Voice Class

Requirements and Grading

    Good singing requires the  development of a healthy technique which can then be applied to any style the singer chooses.  Versatility of style and tonal flexibility along with knowledge of musical elements are essential for a singer to achieve his fullest potential.  

     The purpose of this course is to assist each student in learning about his or her voice and in developing good vocal health and vocal techniques, addressing the specific and individual needs of each student in his or her musical studies.  The goal is to answer the following questions:

How does my voice work and how do I take good care of it?   

What elements of voice training and music theory will help me develop my voice to its fullest potential?    

     You have chosen to develop something very personal and unique about you - your voice.  Be willing to experiment, take risks, and work with the other members of the class to achieve your personal goals.  

Class requirements:

Participation              30% - singing and discussion - daily grade

Classwork                  30% - worksheets, score study, class assignments

Written Assessment    15% - quizzes on terminology, musical vocabulary, score study

Homework                   15% - readings, score study, individual research

Packet/Journal     10% - class notes, listening lists, critiques, self-                                                 assessment of progress

TOPICS:

Vocal mechanism and vocal health

Personal tonal goals and performance

Auditioning/using a microphone

Terminology/vocabulary

Theory and sightsinging

Score study

Vocal styles (eg: pop, art song, aria, Broadway, jazz)

Listening

Critiquing

        -what are we listening for?  how do we separate the singer from the song;

Diction/pronunciation:  Italian, Latin, German, English, other

Lyrics/Text