Music 411 Elementary Voice I, 2 Units (Section 3393) Associate Degree Applicable: General Studies, Music for Transfer, Local GE Plan, CSU GE Plan, IGETC, Arts & Humanities Transferable: UC, CSU, and most accredited four-year institutions (keep this syllabus) Spring 2018: MW 1:55 pm-3:15 pm Instructor: Dr. Joshua R. Wentz Phone: (818) 833-3357 Contact: wentzj@lamission.edu Web: www.lamission.edu/~wentzj Office Hours: MTWTh 11:15 am-12:15 pm; M 5:00-6:00 pm; Th 2:45-3:30 pm Office Locations: AMP building 202-h Course Description: An introduction to vocal technique and aesthetic interpretation/expression, including posture and alignment, breath management, phonation, resonance, and articulation. Catalog Course Description: An introduction to vocal technique and aesthetic interpretation/expression, including posture and alignment, breath management, phonation, resonance, and articulation. Student Learning Outcome(s): The student will perform (at least one) assigned solo piece with accompaniment in front of a live audience. Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Describe proper vocal technique and evaluate the technique of other singers. 2. Identify and interpret the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). 3. Assess the stage presence of other singers (and yourself). 4. Describe the techniques of repertoire mastery including memorization strategies and interpretation including popular songs, folk songs, and spirituals. 5. Employ proper vocal technique. 6. Use proper English (and foreign language) diction. 7. Demonstrate acceptable stage presence. 8. Perform appropriate repertoire.
Policies (as adapted from Los Angeles Mission College Catalog) Attendance Students who have pre-registered for a class and who do not attend the first meeting of the class forfeit their right to a place in the class. Students are expected to attend every meeting of all classes for which he or she is registered. A student absent from classes for emergency reasons must inform the instructor of the reason for the absence. The equivalent of one week of classes will be acceptable without a point deduction. After the acceptable number of absences has been used, 25 points per class will be deducted from the student s final grade. Whenever absences in hours exceed the number of hours the class meets per week, the student may be excluded from the class by the instructor. This means if you miss more than one class, you may be excluded. It is the student s responsibility to officially drop any class he/she does not continue to attend. Standards of Student Conduct - Students are expected to maintain a professional level of conduct to facilitate a learning environment. Use of profanity in class in not appropriate and will not be tolerated. Please see the LAMC College Catalog, page 35 for more information on Student Conduct. Procedures as outlined in the College Catalog will be followed regarding student discipline. Cheating and Plagiarism is the wrongful appropriation and stealing and publication of another author s language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions and the representation of them as one s own original work. Plagiarism is considered academic dishonesty (Wikipedia on Plagiarism). The instructor reserves the right to determine if cheating or plagiarism has occurred; if it does the student will receive a F on the assignment or exam, and may receive a F for the course. Children and Animals - Children and animals are not allowed in the classroom for safety purposes (other than registered dogs that help people with disabilities). Cell Phones: Turn them off or set to vibrate, as to not disrupt lectures and learning environment. Do not text on your cell phone during class. Conducting research for a project or discussion is okay during designated times. Students with Disabilities - Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) at Los Angeles Mission College is a support system that enables students to fully participate in the college s regular programs and activities. DSP&S provides a variety of services from academic and vocational support to assistance with Financial Aid. If you are a disabled student and need a modification, special assistance or accommodation in order to participate in this class, alert the instructor promptly and contact the DSP&S office at 818 364-7732 or 818 364-7861. Modifications, special assistance or accommodations can only be made with proper documentation and coordination with DSP&S. Management of Stress and Mental Health: As a student, not only do you have the pressure of succeeding in school, you may also be contending with work, financial issues, relationships, managing time effectively, getting enough sleep, etc. The staff and faculty of Los Angeles Mission College are here to provide support that will help you to be successful in your academic pursuits. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services offered on campus, including counseling and mental health services, by either visiting the Student Health Center (SHC), which is currently located in the Bungalow just west of the Collaborative Studies Building*, checking out the SHC webpage at: https://www.lamission. edu/healthcenter/ or calling: 818 362-6182. I also encourage you to enter the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-8255) into your cell phone in case you or someone you know is in distress and needs someone with whom to talk. *Please note that the SHC is slated to move into its new location, between the President s Office and Administrative Services, in the spring 2016 semester. Break: Students are encouraged to take a break, not to exceed 10 minutes during the middle portion of the class. This is a non-smoking campus. Do not smoke near walkways or doorways.
