12/26/2024 3:40:06 AM	MUSCP 18 Course Outline as of Fall 2012	Terminated Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  MUSCP 18	Title:  DICTION FOR SINGERS
Full Title:  Diction for Singers
Last Reviewed:10/6/2008

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	1.00	Lecture Scheduled	1.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	17.50
Minimum	1.00	Lab Scheduled	1.00		17.5 min.	Lab Scheduled	17.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	2.00			Contact Total	35.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  35.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 70.00

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  34 - 4 Enrollments Total
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

Study of the literal translation, pronunciation, and interpretation of standard operatic and art song literature in Italian, English, German, and French.  

Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Concurrent Enrollment in MUSCP 17B or MUSCP 40.2

Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Study of the literal translation, pronunciation, and interpretation of standard operatic and art song literature in Italian, English, German, and French.  

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:Concurrent Enrollment in MUSCP 17B or MUSCP 40.2
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:
Repeatability:34 - 4 Enrollments Total

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
UC Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course

COURSE CONTENT

Outcomes and Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Perform art song and operatic literature with correct singing pronunciation.

2.  Use vocal techniques and musical interpretations appropriate to the style.

3.  Research and explain the literal meaning of song and aria texts within their historical and cultural context.

4.  Produce appropriate phonetic translations for the articulation of song and aria texts according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

Repeating students will focus on a different language each semester:

1. First semester: Italian

2. Second semester: English

3. Third semester: German

4. Fourth Semester: French  

Topics and Scope

I. Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet

   A. Symbols for vowels

   B. Symbols for consonants - voiced and unvoiced

II. Pronunciation Rules and Guides for Individual Languages and Dialects

   A. Italian

   B. English

   C. German

   D. French

III.  Practical Applications

   A. Deciphering texts

       1. Translations from reference sources

       2. Using the dictionary

   B.  Pronunciation vs. good vocal technique

       1. Vowels and consonants in relation to tessitura

       2. Pronunciation modifications for different applications

       3. Variations with respect to the student's own native language orientation

       4. Facial postures

   C.  Literature and repertoire

       1. Music of the Bel Canto era and into the present

       2. The development of opera

       3. The art song and its history in Western music

IV. Analysis and Evaluation of Recorded and Live Performances of Vocal Repertoire

   A. Professional recordings by various artists

   B. Internet research

   C. Live concerts

V.  The Artist's Process

   A. Literature selection

   B. Preparing the text

   C. Researching the historical context

   D. The role of the coach and accompanist

   E. Procedure and practice - stylistic and technical considerations

   F. Stage deportment and traditions

VI. Repeating students will focus on a different language each semester:

   A. First semester: Italian

   B. Second semester: English

   C. Third semester: German

   D. Fourth Semester: French  

Assignments:

1. Reading assignments in the text by chapter (10-20 pages/week).

2. Pronunciation practice of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols and specific language sounds for Italian, English, German, and French.

3. Library research on the literal, poetic, and phonetic translations of the text.

4. Written work showing the correct IPA pronunciation symbols in relation to the language of the text.

5. Attendance at live concerts and recitals by vocal performers, including operatic performances.

6. In class performance of 2-4 arias and/or art songs to demonstrate the application of proper linguistic pronunciation skills.

7. Two to three exams (multiple choice or completion) on phonetic symbols and vocal music terminology.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 0 - 10%
English translations of song texts
This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because skill demonstrations are more appropriate for this course.
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 10 - 20%
Phonetic translations
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 60 - 75%
Class performances and recitals
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 5 - 20%
Exams (completion, multiple choice)
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 10 - 15%
Attendance and class participation

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Italian Diction:

Gateway to Italian Diction. Patton, John Glenn. Alfred Publishing, 2004.

Gateway to Italian Art Songs. Patton, John Glenn. Alfred Publishing, 2004.

 

English Diction:

Singing and Communicating in English: A Singer's Guide to English Diction. Kathryn LaBouff. Oxford University Press, 2007.

Art Song in English. Kimball, Carol. Boosey and Hawkes, 2007.

 

German Diction:

Gateway to German Diction. Patton, John Glenn. Alfred Publishing, 2004.

Gateway to German Art Songs. Patton, John Glenn. Alfred Publishing, 2004.

 

French Diction:

Sing French: Diction for Singers. Davis, Eileen. Eclaire Press, 2003.

The French Song Anthology. Walters, Richard and Carol Kimball. Hal Leonard, 2001.

Print PDF