MUS 158 01 Voice Methods Class I

Spring, 2010 

Dr. Mary Kay Bauer (room 462 Coulter)

Email:  mkbauer@email.wcu.edu

Voice mail:  227-3275

Web Site:  http://paws.wcu.edu/mkbauer/index.html

Office Hours:  Tues 8 am and Wed 8 am or by appointment

I.  Course Description

         Voice Methods Class is a required course for all Music Education Instrumental majors.  This course is not a performance class.  All class members are required to sing in class as a soloist and in groups.  However there is no public recital.  Students will focus on good vocal health, voice in the public school, the speaking voice and the singing voice.

II.  Course Objectives:

1.  To learn basic techniques and terminology which will facilitate healthy singing and voice use.

            2.  To help each individual gain a better understanding of him/herself as a professional voice user.

            3.  To train the ear to distinguish, identify and diagnose what is good vocal sound and what is not; to apply this critiquing knowledge.

            4.  To help students understand their own vocal apparatus.

            5.  To help students relate the use of the voice as both a singing instrument and a speaking instrument.

            6.  To learn repertoire and vocal exercises which will foster healthy singing.

7. To observe professional teachers and their students.

III.  Course Text Book:

Adventures in Singing by Clifton Ware

 IV.  Expectations and Requirements:

         1.  Regular and prompt attendance at all classes.  More than 3 excused or unexcused absences will result in lowering your final grade letter for each excessive absence.  If you must be absent, communicate this information at least 24 hours in advance.

            2.  Active participation in class discussions and activities.

            3.  Preparation for each class.  Students are expected to complete all assigned readings, written work and to practice singing at least 20 minutes daily.

            4.  Solo performance. Students are required to perform one (1) memorized song. This performance will demonstrate command of vocal techniques, will be adjudicated and will be in class. Repertoire must include appropriate songs from the text book.  All adjudicated performances must be memorized. 

            5.  There will be one written exam.

6.  Professional Choral Observations. Students will visit two different ensembles in a public school.

            7.  Two short written papers (3-4 pages maximum).

8. Critiques of Singers: Critical listening is vitally important and students will be expected to clearly articulate and describe good (and bad) vocal sound.

9. Two private technique checks. Students will be required to demonstrate specific vocal techniques privately.

V.  Topics this course will cover:

Foundations                     Breathing                      Vocal registers Critiquing vocal sound

Breath management        initiation of tone              resonance nerves

different techniques  Studying a Song Vocal Health    Warming up                      

Presenting a song            Cambiata Voice The speaking voice Diction

Vocal Maladies               Interpretation                  Anatomy of the Larynx Vocal Health

 VI.  Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Western Carolina University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for students with documented disabilities.  Students who require disability services or reasonable accommodations must identify themselves as having a disability and provide current diagnostic documentation to Disability Services.  All information is confidential.  Please contact Disability Services for more information at (828) 227-2716, lalexis@wcu.edu or 144 Killian Annex.

VII.  Academic Honesty Policy:

            Western Carolina University, a community of scholarship, is also a community of honor. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students work together to achieve the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense at WCU because it threatens the quality of scholarship and defrauds those who depend on knowledge and integrity. Academic dishonesty includes the following:

            Cheating. Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.

            Fabrication. Falsification or invention of information or citation in an academic exercise.

            Plagiarism. Representing the words or ideas of someone else as one's own in an academic exercise.

            Facilitation of Academic Dishonesty. Helping or attempting to help someone else to commit an act of academic dishonesty, such as allowing another to copy information during an examination or other academic exercise.

VIII.    Tentative Schedule (subject to change)

Mon Jan 11 Welcome; First Day

Mon Jan 18 MLK Holiday

Mon Feb 15 Technique Check #1 – ½ of class

Wed Feb 17 Technique Check #1 – ½ of class

Wed Feb 24 1^st observation project due

Mon Mar 1 1^st Short Paper due

Wed Mar 3 Spring Break

Mon Mar 22 Technique #2 -- ½ of class

Wed Mar 24 Technique #2 -- ½ of class

Mon Mar 29 Easter Break

Wed Mar 31 Easter Break

Mon Ap 12 In-Class Performances 1/3 class

Mon Ap 19 In-Class Performances 1/3 class

Mon Ap 26 In-Class Performances 1/3 class

Mon Ap 26 Short Paper Assignment #2

Wed May 5 Final Exam – 3-5:30

IX.      Grading Policy

            Attendance                                             5%

            Participation/Preparation 5%

            1 Solo Performance                                10%

            Written Examination                               20%

            Observations 20% (10% each)

            Papers 20% (10% each)

            Critiques of Singers 10% (for both)

Technique Checks 10% (for all)