[Required] : None Books [Recommended]: Foundations in Singing: A Guidebook to Vocal Technique and Song Interpretation, 8 th Edition, by John Glenn Paton (available on Amazon and in bookstore) ISBN-13: 978-0073212753; ISBN-10: 007321275X Always have the following to be fully prepared for class: Required textbook (above) Plain black 3 binder with 3-hole punch and dividers for assignment music Headphones and listening device (phone, computer) to access recordings Lined Note Book (or loose paper) for notes and quizzes Blank music notation staff paper Proper attire for performance Assessment Performances: There will be three performances (two in-class and one public recital) that you perform throughout the semester. You will be graded on Accuracy, Memorization, Tempo, Dynamics, Technique, and Tone. You must attend each recital except in rare, extenuating circumstances (serious illness, death in the family, religious holiday) with written documentation prior to the recital. Dress is concert attire, appropriate for a recital. The final will be recorded & family and friends are invited. A rubric is available on Canvas. Exams: IPA Asgnt: Report: There will be several short written or performed technical quizzes throughout the semester. The final exam will be a written test scheduled on the LAMC Finals Schedule and will consist of a comprehensive understanding of materials covered throughout the semester from the textbook and from the professor. Use of International Phonetic Alphabet Each student will be assigned an English poem to transcribe into the International Phonetic Alphabet. Format: This paper may be typed or handwritten. The English should be written on one line, with the IPA written directly below it. A space should be skipped between each line of text. Paper is due at the beginning of class. Any papers not handed in after attendance is taken will count at ½ credit. Any papers handed in after class is dismissed will receive no credit. Students are required to attend one live concert during the semester and write a one-page essay of their observations. The concert may be any style of music as long as a vocalist is part of the performance. This includes solo recitals, pop, rock, soul, classical and world music concerts or religious services. The essay should include observations on vocal technique, stage presence, repertoire and diction. You may also include your impression of the concert (likes/dislikes). The paper should be a typed, two-page report outlining the concepts of music you ve learned throughout the semester. A rubric will be provided and available to you on the website and in the course pack.
Scale: A = 3.8-4.0 C = 2.0-2.2 A = 100% - 90% A- = 3.5-3.7 C- = 1.6-1.9 B = 89% - 80% B+ = 3.2-3.4 D+ = 1.3-1.5 C = 79% - 70% B = 2.9-3.1 D = 1.2 -.09 D = 69% - 60% B- = 2.6-2.8 D- = 0.7-0.9 F = 59% - 0% C+ = 2.3-2.5 F = 0.0-0.6 Evaluation Grading: In-Class Performances = 20% (200 points) 2 @ 100 each Final Recital / Jury = 25% (250 points) Final Exam = 20% (200 points) Concert Essay = 10% (100 points) IPA Assignment = 15% (150 points) Quizzes / Homework = 10% (100 points) Calendar Spring 2018 LAMC Student Deadlines and College Holidays DAY AND EVENING CLASSES BEGIN: February 5 Last day to add: Credit/Audit: February 4 Last day to add a class with an Add Permission Code: February 19 Last day to drop classes with a refund or without incurring fees: February 19 Last day to drop classes without receiving a W (No refund and drop online only): February 20 Last day to drop classes with a W A letter grade is required after this date: May 6 Last day to file a petition for Spring 2018 graduation: March 15 Classes end: May 27 FINAL EXAMS: May 29 June 4 HOLIDAYS (College CLOSED) President s Day September 5 Non-Instructional Days February 17 and 18; March 29 Cesar Chavez Birthday March 30 Spring Break March 31 April 6 Memorial Day May 28
****This schedule is so darned incredibly subject to change**** Date Scheduled activity Practice Assignments 2/5 Intro to Class / Welcome / Nametags What are your music/voice goals? 2/7 Movement, Support/Space, Vocalizing Choose a song that shows off your voice that you can sing for the class 2/12 Intro to IPA, Italian Vowels, Glides, Diphthongs Record 30-60 seconds of any song into your phone for assessment 2/14 Continuation of IPA, Italian Consonants, Italian Repertoire Assessment #1 DUE Assign Italian pieces & 10 Rules 2/19 NO CLASS President s Day 2/21 Articulation Legato/Staccato, Arpeggio & Scale Exercises Prepare for Technical Quiz #1 Translation and IPA #1 DUE 2/26 Group singing, Private coaching, Sight-reading Read Cantabile by K. Rundus 2/28 Discuss book, Group singing, Private coaching, Sight-reading Technical quiz #1 Scales/Arpeg. 3/5 Prepare for Recital #1 (Italian Art Song) Record assigned Italian song in your phone for assessment 3/7 Recital #1 Italian Art Song Bring RECITAL RUBRIC Assessment #2 DUE 3/12 IPA for English, German, and French, Breathing exercises, Appogio and Navigating the Passaggio Read Belt is Legit by R. Edwin 3/14 Continuation of IPA and Practice with writing symbols Assign IPA Worksheet Short canons from Ottman 3/19 Rehearsing rep, hearing canons Technical quiz #2 Canons Assign Broadway duets and solos 3/21 Prepare for Recital #2 (Choice Song) IPA Worksheet DUE 3/26 Recital #2 Choice Song Bring RECITAL RUBRIC 3/28 NO CLASS Non-Instructional Days Homework for Break: Watch musical 4/9 Anatomy of the Larynx, Physiology, Voice Disorders Read Broadway article 4/11 Discuss article; Styles; Breath control (Inhalation/Exhalation) Larynx Worksheet DUE 4/6 Character study; How to do a Character Analysis Homework: Character Analysis 4/18 Continue IPA, Coaching, Character studies, etc. Character Analysis DUE 4/23 Staging: Facial expression, hands, movement, and stage presence (focus on body freedom and movement) Read Laryngeal Health article 4/25 Continue staging, blocking, movement Record assigned Broadway song in your phone for assessment 4/30 Prepare for Recital #3 (Broadway Song) Assessment #3 DUE 5/2 Recital #3 - Broadway Bring RECITAL RUBRIC 5/7 Explore repertoire and styles: including popular songs, folk Assign Americana Song songs, spirituals 5/9 English IPA English IPA Worksheet 5/14 TBA TBA 5/16 TBA TBA 5/21 TBA TBA 5/23 Prepare for Final Recital (Americana Song) Assessment #4 DUE 6/4 Final Recital - Americana (3:00 5:00 PM) Final Projects Due