Applied Voice Syllabus

Music Majors

Revision date:   September, 2008

Music and Humanities Department                   

San Antonio College / 1300 San Pedro Ave. / San Antonio, TX   78212-4299

Course number and title:          MUAP 1281, 1282, 2281, 2282 .   Private Voice for Majors.

Credit Hours:   2                       Hrs/wk lec.:      2     Hrs/wk lab:    0       Lec/Lab    2

Office:   McAllister Fine Arts Building, Room 105              Phone (210) 733-2731      Fax (210) 733-2985

Web Address:     www.accd.edu/sac/music                        

All students who are interested in enrolling in private lessons should come to the Music Department office (McAllister, room 105) to meet with appropriate faculty.   Placement in the following courses is determined by a student's technical skills, sight-reading ability, knowledge of musical notation, basic piano facility, and his/her vocal ability.

•  Catalog Description

                        MUAP 1281.   Voice                          

                        Prerequisite:   Consent of instructor.

Topics in this course will include principles of correct breathing, fundamentals of tone production, diction, and performance preparation.   Repertoire will be selected from simple vocal literature in English and foreign languages.   Technique will be developed through selected vocalizes.  

                        MUAP 1282.   Voice                           

                        Prerequisite:   MUAP 1281 and instructor consent.

                        MUAP1282 is a continuation of MUAP 1281.

                        MUAP 2281.   Voice                           

                        Prerequisite:   MUAP 1282 and instructor consent.

Topics in this course will build upon the principles of correct breathing, fundamentals of tone production, diction, and performance preparation from MUAP 1281 and MUAP 1282.   Repertoire will include selected arias from opera and oratorio, and song literature in English and foreign languages.

                        MUAP 2282.   Voice                           

                        Prerequisite: MUAP 2281 and instructor consent.

MUAP 2282 is a continuation of MUAP 2281 and will culminate in a 30 minute mini-recital using literature from MUAP 1281, 1282, 2281, and 2282. This performance will be scheduled during the department's Performance Labs..  

II.         Pre-requisites, co-requisites and other requirements

•  Required background:   Knowledge of musical notation and basic piano facility is required.   Students at the beginning levels with no knowledge of musical notation or basic piano will be required to enroll in Class Voice (MUSI 1183 or 1184).

•  Students taking any of these courses must be concurrently enrolled in an ensemble course offered by the department.   Ensemble courses include:   Concert Band (MUEN 1121), Jazz Ensemble (MUEN 1122), Latin Jazz Ensemble (MUEN 1123), Early Music Ensemble (MUEN 1131), Instrumental Chamber Ensemble (MUEN 1132), Guitar Ensemble (MUEN 1133), Concert Choir (MUEN 1141), Chamber Singers (MUEN 1151), or Estudiantina (MUEN 1135).   Failure to make a productive grade (a C or higher) in at least one ensemble course each semester will result in the student being placed on music probation for one semester.   This means that the student will be prohibited from enrolling in private lessons the following semester.

•  Students taking any of these courses must be concurrently enrolled in “ Recital Attendance ” (MUSI 0001).   If students attend at least four (4) performances during the semester from the music department's recital and concert series, they will receive a “P” (or Pass) for the Recital Attendance class.   If they attend three or fewer, they will receive an “F” (or Failing) for the class.   While the Recital Attendance course is non-credit and will not affect GPA, it will appear on the transcript as a P or F.   Passing this course will indicate to 4-year universities upon transfer that students have attended the required number of concerts and recitals for music majors in a given semester.

•  All students in any of the Applied Voice courses will be required to attend all Performance Workshops and Labs held during the semester.

•  All private voice students are required to perform a Mid-Term Jury .  

III.       Text and other materials students are required to provide

•  Students will be required to purchase music and other needed materials assigned by the instructor.   These will be selected based upon the student's level and classification.

•  An audio cassette.

•  A video cassette.

IV.       Instruction will consist of:

•  Creating pertinent Vocalizes

•  Demonstrating exercises in breathing

•  Vocal and written examples of Phonetic pronunciation in French, Italian, German, Spanish, and English

•  Planning techniques of practice

•  Constructive criticism of vocal production and repertoire

•  Instructing techniques of sight-reading

•  Describing criteria for student participation in workshops and labs

•  Explanation of vocal techniques

•  Demonstration of vocal technique

V.         Course Content

The applied vocal music courses will take the form of one-on-one instruction with an emphasis on individualized vocal improvement plans.   Students will receive specific exercises and vocal literature that will best facilitate the improvement of the voice.   Lessons will consist of direct feedback as well as feedback on a weekly basis from the instructor on students' vocal progress.   Students will also learn proper diction not only in English but in foreign languages through the International Phonetic Alphabet.   Courses will culminate in a vocal jury performed at the end of the semester for a panel of no fewer than 3 faculty members.

