2 UNITS - 2 HOURS and 5 minutes( 45 minute lecture - 1 hour 20 minutes performance lab)
This semester will I will begin teaching from my upcoming book "TELOS - The Elementary Laws Of Singing." Students will be auditioned and advised to attend either 50A or 50B, depending on skill level. The more advanced students will attend 50B if at all possible. 50A will be structured in the following manner. There will be three songs to be memorized during the semester. Each song is to be performed entirely from memory.Choice of songs depends upon the the instructor's approval. In addition, there will be a class song (also to be memorized) which will be required as a solo performance during the semester. This song will be an important part of your final grade. Grading is always somewhat subjective in voice classes, so in order that you can "keep tabs" on how you are progressing in the class, the following formula will be used: Each song performed is worth 15 points 5 points for memorization 5 points for vocal technique 5 points for performance This gives you a total of 60 points for your three songs plus the class song The remaining points will be divided into a written final (15 points), three quizzes (15 points - 5 points each)and 10 points for class participation and coaching with the accompanist Total points possible for the semester equal 100 A = 90 - 100 B = 80 -90 C = 70 - 80 D = 65 - 70 F = below 65 points
If you drop the class for any reason, AND YOU DO NOT INFORM ME PERSONALLY (either in writing or in person) I will give an "F." This is almost the only way you can fail this class, so please take notice - if you drop for any reason, let me know!!!
The text for the class is called "Vocal-Ease" and it is available in the bookstore for about $3.00 - please get it right away, and begin reading - that way, you'll be able to ask questions in the first class!
I. Catalogue description: introduction to the basic principles of singing: tone production, breath control, diction and use of the appropriate song material.
II. Prerequisites: An intrest in learning basic singing skills.
III. Text and References: Provided by instructor
IV. Course Objectives:
1. To develop basic vocal skills and techniques:
a. understanding the body/mind connection
b. unscrambling "buzz - words" used in singer's vocabulary
1. correcting misinformation
2. providing examples of correct information
3. re-uniting old terminology with understandable
techniques and exercises.
c. understanding of basic acoustics of singing
1. use of articulators and jaw to create correct
harmonics for exact vowel production
2. use of tongue and soft palate
3. consonantal breakfast (articulating consonants well)
d. understanding the role of compressed air in the singing tone
e. understanding specifically what vowels are and how they are produced in the vocal tract
f. general acoustical problems which affect singers
2. Interpretation
a. Learning to sing notes correctly in time and rhythm
b. Study of text for meaning and phrasing
c. Where to breathe or not to breathe
d. Style
1. acoustical singing
a. classical
b. folk
2. microphone singing
a. pop
b. jazz
c. rock
d. punk/metal/ and other screaming techniques
3. choral
4. solo
3. Foreign Languages
a. Basic English
1. dialects
b. Foreign Languages
a. Basic "3" (Italian, French and German)
b. IPA
c. Native language
4. The Study of "Great" Singers
a. modeling
b. imitating
c. observing
d. reading about
e. live vs. Memorex
f. listening critically
5. Performance
a. In class
b. Audition techniques
V Method of Presentation:
1. Lecture - discussion
2. Individual and group vocalizes
3. Performances in class
4. Recorded performances outside (or in class) to be evaluated by instructor and class together
5.Evaluation and corrections of class performance
6. Use of practice tapes of vocalizes for daily practice by student
7. Rehearsal by appointment with class accompanist
8. Performance in class with accompanist
9. Recordings, videos, etc. as models
VI. Lecture Content (the order will vary as needed)
Lecture 1 - overview of singing - some demonstration of harmonics, applications, etc.
Lecture II - the larynx: how the vocal folds work; muscles; exercises
Lecture III - breathing for singing - how, why, how often
Lecture IV - video of the working vocal folds-discussion follows: applications of what was viewed
Lecture V - Vowels - what are they? How do we make them? How do we use them in singing? Singing vowels vs. spoken vowels. Exercises follow discussion
Lecture VI - Text and poetry in singing. "Acting"the text against the music. The composer vs. the lyricist.
Lecture VII - Spotting and the Performance game: how to control the audience and know it.
Lecture VIII - Review/ Mid term
Lecture IX - Vibrato - Why use it? What is it? When it shouldn't be used. Why we like it. Tension vs. release.
Lecture X - Style: classical vs. pop; Baroque vs. Romantic: Folk vs. Classical, vs. pop - Amature vs. pro: ect. vs. etc.
Lecture XI - Vocal Categories and Key Signatures - what's the best key? What can you transpose vs. what you shouldn't. Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass and all the subdivisions.
Who cares whether or not Ella Fitzgerald was a soprano or not? Who cares if Cecilia Bartoli is a mezzo or not?
Lecture XII - Repertoire - What's best for you? Discussion followed by evaluation
Lecture XIII - Stage Fright - what to do when everything is right except your nerves. Use of nervous energy: posisive and negative- shallow breathing - shaking knees, etc.
Lecture XIV ........... everything else in the whole world.