12/27/2024 8:54:29 AM	MUSP 17A Course Outline as of Summer 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  MUSP 17A	Title:  ELEMENTARY VOICE
Full Title:  Elementary Voice
Last Reviewed:4/8/2019

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	2.00	Lecture Scheduled	2.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	35.00
Minimum	2.00	Lab Scheduled	1.00		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	17.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	3.00			Contact Total	52.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 122.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  39 - Total 2 Times
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  MUSCP 17A

Catalog Description:

Students will study basic vocal techniques for the performance of standard and popular songs. Topics include tone production, breath control, diction, and interpreting music notation. Open to all students.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Ability to read music, prior singing experience

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Students will study basic vocal techniques for the performance of standard and popular songs. Topics include tone production, breath control, diction, and interpreting music notation. Open to all students.

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Ability to read music, prior singing experience
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:39 - Total 2 Times

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2009	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2009	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.  Employ appropriate breath and tone management skills in the accurate interpretation of

    standard beginning-level vocal literature.

Objectives:

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

1. Sing standard and popular song literature with correct vocal production.

2. Utilize interpretive and vocal techniques appropriate to the style of the literature.

3. Demonstrate proper vocal warm-up techniques.

4. Execute proper breathing techniques necessary for accurate musical phrasing and intonation.

5. Demonstrate appropriate musicianship in vocal performance.

6. Interpret musical notation and sing from a written score.

7. Demonstrate appropriate stage deportment in vocal performance.

 

Repeating students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate greater technical achievement in their vocal performance.

2. Articulate musical phrases with greater clarity.

3. Perform with higher standards of intonation.

4. Demonstrate a more sophisticated comprehension of dynamics, phrasing, musical expression,

    and nuance.

5. Demonstrate greater skill in sight-reading.

6. Perform a more extensive repertoire.

Topics and Scope

I. Vocal Technique

    A. Posture

    B. Breath management

    C. Tone placement

II. The Vocal Apparatus

    A. Components of the vocal tract

    B. Singing registers

    C. Resonating chambers

    D. Vocal health

III. Musical Notation

    A. Basics of pitch: the musical staff

    B. Basics of rhythm: note values and rests

    C. Sight-reading exercises

IV. Literature

     A. May be selected from the following categories:

         1. Folk music

         2. Art songs

              a. English

              b. Italian

              c. German

              d. French

         3. Musical theater/opera/operetta

         4. Standard jazz and blues

    B. Selection of literature appropriate to the singer's individual voice type

V. Research

    A. Historical context

    B. Linguistic analysis

    C. International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

VI. Performance

    A. Interpretation of the text

    B. Character development

    C. Stage deportment

    D. Interaction with the accompanist

 

Repeating students will perform new literature each semester, building on both their skill level and their knowledge of the repertoire.

 

All topics are covered in the lecture and lab portions of the course.

Assignments:

Lecture-Related Assignments:

1. Reading assignments in the text and handouts (2-3 pages/week)

2. Three to five worksheets on basic musicianship skills and vocal anatomy (Repeating students

    will do additional rhythm drill exercises).

3. Short research essays (appropriate for program notes) for each song performed

4. Listening assignments - recordings and online (ungraded)

5. Maintain a practice diary for submission

 

Lab-Related Assignments:

1. In-class performance of 3-4 songs for evaluation

 

Repeating students will be held to higher standards of performance with each course repetition.

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 5 - 15%
Program note essays
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 10 - 20%
Worksheets
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 25 - 35%
Class performances of assigned songs
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 0 - 0%
None
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 30 - 45%
Attendance and participation in class singing exercises. Practice diary

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Adventures in Singing. 4th ed. Ware, Clifton. McGraw-Hill. 2008 (classic)

 

Instructor prepared materials.

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