Academic Catalogs

MUS A162: Voice 2

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 02/08/2023
Top Code 100400 - Music
Units 1 Total Units 
Hours 36 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 9; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

This course is a continuation of Music A161 for singers with two years of choral experience or one semester of private lessons or voice class. It prepares for solo and group singing by improving breathing, vocal tone, range agility, volume, diction, health, expression and self-confidence at the second semester level. Sing songs from musical theatre, film, folk, popular, and classical repertory. Daily practice required. ADVISORY: MUS A161 or instructor authorization. Formerly known as MUS A146. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Sing memorized solos from class repertoire in English, a second language (such as Italian, Spanish, and Latin) and a native language with a range suitable to their voice type and correctly evaluate vocal styles of fellow students.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Sing with a healthy vocal technique
  • 2. Sing with accurate intonation, rhythm and expressiveness
  • 3. Memorize and sing a minimum of one song in each of the styles defined
  • 4. Perform songs and vocal exercises at a skill level equivalent to the first year, second semester of college or university achievement

Lecture Content

I. Vocal Health and Development      A. Intermediate exploration of the vocal mechanism and its use      B. Intonation and pitch accuracy; recognizing and modifying pitch issues      C. Intermediate breathing techniques      D. Using vibrato      E. Diction: introduction to Italian pronunciation      F. Developing the upper and lower ends of the vocal range   II. Song Literature      A. Vocal differences in folk, art song, and musical theater style      B. Healthy vocal modification according to repertoire style      C. Introduction to the history of each style   III. Song Study, Practice, and Memorization      A. Intermediate practice and memorization skills/techniques      B. Introduction to score study and analysis      C. Resources (online and other) for song study and memorization   IV. Song Presentation      A. Stage deportment and conduct      B. Interpretation of text and communication with audience (including in other languages)      C. Introduction to concepts of costuming, makeup, etc.      D. Musicianship: intermediate concepts in intonation, rhythm, and phrasing   V. Performance Anxiety      A. Meditation      B. Alexander Technique

Lab Content

In-class activities include: * Building proper posture* Breathing exercises  * Developing resonance and timbre* Vocalizing for tone and range* Supporting breath/tone for duration and legato* Learning and singing beginning/intermediate repertoire* Demonstrating diction in English* Listening to examples of live and recorded singing* Performing for classmates* Constructively critiquing in-class and recorded performances

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • Lab (04)
  • DE Live Online Lab (04S)

Instructional Techniques

1.  Limbering, posture, and breathing exercises preparatory to singing. 2.  Vocalises (vocal exercises) for development of agility, purity of vowels, variation of color and dynamic levels, extension of range, accuracy of intonation. 3.  Spoken study of language:  diction, comprehension of text and translation and meaning. 4.  Utilization of various exercises and rehearsal techniques derived from music being sung to facilitate efficient learning. 5.  Attention to matters of conduct, grooming, dress, and stage movement appropriate for a solo singer. 6.  Integration of above into stylistically accurate performance. 7.  Final product:  in-class performances of song literature.

Reading Assignments

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Writing Assignments

Students must demonstrate proficiency in performing a variety of vocal music to the instructors satisfaction to complete the course.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will need to spend at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week practicing vocalizations and assigned songs (approximately 2.5 hours per week). It is suggested that they dedicate some time each week listening to other vocal artists, analyzing their style and song repertoire. A variety of different artistic styles should be studied.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Class participation and attendance, class performance of course repertoire.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

1. Demonstrations of ability to apply vocal and musical skills       a. Performance of memorized vocal exercises       b. Performance of memorized songs       c. Written review of upper division graduate or professional solo vocal recital 2. Demonstration of Problem solving skills       a. Structuring and implementing practice and rehearsal sessions b. Selection of songs appropriate for own voice

Eligible Disciplines

Music: Masters degree in music OR bachelors degree in music AND masters degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Dayme, M. Vaughn, C.. The Singing Book, ed. W.W. Norton Co., 2014 Rationale: Combines solid technique with usable/accessible repertoire for beginning and intermediate singers. 2. Required Ware, C.. Adventures in Singing, ed. McGraw Hill, 2006 Rationale: Voice-building techniques, clear explanations of the anatomy and mechanics of singing, and a variety of songs for beginning and intermediate singers.

Other Resources

1. Handouts to be provided and distributed by the instructor.