Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 39A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
Description: In-depth study of specific elements of efficient vocal technique and performance. Includes vowel purity, belt singing, and managing stage fright. Vocal exercises and songs from various music styles are performed, including selections made by students. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate a free, coordinated tone and dynamic range supported by efficient costal breath management.
  • CSLO #2: Demonstrate a coordinated tone and legato vocal technique utilizing proper attack and release of pure tones, correct intonation, changing pitch, volume, and timbre by singing a simple song.
  • CSLO #3: Perform a simple melody demonstrating relaxed articulation and modification of Italian and English vowels and selected consonants.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

54

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Define and describe the technique of belt singing.
2. Describe specific causes of performance anxiety, and identify means to manage them.
Activity Objectives:
1. Sing a set of vocalizations that emphasize the distinction between the English vowel sounds.
2. Perform 4 vocal solos, demonstrating pure vowels, belt singing, and performance anxiety management.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Classroom Discussions
          • Example: Students will be assigned a vocalist to listen, research and report on. This project will be given in the form of an oral presentation.
        • Projects
          • Example: Students will be assigned a vocalist to listen, research and report on. This project will be given in the form of an oral presentation.
        • Reports
          • Example: Students will be required to attend two vocal recitals or choral concerts and write concert reports on tone, diction, performance techniques and other concepts discussed in class.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: Student will demonstrate specific vocal techniques within the context of a song performance as discussed in class. Students will give constructive comments to each other under the direction of the instructor, discussion will be student led.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Activity
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Activity:

        1. Instructor will present two contrasting Art songs, guiding the class through performance problems each offers, asking specific questions about places to breathe, articulation and dynamics and how that would affect the interpretation of the song. These questions will address issues of performance practice, history, diction and students' ability to assimilate various elements in producing a polished performance of their own songs.

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor will lecture about the elements of musical notation using the white board and will ask students to identify specific elements in the solo pieces they’ve been assigned. Students will then examine their pieces for key signature, rhythmic motives, articulation marks.

        Distance Learning

        1. Based on a previous lecture on English Art song by the instructor, students will form small groups to identify and analyze their English Art song's musical elements, specifically locating terms and articulation that would influence how they would perform their song. After this activity, students will report to the class with their findings.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read one assigned article about the physiology of breath support and tone production and present findings to class. 2. Read assigned articles about vocal production and performance and summarize in a three page paper.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Analyze a song to be performed. 2. Perform critique for one's self and for other singers. 3. Write abstracts for given reading assignments.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        1. Determine how to use the technique of belt singing. 2. Determine what internal "judges" may be impeding one's performance. 3. Prepare a song for performance, including practice and memorization. 4. Practice performing selected vocal exercises

        Required Materials

        • One Voice: Integrating Singing & Theatre Voice Techniques
          • Author: Melton, J. and Tom, K.
          • Publisher: Waveland Press
          • Publication Date: 2011
          • Text Edition: 2nd
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Vocal Technique: A Psychological Approach
          • Author: Jan Bickle
          • Publisher: Plural Publishing
          • Publication Date: 2016
          • Text Edition: 2nd
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Anatomy of Voice: How to enhance and project your best voice
          • Author: Blandine Calais-Germain and François Germain
          • Publisher: Healing Arts Press
          • Publication Date: 2016
          • Text Edition: 2nd
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.