RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


In this five-week minimester class, we will explore basic vocal techniques and exercises to help you become a stronger vocalist. While you may not be great yet, anyone can gain the skills to become an amazing singer. The secret is this: if you have a voice, you can sing! 

 Each week, you will learn a new technique to improve your voice, and at the end of each session, we’ll put our newly learned skill into practice by applying it to a song. 



Class Outline


Week 1:  Breathe!

We will learn how to breathe from the diaphragm and practice breath control exercises to develop this essential singing skill. 


Week 2:  It’s Really a Science – Voice Physiology 

The more you understand how your body works, the better you can use it. We will go over correct posture for singing and tips and tricks on tongue placement.  (Who knew such a small muscle can affect your sound so much?) 


Week 3:  Repeat After Me – Pitch Recognition & Ear Training
 

We will learn the solfege of a major scale and practice exercises to strengthen pitch recognition. Depending on the skill level of the class, we may also introduce harmonies based on solfege. 


Week 4:  Work It Out! – Vocal Warm-Ups & Exercises  
 
We will cover a variety of easy yet effective vocal warm-ups and exercises to continue building skill, strength, and vocal control. 


Week 5:  Take It Easy – Tips on Increasing Vocal Range 

We will explore safe, gentle methods to expand your vocal range without force or strain, as well as techniques to improve vocal strength and tone. 


  • I liked how the class was so interactive and you were individually helped.

  • I liked that we were able to get feedback when we practiced the exercises so we knew where to improve.

  • I liked how it was very interactive and you could ask any questions.

  • I enjoyed this course very much and felt that it was very well done.

  • I feel happy I found Rabateens and attended this class!

  • I liked the teacher, her voice is really nice. And the students, they are very friendly!

  • I liked our awesome Anse Michelle, and hearing everyone’s beautiful voices, and learning new ways to make my voice nicer.

  • I really like this class and I will treasure the memories attending these classes forever.

  • I liked that everyone cheered each other on and it taught me things i had never known about singing.

  • I love singing, so this class really helped me understand my voice and how I can use it professionally.

  • I like how we covered all the different vocal instruments and how to improve them.

  • I loved the teacher because she made us feel comfortable and was very nice and made us feel confident

  • I liked the freeness of the class and the confidence Anse gave us

  • I liked the breathing exercises and singing practice, how we all learnt to be confident by hearing each other sing and overcoming insecurities about our voices

  • I liked the acceptance and that there was no pressure to hit all the right notes as long as you tried.

  • The teacher was very, very nice and understanding and I liked being around other Muslim girls

  • I love the energy, the smile, the love, the passion, Anse Michelle inspired us for singing. I enjoyed every single moment, every single exercise and every song. Yet I enjoyed the most the lovely teacher!!

  • I liked singing Nasheeds

  • I liked doing the vocal exercises because it challenged my singing capabilities.

  • I like the teacher and how she makes it a safe space. I also liked all the vocal warmups.

  • I liked the tips and tricks we learnt

  • I liked everything, Allhamdulillah!

Class Activity Materials

None 

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Sundays, 5:00 - 6:00 pm CST 

Session dates: September 14 - October 12 

Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.


*Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. 

**RabaTEENS programs are for girls aged 12-17 ONLY. Students are required to be 12 already in order to join any of RabaTEENS programs.

Certificate of Participation

A certificate of participation will be given to students who complete the class.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

If You Have A Voice, You Can Sing

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Michelle Sekusky

Anse Michelle Sekusky, an Ohio native, embraced Islam in 2011. In 2013, she enrolled in the Ribaat Academic Institute, studying traditional Islamic education under the guidance of Anse Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray. Within the Columbus, Ohio community, Anse Michelle served on the board of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for four years and actively volunteered with local masjid committees. There, she also developed a support system for and worked closely with converts for eight years. As an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, Anse Michelle is known for writing, performing, and conducting workshops across the nation. Her foundation in the performing arts, cultivated during her time in middle and high school, was further enriched by touring during her college years. She is passionate about using music to connect women of all ages to their faith through nasheed and singing. Currently, she is a proud member of the Twin City Women’s Choir and serves on the board of Her Voice Productions. Anse Michelle is the Rabata Cultural Center Manager. She remains an enthusiastic student of the Ribaat Academic Institute and actively teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies and RabaTEENS youth programs. She also contributes by supporting Rabata’s Convert Care program. In 2022, she obtained her ijaza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi. Recently, Anse Michelle joined the speakers and board of the Islamic Resource Group (IRG), where she educates the wider community about Islam.