MUSC 257:258
VOICE CLASS
MUSC257:258. Voice Class
Three hours (1:1).
Fundamentals of singing technique, diction and performance practices through demonstration and practical application.
MUSC257 - fall: 258 - spring.
Through lecture, demonstration and use of body movement/awareness/alignment, this course is designed for beginning students who want to develop their voices through learning about the fundamentals of correct singing and how to produce a free, beautiful and musically accurate vocal sound. The ability to read simple notation is essential.
1 . Body Alignment
a . physically aligning exercises
b . standing "tall"
c . feet slightly apart
d . no locked knees
e . spine should feel stretched
f . chest held high and quiet
g . shoulders back, free and loose
h . lower ribs buoyantly expanded in the inspiratory position
i . neck well-aligned with back
j . arms dropped easily at sides
k . muscles not rigid, but alive -- no stiff "soldier" posture, but no flabbiness either
2 . Breath Management
a . prepare body alignment
b . maintain an open, expanded rib cage with great flexibility at the base of the rib cage
c . use of both mouth and nose for inhaling
d . learn to remain in buoyant "inspiratory" position
3 . Coordinate correct alignment and breath management for efficient use of breath
a . use of kinesthetic memory
4 . Use of musical vocalises and exercises on various vowels, focusing on vowels from front-to-back [i, e, a, o, u]
5 . Learning basis physiology of the singing mechanism
a . use of articulators and resonators
b . explaining the function of tongue, palate, jaw, lips, pharynx, chest, nose and sinuses
c . awareness of zygomatic arch
6 . Diction overview
a . introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet
b . use of clear vowel sounds [i, e, a, o, u]
c . touch on diction in select foreign languages
7 . Performances practices
a . vocal exercises, in each class session
b . selected solo performing in class weekly
c . stage presence, poise and self control( 1 ) overcoming shyness, nervousness
( a ) turning nerves into excitement
( b ) learning focus and concentration( 2 ) when and how to acknowledge applause
( 3 ) what to do with the hands - use of gesture
( 4 ) how to control inappropriate physical mannerisms
( 5 ) how to come from a place of centered neutralityd . criticism of self and others
( 1 ) constructive criticism of class performances
( 2 ) learning what to recognize in an artistically fulfilling performance
8 . Principles of vocal health
a . avoiding overuse/abuse of the voice
( 1 ) avoid cheering at ballgames
( 2 ) avoid conversations in places with high ambient noise levels
( 3 ) avoid substances that dry mucous membranes
( 4 ) drink adequate amounts of fluids
( 5 ) follow the advice of physician if any chronic allergies, asthma or infectionsb . learning proper use of the speaking voice
( 1 ) giving your speaking voice the same attention as your
( 2 ) singing voice
The course will include lecture, demonstration and emphasizes class participation and performance. In learning about the art of singing, each student receives individual instruction at his/her own level of expertise. Emphasis is on learning basic principles of singing and putting them to practical use.
At the conclusion of the class, each student will demonstrate:
Ability to sing with pleasing tone quality as a result of freedom and ease in the body and vocal mechanism.
Students will be expected to perform frequently in class to demonstrate their understanding and incorporation of new skills and performance techniques. Written work will include testing on the IPA, overall understanding of the vocal mechanism, written critiques of their own work, as well as papers reporting on their attendance at university voice recitals and other vocal programs.
Students will be expected to attend various voice recitals and other vocal programs throughout the year.
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
February 2006 Reviewed E. Fellin, Chairman