Academic Catalog

MUS 13B: CLASS VOICE II

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2023
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter)
Advisory: MUS 13A or equivalent skills; concurrent enrollment in MUS 12A or equivalent skills; this course is included in the Voice Class Applied Performance family of activity courses.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • A successful student will understand and apply basic and intermediate methods of vocal production.
  • The successful student will apply proper singing techniques to public performance.

Description

A continuation of MUS 13A at the intermediate level, with increased emphasis on tone production and support, expansion of vocal range, differentiate between the various styles of singing studied: classical, legitimate, mix and belt, develop more complex repertoire in a variety of languages, attention to communication of text, simple duet harmonies, and rehearsal practices with an accompanist.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Expand their vocal range with increased resonance and breath support
  2. Learn technical skills for negotiating vocal registers
  3. Apply technique to languages other than English and basic vowel exercises
  4. Continue progress in vocal technique and musical skills required for more complex repertoire
  5. Develop skills for moment-to-moment storytelling and text communication
  6. Refine skills in stage presence at an intermediate level
  7. Develop the ability to sing simple harmonies in vocal music
  8. Apply all characteristics of technique, musicianship, and text communication studied at an intermediate level in performance

Course Content

  1. Technique skills
    1. Support
      1. Posture and stance
      2. Expansion of breath capacity through longer phrases
      3. Ability to maintain support throughout more challenging musical phrases
    2. Tone production
      1. Maintain relaxed jaw and tongue, lifted soft palate
      2. Ability to produce resonant sound in a wider variety of songs: classical, art song, musical theater belt
      3. Expansion of vocal range in both high and low registers
    3. Articulation
      1. Develop increased ability to use articulators in a variety of styles
      2. Explore the use of articulation in text expression
  2. Intermediate song repertoire: music from early Italian vocal exercises to contemporary song literature; may include classical and musical theater
  3. Intermediate music reading skills
    1. Learning how rhythm and expression relate
    2. Learning the strong pulses of different meters in song
    3. Music terminology related to dynamics, tempo, and interpretation
  4. Preparation and performance of intermediate repertoire
    1. Fully prepare all assigned material applying principles studied in:
      1. Vocal technique
      2. Musicality
      3. Communication of text
      4. Develop effective stage presence at the intermediate level
    2. Perform group and solo repertoire as assigned
      1. Develop ensemble singing skills
      2. Ability to work with an accompanist

Lab Content

  1. Supervised rehearsal of assignments and projects
  2. Ensemble and solo coaching
  3. Exercises in expression and connection to text
  4. Repertoire building and exploration

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Song and pedagogical materials as assigned during class; access to a piano for practice outside of class.
2. Large classroom with piano.
3. Quality vocal recording equipment is strongly advised.
4. Audio/visual equipment; internet available computer/media equipped classroom.
5. When taught via Foothill Global Access: on-going access to computer with email software and capabilities; email address; JavaScript-enabled internet browsing software.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Class participation applying techniques covered from warm-ups through songs
Mastery of intermediate repertoire assigned: vocal technique, musicality, text
Performance of songs demonstrating accuracy of rhythm, breath support, resonance, dealing with register shifts, diction, communication, and interpretation of text
Periodic quizzes on course content
Final exam will consist of a performance of repertoire developed during the quarter

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture and demonstration
Individual and group singing
Discussion
Listening examples
Attendance of vocal performances

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Hamedy, Jennifer. The Art of Singing. 2009.

Although the textbooks listed are older than the suggested standard, they remain seminal in the field.

One of the following may be selected for supplemental use during the quarter:
Peckham, Anne. The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique, 2nd ed. 2010.
Peckham, Anne. Vocal Workouts for the Contemporary Singer. 2006.
Peckham, Anne. Singer’s Handbook: A Total Workout in One Hour or Less. 2004.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Review of handouts and relevant reading materials
  2. Reading and study of the textbook
  3. Write self-evaluation journal
  4. Write introductions of songs for audiences

Discipline(s)

Music