MUSE 355

MUSE 355: Choral Conducting

Prerequisite: MUSE 354

Credit hours: (2)  

Continuation of MUSC 354 (Intro to Conducting) with emphasis on conducting techniques, score analysis and interpretation, and rehearsal methods integral to conducting choral music literature from each of the stylistic periods.

 

Content 

MUSC 355 is an introduction to the art of choral conducting. The course will stress the development of fundamental skills and the application of practical solutions to problems found in everyday rehearsals. Throughout the course emphasis will be placed on each participant developing a personal methodology based upon creative problem solving. In this way, the successful participant will develop cognitive skills and habits which should be of use not only in choral rehearsals; but also in many other arenas of endeavor. This course provides a direct assessment of individual musicianship and ability to teach musicianship.

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

1. Posture, alignment, and movement through space
   
   1. Alexander Technique
   2. Movement through space
   3. Laban Technique
2. Listening and error detection
   
   1. Unison
   2. Two part
   3. Three part
   4. Four part, homophonic
   5. Four part, polyphonic
3. Score study, analysis, and gesture integral to conducting choral music of the western canon and multicultural musics.
   
   1. Renaissance
   2. Baroque
   3. Classical
   4. Romantic
   5. Twentieth Century
   6. Folk musics
4. Mind-mapping and rehearsal techniques
   
   1. Creating a mind-map
   2. Teaching from score analysis/mind-map

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate development as a conductor through work on breath, gesture, internal tempo, and expression.
2. develop and demonstrate appropriate choral score study techniques and practices, including error detection
3. identify and describe distinguishing features of choral literature from all styles of group singing
4. apply appropriate conducting techniques to a variety of styles and meters according to what the literature requires, demonstrating core components of gesture, standard metrical patterns, gestural details, and left-hand techniques.

 

Assessment Measures

Grade will be based on score analyses, conducting-teaching demonstrations, and writing assignments.

 

Other Course Information

None

 

Review and Approval

February, 2021

January, 2022