The Custom Exercise Builder¶

While the Exercise Library is extensive, sometimes you need something specific — a particular pattern, a certain key, or a unique combination that fits your teaching moment perfectly. That's where the Custom Exercise Builder comes in.

What Is the Exercise Builder?¶

The Exercise Builder is a tool that lets you create custom vocal exercises by: - Choosing from pre-built template patterns (scales, arpeggios, intervals, etc.) - Selecting a backing track style from the Loop Library (pop, jazz, classical, etc.) - Setting parameters like key, tempo, range, and number of bars

EchoVQ then generates: - A MusicXML file (sheet music) - A guide melody audio (the pattern you chose) - A backing track (stitched from loops matching your style and tempo) - A cover image (visual thumbnail)

The result is a fully playable exercise that works just like the library exercises, complete with Q-Orb analysis when students record.

When to Use the Custom Exercise Builder¶

Use the builder when: - You need an exercise in a specific key or range not available in the library - A student needs a variation on a pattern they're already comfortable with - You want to combine a specific melodic idea with a particular backing track style - You're preparing for a specific song or audition and want a related warm-up - You want to create a signature exercise for your studio

Stick with the library when: - A pre-built exercise already does what you need (faster) - You're not sure exactly what you want yet (browse first, build second) - You're new to the platform and still exploring what's available

Teaching tip: Many teachers start with the library for the first few months, then gradually build custom exercises as they identify gaps or specific student needs. There's no rush — the library is huge.

How to Create a Custom Exercise¶

Step-by-step:

Access the Builder
Go to "My Custom Exercises" page (in sidebar navigation)
Click "Create New Exercise" or "Exercise Builder"
Choose a Template Pattern
Select from options like:
- 5-Note Scale (ascending, descending, or both)
- Octave Arpeggio (root, third, fifth, octave)
- Interval Leaps (thirds, fourths, fifths, etc.)
- Chromatic Run (half-step sequences)
- Custom Melody (upload your own MusicXML if advanced)
The template determines the melodic shape
Select a Backing Track Style (Loop Library)
Choose the genre/feel of the accompaniment:
- Classical/Acoustic: Piano, strings, elegant and supportive
- Pop: Modern beats, synth, upbeat
- Jazz: Walking bass, swing feel, sophisticated
- R&B/Soul: Groove-heavy, smooth
- Rock: Guitars, drums, energetic
- Minimal/None: Just the guide melody, no backing track
The loop library has dozens of styles
Set Parameters
Key: Choose the key (C, D♭, D, E♭, E, F, G♭, G, A♭, A, B♭, B, major or minor)
Tempo: Set BPM (60-180 typical range)
Range: Define the lowest and highest notes (ensures it fits the voice type)
Number of Bars: How many repetitions or how long the pattern runs (4, 8, 16 bars, etc.)
Voice Type: Tag it for Soprano, Tenor, etc. (helps with organization later)
Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced (your assessment)
Generate the Exercise
Click "Generate" or "Create Exercise"
EchoVQ processes your choices (usually takes 10-30 seconds)
The system creates all the assets (audio, sheet music, image)
Preview and Confirm
Listen to the generated exercise
If it's not quite right, adjust parameters and regenerate
If it's perfect, click "Save to My Exercises"
Name and Describe
Give it a memorable title (e.g., "C Major Octave Arpeggio - Pop Style")
Add a description (optional but helpful for future reference)
Tag it with skill focus, level, etc.
Assign to Students
Immediately assign to students, or save it to assign later

Managing Your Custom Exercises¶

All your created exercises live in the "My Custom Exercises" page.

What you'll see: - A list of all exercises you've built - Each card shows: - Title and description - Difficulty and voice type - Creation date - Visibility status (Private, Shared with specific students, Shared with all students) - Student status (which students have it in their practice plan)

Actions you can take: - Edit: Change the title, description, tags, or parameters (may require regeneration) - Preview: Listen to it again - Share: Control who can see and use the exercise - Assign: Add it to students' practice plans - Delete: Remove it permanently (be careful — this can't be undone)

By default, custom exercises are private — only you can see them. To make them available to students, you need to share them.

Sharing options:

Option 1: Share with All Students - Makes the exercise visible in the Exercise Library for all your students - Great for exercises you use regularly with everyone - Students can browse and add it to their practice plan themselves, or you can auto-assign it

Option 2: Share with Specific Students - Select individual students to share with - Only those students see it in their library - Perfect for exercises tailored to a small group or one student

Option 3: Keep Private - The exercise exists but isn't visible to any students - You can still manually assign it (it will appear in their practice plan even if they can't browse for it) - Useful for exercises you're still testing or only use rarely

Auto-Assign Option: When sharing, you can check a box to automatically add the exercise to students' practice plans. This shares it AND assigns it in one step.

Per-Student Visibility and Assignment Controls¶

For each custom exercise, you have granular control over each student:

Toggle Visibility: - Show or hide the exercise in a specific student's Exercise Library - Even if shared broadly, you can hide it from students it's not appropriate for

Toggle Assignment: - Add or remove the exercise from a student's practice plan - Assigning it puts it in their "to-do" list; unassigning removes it (but keeps historical data if they already recorded it)

Why this matters: You might create an exercise for intermediate students, share it broadly, but hide it from beginners. Or you might assign it to a few students actively working on that skill while leaving it hidden (but available) for others who might need it later.