Course Syllabus
Course: MUSC 1080
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: Class Voice
Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028
Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to the study and performance of vocal music. It is designed for the beginning to the intermediate singer who desires to learn more about vocal music, including technique, diction, and performance practices.
Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 2; Lab: 0
Justification: This course allows the beginning to intermediate voice student (including non-vocal music majors) to learn the fundamentals of vocal music. Courses of this type are taught in all music departments at four-year schools in Utah.; This course will transfer to these schools as elective music credit.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will: understand basic vocal production technique, including posture and body position, the use of the muscles of inhalation and exhalation and proper breath support and control; This outcome will be assessed through formative performance quizzes during each class period and summative recital performances.
Students will understand the basics of vocal timbre, including the use of the muscles of the throat to create proper vocal focus; This outcome will be assessed through formative performance quizzes during each class period and summative recital performances.
Students will understand the basics of vocal diction, including the use of the lips, tongue and teeth to create clarity and tonal focus; This outcome will be assessed through formative performance quizzes during each class period and summative recital performances.
Students will understand the difference between head voice and chest voice, and the proper usage of both; This outcome will be assessed through formative performance quizzes during each class period and summative recital performances.
Students will have the opportunity to memorize and perform vocal music in a recital setting. This outcome will be assessed through formative performance quizzes during each class period, memorization quizzes, and summative recital performances.
Content:
• posture and head position
• breath support and control
• sound production and focus
• head voice, chest voice, and mixed voice
• diction and correct pronunciation practice
• performance practice
• memorization techniques
• recital practices
Students of various backgrounds find relevance in the course through literature selected for study representing a broad range of diverse musical expressions. As a group, we will strive to value differences as well as commonalities and promote respect in
personal interactions.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be graded on the following (percentages approximate):
Attendance 10 to 20%
Formative performance quizzes during each class period 20 to 30%
Memorization quizzes 20 to 30%
Recital performance 20 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Stanton, Royal. Steps to Singing for Voice Classes. Waveland Press, current edition.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course is designed to provide students who struggle with singing a means of remediation necessary to develop the skills needed to pass other required coursework in the major. Instructors are aware of classroom dynamics and pay close attention to students' learning experiences from diverse communities, backgrounds, and identities. This awareness will allow the instructor to be flexible and open to change, ensuring consistency and accessibility for all.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 20
