Santa Monica College
Syllabus for
Music
50A, Beginning Voice and 50B Intermediate Voice
Section 4023
and 4024 for the
Summer 2024
Dennis Parnell, instructor
Units – 2 Transferable to UC, CSU
I. Catalogue Description
Introduction and development of basic vocal techniques, musicianship, style and interpretations and song repertoire.
II. Examples of appropriate text or other required reading:
2.
OnlineVoice -Winter
2021 - here on the homepage
3. Some
Songs (and accompaniments) to sing
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate beginning vocal skills and techniques
2. Apply and demonstrate interpretive skills
3. Identify and employ the use of harmonics as a foundation for learning the International Phonetics Alphabet
4. Value and appraise singers of various styles and techniques
5. Prepare and perform solos and duets, etc. via performances before peers in the class or online
IV. Methods 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 materials 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
V. Lecture Content
Lecture 1 - using directed flow of air in the vocal tract (breathing in and out)
Lecture II - Vaccai - exercises (songs) to help sight-singing skills
and identify intervals
Lecture III - Vowels and the harmonic series -
Lecture IV - video of the working vocal folds - discussion follows: applications of what was viewed
Lecture V - Singing vowels vs. spoken vowels. Exercises follow discussion 2. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) vs. harmonics
Lecture VI - Learning the text as a precursor to learning the music
Lecture VII - 1. 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 - Amateur vs. pro: etc. 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: positive and negative- shallow breathing - shaking knees, etc.
Lecture XIV .....everything else the class and instructor deem necessary. REVIEW for Final
This course is designed to build a foundation of skills, including special techniques, styles and performance techniques.
The student will be required to perform a song of his or her choice during the first two weeks of class. An assessment is made by the instructor of the student's performance and suggestions are made for further improvement.
The online series of lessons and additional clips (OnLineVoice) to study (including a further study of harmonics, to improve a singer's technique, create an understanding of vowels and their associated pitches, which will lead to introducing the I.P.A. (International Phonetic Alphabet)).
In the 50A semester, we also focus on molecular air pressure in the vocal tract and how that applies to a technique of singing which accurately pinpoints and develops a sense of tactility inside the vocal tract. This is important for understanding how the “singer's formant” is created and amplified.
Performance techniques are also stressed, to increase the audience's perception that the singer is “concentrated.”
Students are expected to memorize the songs they will perform ( at least 3 songs during the semester) and set up appointments with the coach/accompanist for the class.. Missing these appointments and/or lack of memorization can lead to a lowering of a potential grade as well as make for a poor showing during performance.
Feedback form classmates is welcomed and moderated by the instructor and coach/accompanist. Negativity is not welcome, but positive reinforcement is.
In 50B, more advanced exercises and warm-ups are also studied and used. In this case, more specific exercises for specific problems, as opposed to general warm-up exercises. The singer whose performance is scheduled on a particular day is expected to have warmed up prior to class.
Depending on the class, and the assessment of the teacher, there might be a “class” song to be memorized and performed as well as the three required songs.
In both classes, we also introduce sight singing techniques, using
the downloaded version of Vaccai to improve interval recognition and
other skills (grupetti, chromatic scales, appogiature, etc). In 50A
only the first 10 songs will be studied.
In 50B, additional songs from Vaccai will be used, depending on the
skills of class members.
Assesments:
Using the above criteria, the instructor along with the coach/accompanist form a grade based on the student's success rate and improvement during the semester. As this is also “night” class and some leniency is given for absence and tardiness. Generally, three absences will create a “blinking light,” and the student will be warned that further absences from class and/or rehearsals will cause a lowering of the student's grade.
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Student Learning Outcomes |
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Methods of Evaluation:
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Grading in this class is based on preparation – (20%), memorization – (30%), rehearsals - (20%), and finally, performance – (30%) A= 90 – 100% B = 80 – 90% C= 70 - 80% D = below 70% Based on three performances per semester the total performance value will = 75% of the total grade. The other twenty-five % is divided into: 10% - class participation in discussion 15% for midterm written exam.
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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!!! You must be at the final exam in person or you will receive an "F" unless excused prior to the exam. |
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