Academic Catalogs

MUS A164: Voice 4

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 10/19/2022
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 A162 for singers with two years of choral experience or three semesters 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 fourth semester level. Sing songs from musical theatre, film, folk, popular, and classical repertory. Daily practice required. ADVISORY: MUS A163 or instructor authorization. Transfer Credit: CSU.

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 advanced vocal technique and stylistically appropriate tone quality
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and interpretation of musical styles including folk, art, and musical theater
  • 3. Sing with an advanced and nuanced understanding of musicality and expression
  • 4. Memorize and perform songs and vocal exercises in multiple languages at a skill level equivalent to the fourth semester of college or university achievement

Lecture Content

I. Vocal Health and Development      A. Continued advanced exploration of the vocal mechanism and anatomical considerations for singers      B. Tuning systems and “expressive intonation”      C. Advanced breathing techniques      D. Continued exploration of vibrato      E. Diction: pronunciation and inflection of English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and students native languages as applicable      F. Advanced vocal terminology related to tone color, fach, etc.   II. Song Literature      A. Tools and resources for finding and researching literature/repertoire      B. Advanced study of the history and context of repertoire learned in class      C. Critical consideration and comparison of stylistic and vocal choices in different genres of repertoire   III. Song Study, Practice, and Memorization      A. Advanced practice and memorization skills/techniques      B. Harmonic, structural, and textual analysis as a guide to interpretation      C. Working with a collaborative pianist and/or other vocalists/instrumentalists   IV. Song Presentation      A. Introduction to advanced acting techniques for singers      B. Interpretation of text and communication with audience in multiple languages      C. Discussion of DEI issues as they affect voice curriculum and careers      D. Musicianship: applying concepts to more challenging repertoire   V. Careers for Vocalists      A. Resources for aspiri ng vocalists      B. Looking to the future of singing as a career in the digital age

Lab Content

In-class activities include: * Breathing exercises to develop resonance and timbre * Vocalizing for tone, timbre, and expended range* Increasing utility of vocal range through implementation of correct technique* Supporting breath/tone for increased duration and legato* Fine-tuning intonation* Producing the voice with freedom and flexibility* Demonstrating understanding of authentic style and appropriate performance practice * Learning/singing/memorizing intermediate repertoire* Working with a piano accompanist* Demonstrating diction in English, Italian, and other languages* 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.  Vocalizes (vocal exercise) for development of agility, purity of vowels, growth of volume, clarity of diction, 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 drills and rehearsal techniques derived from music being sung, to facilitate as rapid learning as possible, for the wide range of abilities and preparations inherent in the students. 5.  Attention to matters of conduct, grooming, dress, and stage movement appropriate for a disciplined 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.

Other Resources

1. Handouts and sheet music to be provided by the instructor.