VOCAL PEDAGOGY - MUS 425B01 DR. LINDA MARRA SPRING ‘06 MUSIC Room 117 12:00-12:50 MWF Office Hours: (See door, Room 122 Music) 963-1816 [email protected] STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND DESIRED OUTCOMES: The purpose of this course is to provide students with the information and understanding necessary for becoming effective teachers of singing. Since the high school choir teacher is essentially working with and training voices, the information in the course is extremely important. It should be understood that it is not possible to create a fine voice teacher through book reading and scientific study alone. However, it is through such study that one becomes able to critically examine the vast number of writings on voice training that have appeared throughout history. Refinement of skill in voice teaching comes only as a result of basic knowledge of the physiology and acoustics of the voice and through experience in working with many students on various vocal problems. Good singing is not the result of “tricks of the trade” which address only part of the whole picture. There must be an understanding of the holistic nature of the process of singing. The final goal of all voice training is the free-flowing development of artistic expression unhampered by mechanical problems of unhealthful or improper vocal technique. Understanding the functional unity of the instrument helps in achieving that end. OUTCOMES: Students will understand the basic anatomy and functioning of the vocal apparatus. Students will be able to diagnose vocal problems and provide solutions. Students will be able to formulate vocalises for use in lessons and rehearsals. Students will gain hands-on experience in working with a student for the quarter. Students will become familiar with standard pedagogical literature and methodology. Students will be able to articulate instructions well and communicate well in lessons. Students will gain an understanding of the Gestalt of the singing mechanism. Students will be able to choose appropriate literature for use in voice lessons. ASSESSMENT: The above outcomes will be assessed by presentations, lessons, submission of written materials and the midterm and final exams. A course notebook will be kept by each student and submitted for grading at the end of the quarter.GRADING POLICY: Your grade will be based upon the following: 1. Attendance: This is an activity as well as a lecture course. You may have a maximum of three absences during the quarter without a change in grade. If you miss a class you will be expected to get class notes and assignments from a classmate and keep up with the rest of the class. 2. Taking class notes and doing assigned readings. You must keep a looseleaf notebook which includes class notes as well as reading notes. There will be handouts to keep in the notebook as well. Staff paper is necessary for writing out vocalises. The notebook will be handed in at the time of the final exam. 3. The midterm and final exam. 4. Written assignments. Summaries of units and library readings will be assigned from time to time. Late assignments will be graded down one point for each class session late. 5. Presentation of a summary of a journal article from the JOURNAL OF SINGING. 6. Voice lesson with a student presented for the class. 7. Vocalise exchange. Students will present five vocalises to the class with explanations on what vocal problems they address. Weightings: Midterm and Final 20% each Lesson 10% Article summary 10% Vocalises 10% Class work/attendance 10% Notebook 10% Assignments 10% Notebook Sections: 1) Syllabus 2) Class notes 3) Reading notes 4) Handouts 5) Vocalises (copies from each student) 6) Written assignments 7) Journal article summary 8) midterm