Taught by Deke Sharon, in partnership with Acaville
What does it really take to start an a cappella group that lasts?
In this course, legendary arranger, producer, and educator Deke Sharon pulls back the curtain on how great groups are born and how they survive, evolve, and thrive. Drawing on decades of experience as a member of the Tufts Beelzebubs, founder of The House Jacks, performer with Disney’s Dapper Dans, and mentor to countless collegiate, professional, and pop a cappella groups, Deke walks you through every step of building a group from the ground up.
From shaping a clear vision and assembling the right people, to auditions, arrangements, leadership structure, and landing paid gigs, this course is both philosophical and deeply practical.
Whether you’re starting your very first group or rebooting one with intention, this course gives you the tools, mindset, and community context to do it right.
| Module 1 | Vision and Foundation |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Introduction |
| Unit 2 | Vision, Don't Do It Alone |
| Unit 3 | Group Format & Identity |
| Unit 4 | Tradeoffs |
| Module 2 | Building the Group |
| Unit 1 | Auditions: Where, Who, and How |
| Unit 2 | Getting Arrangements |
| Unit 3 | Organization & Leadership |
| Unit 4 | Rehearsals, Scheduling, and Group Naming |
| Module 3 | Launching and Thriving |
| Unit 1 | Getting Gigs |
| Unit 2 | Conclusion |