Academic Catalogs

MUS A144: Popular Vocal Techniques

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 02/26/2025
Top Code 100400 - Music
Units 1.5 Total Units 
Hours 45 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee Yes
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Associate Arts Local General Education (GE)
  • Area 3 Arts and Humanities 3B Active Participation (OC2)
Associate Science Local General Education (GE)
  • Area 3A Arts (OSC1)

Course Description

Designed to meet the changing needs and challenges of performing currently popular singing styles including solo, group and background singing in jazz, rock, blues, country, folk and easy listening. Also covered are microphone technique, self accompaniment and popular music terminology. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Rehearse and perform a minimum of two songs in public with a live rhythm section.
  2. Analyze, critique and formulate improvements for a live vocal performance.

Course Objectives

  • I Demonstrate the methods used for singing in popular vocal styles.
  • II Distinguish and differentiate between the techniques necessary for performing in the professional music market:
  • II. 1. Rock
  • II. 2. Jazz
  • II. 3. Blues
  • II. 4. RB
  • II. 5. Country
  • II. 6. folk
  • III Demonstrate background vocal techniques.
  • IV Demonstrate microphone techniques.
  • V Demonstrate breathing techniques.
  • VI Develop rehearsal techniques with a rhythm section.

Lecture Content

Basic Techniques breathing Pitch Resonance Diction Range Contrast and compare traditional and "popular" voice techniques including: Resonance Tremolo Vibrato Focus Blend Rhythm Methods of achieving these differences without damage to the vocal mechanism Interpretive devices and articulations Rubato beat variation phrasing Musical styles Jazz Rock Country Blues Pop easy listening folk RB Extended Voice Techniques and timbral effects Men's falsetto and head voice women's extended chest tones Background Singing with lyrics without lyrics background harmonies Group Singing Balance Blend proper melodic focus Counter point Microphone technique Personal Use Sound Systems Microphone characteristics Self Accompaniment Harmonic problems Acoustic problems Rhythmic difficulty Terminology Vamp Turnaround Figure Riff Instrumental lead Scat singing

Lab Content

Basic Techniques breathing Pitch Resonance Diction Range Contrast and compare traditional and "popular" voice techniques including: Resonance Tremolo Vibrato Focus Blend Rhythm Methods of achieving these differences without damage to the vocal mechanism Interpretive devices and articulations Rubato beat variation phrasing Musical styles Jazz Rock Country Blues Pop easy listening folk RB Extended Voice Techniques and timbral effects Men's falsetto and head voice women's extended chest tones Background Singing with lyrics without lyrics background harmonies Group Singing Balance Blend proper melodic focus Counter point Microphone technique Personal Use Sound Systems Microphone characteristics Self Accompaniment Harmonic problems Acoustic problems Rhythmic difficulty Terminology Vamp Turnaround Figure Riff Instrumental lead Scat singing

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture, master class and group rehearsal

Reading Assignments

.

Writing Assignments

Students must demonstrate proficiency in performing a variety of popular music to the instructor s satisfaction to complete the course. Approximately 2 hours per week.

Out-of-class Assignments

.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Solo and group performances. Evaluation of written student critiques.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students must demonstrate proficiency in performing a variety of popular music to the instructor s satisfaction to complete the course.

Eligible Disciplines

Music: Master's degree in music OR bachelor's degree in music AND master's degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.

Other Resources

1. Selected handout materials including sheet music to be provided and distributed by instructor.