARMERS MARKET, MONTHLY
Officialy released Albums!
As part of the Squad Harmonix vocal training program, students in Junior, Senior, and Varsity Squads have the exclusive opportunity to record songs from their semester’s repertoire in our state-of-the-art professional music studio located at Laura Jean Music Academy.
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Each year, these recordings are compiled into a polished album that is released on all major streaming platforms to encourage young singers to enjoy the love os a cappella singing. Students selected for solos receive special recognition, with their names featured alongside their performances.
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This hands-on recording experience provides invaluable insight into the professional music industry and gives students a tangible, lasting achievement to celebrate their growth, with many recordings receiving awards and national recognition.
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Music Videos
As part of their training, Junior, Senior, and Varsity Squad members participate in professionally produced music videos—but the experience becomes more advanced as students progress through the program:
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Junior & Senior Squad: Box Video Experience
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Junior and Senior Squad members collaborate on a studio-based “box video”, where each singer is filmed individually and featured in a creative, professionally edited split-screen format. This introduces students to camera performance, visual coordination, and the fundamentals of music video production in a supportive, studio environment.
These videos are polished and engaging—an excellent first step into the world of performance on film.​
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​​Varsity Squad: Full-Scale On-Location Music Video
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Varsity Squad students experience a full-scale on-location video shoot, working with a professional film crew, wardrobe styling, makeup artists, and cinematic direction. These high-concept productions are shot in unique locations and showcase Varsity-level performers in artist-grade videos, ideal for college auditions, professional portfolios, and online platforms.
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This advanced experience gives Varsity Squad members a real taste of the professional music and entertainment industry—intensive, inspiring, and performance-ready. ​
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Check out our official YouTube page with over 10'000 subscribers and over 1 million views!
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Saturday Training Schedule (FALL SEMESTER)
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SESSION 1
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pop, Junior, and Senior Squad
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SESSION 2
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Junior and Senior Squad only
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SESSION 3
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pop Squad, Junior Squad, Senior Squad
​​Pop Squad
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REHEARSALS:
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EITHER Session 1 or Session 3
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20th December: 10:00 AM - 4.30 PM - All-day rehearsal for Squad Showcase (REQUIRED BY ALL)
PERFORMANCES​
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21st December: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM - Squad Showcase (REQUIRED BY ALL)
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REQUIREMENTS
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Providing students keep up with the homework, they may miss as many rehearsals as they wish, excluding any rehearsals in December. Students who miss more than 3 rehearsals per semester, however, will not be eligible for solo auditions or be able to move up to higher squads. Students who miss rehearsals in December risk being removed from the final showcase.
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Junior Squad
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REHEARSALS:
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Session 2 AND either Session 1 or Session 3
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20th December: 10:00 AM - 4.30 PM - All-day rehearsal for Squad Showcase (REQUIRED BY ALL)
PERFORMANCES
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Monthly on Sundays from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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21st December: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM - Squad Showcase (REQUIRED BY ALL)
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REQUIREMENTS
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Must take private voice and music theory lessons each week in addition to their Squad Harmonix training. Music theory is included in the sign-up. Voice lessons must be booked separately, either at LJMA or with a private voice teacher approved by LJMA.
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Students who miss the rehearsal directly before any performance will not be permitted to perform in the upcoming performance.
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Senior Squad
REHEARSALS:
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Session 2 AND either Session 1 or Session 3
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20th December: 10:00 AM - 4.30 PM - All-day rehearsal for Squad Showcase (REQUIRED BY ALL)
PERFORMANCES
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Monthly on Sundays from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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Every Friday and Saturday evening in December for holiday shows, as well as any additional performances that may get booked last minute.
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21st December: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM - Squad Showcase (REQUIRED BY ALL)
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REQUIREMENTS
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Must take private voice and music theory lessons each week in addition to their Squad Harmonix training. Music theory is included in the sign-up. Voice lessons must be booked separately, either at LJMA or with a private voice teacher approved by LJMA.
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Students who miss the rehearsal directly before any performance will not be permitted to perform in the upcoming performance.
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Must sign up for full-year commitment
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Varsity Squad
No training in the fall due to college application season.
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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
For information regarding auditioning for Squad Harmonix, please visit our AUDITION PAGE
Why A Cappella Singing Requires Advanced Skill
​While choir singing provides a strong foundation in vocal blending and harmony, a cappella performance—especially on microphones—demands a significantly higher level of precision, independence, and professionalism.
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Here’s why:
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1. No Instruments to Rely On
In a cappella, singers create every element of the music themselves—melody, harmony, rhythm, bass, and percussion—without any instrumental backing. This requires sharp pitch accuracy, rhythmic consistency, and strong internal musicality, which is why this level of singing is not suited for beginner singers, and auditions are required.
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2. Individual Vocal Responsibility
Unlike in choir, where multiple voices typically sing the same part, a cappella often requires one or two singers per part. That means each performer must hold their line confidently and independently, even through complex harmonies and shifting keys, blending, and choreography.
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3. Microphone Technique
Singing on a microphone is a skill in itself. A cappella singers must learn to:
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Control vocal dynamics to avoid overpowering or disappearing in the mix
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Adjust mic distance and direction for tone clarity and consistency
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4. Live Sound Awareness
Singers must adapt in real time to stage monitors and live acoustic changes, maintaining blend, tuning, and energy in unpredictable performance conditions.
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5. Stage Presence and Choreography
A cappella singers don’t stand still. Performances often include movement, choreography, and audience interaction, all while singing tight harmonies and beatboxing into a mic with precision.
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In short, a cappella singing on microphones is the most performance-intensive form of vocal music training available to singers today and is considered one of the hardest skills to master vocally.