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
Mission Statement
The SLS Organization
Instructor Codes
Instructor Certification Procedures
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
2
Mission Statement
Speech Level Singings 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.
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 students voice.
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 organizations
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.
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.
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.
Code of Conduct
1
Instructors are not to use the word associate or association in respect to their
relationship with Seth Riggs or SLS.
Instructors are not to use terms like tricks or magic when referring to Speech
Level Singing technique in advertising and marketing.
Instructors will not ask Seth for special favors regarding certification.
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.
SLS Instructors must have a current and location appropriate business license.
SLS Instructors must have current professional liability insurance and name SLS
as additional insured to their policy.
One million dollars minimum aggregate
coverage.
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 students 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 events 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 teachers 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.
SLS instructors have a responsibility to disclose to their students techniques they

might be using that could harm their voice.
SLS instructors should maintain a professional attitude in all of their business

dealings with their students.
SLS instructors should make all the necessary efforts to pass on their knowledge
to students and the vocal community when requested.
SLS instructors should make all the necessary efforts to promote and support the
official policies of SLS.
SLS instructors should publicly and privately support SLS and its members.
SLS instructors should set an example of professionalism and ethics in all of their
public discourse.
It is unethical to solicit other teachers' students through direct or indirect means.
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.
10
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.
11
Instructor
Certification Procedures
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.)
12
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 hasnt 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:
Be at least 18 Years Old
Fill out the SLS Pre-Certification Application Form (online) and print a copy
Fill out the SLS Instructor Contract at the back of this manual and send it in
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
support@speechlevelsinging.com
13
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.
14
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
Pass testing as teaching 2 lessons while an Master Teacher observes
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.
15
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.
16
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.
17
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.
18
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.
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.
One (1) testing hour with the IMT-IE
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.
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.
19
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 SLSs 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 hour
All IMT members:
US$150 for 1 hour and US$75.00 for 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
21
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
instructors 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.
22
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 ones 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
directors@speechlevelsinging.com 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 isnt. Adding an element of style development is outside of the core
education that is SLS the technique must have a clear delineation. The teachers philosophy in
Speech Level Singing is that we owe it to our students to become wiser, more effective teachers.
The information doesnt 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.
23
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: support@speechlevelsinging.com
Final Note
The information in this manual is subject to change and may be updated by quarterly updates.
24
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.
25
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 <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
26

SLS (Speach Level Singing) Manual Interim 2012

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GET CERTIFIED

2011 Speech Level Singing International (SLS Inc.)

The SLS Organization

Instructor Certification Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

To certify and license qualified SLS instructors.

To license Universities and other teaching organizations to officially use and

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

To provide additional opportunities for Instructors and students.

To create synergies between SLS members around the world.

To create a forum to exchange ideas on teaching SLS.

Master Teacers Roles

Regional Representatives Group

One million dollars minimum aggregate

When an SLS student is introduced to a new teacher through attending an official

SLS instructors have a responsibility to disclose to their students techniques they

SLS instructors should maintain a professional attitude in all of their business

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

It is unethical to criticize adversely the work of fellow teachers, unless such

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

It is unethical to air grievances regarding a fellow teacher to other members. If

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

It is unprofessional and unethical to request special treatment or favors with

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

Members are committed to inspire fellow associates to achieve their highest

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

What does it mean to be certified?

Be at least 18 Years Old

Las Vegas, NV, 89147

The Pre-Certification Process Flowchart

Level Advancement ONLY takes place in January of every year

Be at least 18 years old

One hour of testing from an Master Teacher

Pass testing as teaching 2 lessons while an Master Teacher observes

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

Pass the SLS Level One written test

Level Two Instructor

Level Three Instructor

Level Four Instructor

Level Five Instructor

Additional Level Advancement Issues

One (1) testing hour with the IMT-IE

Private Voice Lessons

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

All IMT members:

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

Certification License Fees

US$450 Administration Fee

US$600 per year

US$750 per year

US$900 per year

US$1050 per year

US$1200 per year

Certification License Fee Due Dates

Indicate which Level of Certification you are paying for

If paying by quarter, indicate which quarter you are paying for

Teacher Reporting Requirements (Education Logbooks)

Certified Teacher Activities

Speech Level Singing Philosophy: Technique vs. Style

Instructor Certification Status

Instructor Evaluation Forms

How long does it take to get certified?

The Pre-Certification period is LIMITED TO 2 YEARS. The minimum time is 1 YEAR.

Can I get certified or move through levels accelerated?