•  Learning Outcomes and Performance Objectives with their methods of measurement as used to determine the students' mastery of those outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to incorporate the principles of correct breathing, fundamentals of tone production, diction, and performance preparation upon completion of this course. (Repertoire will be selected from simple vocal literature to opera, oratorio, and major song literature in English and foreign languages.   Technique will be developed through selected vocalizes).

Performance Objectives :

•  All students will perform at least once in a Performance Workshop held during the semester.

•  All students will perform a mid-term jury, where they will be assessed and provided feedback by faculty members.

•  All students will perform a final jury before at least 3 faculty members at the end of the semester.

Methods of Measurement :   Each student will be judged by the highest artistic standards with regard to musicianship, vocal technique, preparation of repertoire, stage presence and vocal proficiency .

•  Instructors will complete individual rating sheets with critiques for each student .

•  60% of the student's grade will be determined by the teacher and is based upon the student's application, interest, progress, and musical ability in the lessons.

•  30% of the student's grade will be determined by a faculty jury made up of no fewer than 3 music faculty.   This grade will be based upon the student's performance of repertoire with regards to preparation of literature, vocal technique, vocal proficiency, musicianship, and stage presence.

•  10% of the student's grade will consist of attending Performance Workshops (see VII.B.2. below).

VII.      Course Requirements and Grade Computation

            A.         College Requirements

A written, comprehensive final examination (in this case a final jury), not to exceed two and one-half hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean. Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.

A student who must be absent from a final examination (in this case a final jury) should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination. A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded “F.” Postponed examinations result in a grade of “I.” The final exam (final jury) must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an “F.” (San Antonio College Bulletin, Faculty Handbook - January 1995)

B.         Departmental Requirements

1)   Performance standards for voice juries

a.   MUAP 1281 and 1282

•  A minimum of 5 MEMORIZED selections in contrasting styles and languages.   At least one of the 5 shall be in English.

•  Each student will be judged by the highest artistic standards with regard to musicianship, vocal technique, preparation of repertoire, stage presence and vocal proficiency.

•  Instructors will complete individual rating sheets with critiques for each student.

b.    MUAP 2281 and 2282

• i. A minimum of 5 MEMORIZED selections in contrasting styles and languages.   One of the five shall be in English.   Two (2) of the five shall be arias from the standard opera, oratorio, or cantata repertoire.

• ii. Each student will be judged by the highest artistic standards with regard to musicianship, vocal technique, preparation of repertoire, stage presence and vocal proficiency.

• iii. Instructors will complete individual rating sheets with critiques for each student.

2)    Performance Workshops / Performance Labs

•  Performance Workshops and Performance Labs are held throughout the semester on Fridays at noon in the music department (locations and exact dates to be determined – see music department office).

•  They constitute an important extension/component of the private lesson course, as they provide a forum for students in private lessons to perform and/or witness other student performances.  

•  They also help students to learn concert etiquette and performance technique.

•  Attendance and Grading Policy:

•  All private voice students are required to attend ALL Performance Workshops .

•  Students at any level of applied lesson may be asked to perform, but students of MUAP-for-majors courses are required to perform.

•  The Performance Workshop component of the final grade (10%) is based on prompt attendance and is computed thus:

•  0 – 1 absence                  10%

•  2 absences                      6%

•  3 absences                      4%

•  4 absences                      2%

•  5 or more absences            0%

•  All private voice students are required to attend and participate in the Performance Labs.   This participation is factored into the instructor component of the final grade. These voice labs are a wonderful opportunity to work on your literature and performance techniques in a non-threatening atmosphere.

3)    Applied Music Attendance Policy

•  Regular and punctual attendance at all lessons is required.  

•  If a lesson is missed because of instructor illness or a school holiday, a make-up lesson can be scheduled at an agreeable time.

•  Any lessons missed by the student without prior notification to the instructor will be forfeited.

•  Students are not allowed more than 2 unexcused absences during the course.

•  Retention Means Completing the Course

The faculty members of the Music/Humanities department are committed to your successful completion of our classes without lowering the college's academic standards.   As a department, we have set a goal to increase the number of students who finish our classes with a performance grade (A, B, C, or D).   As faculty (and former college students), we have discussed the many pressures (work, financial, family) that our students must face.   Certainly, some of these issues are beyond your control.   However, there may be something that can be done that would make the difference in whether you complete the course.   If we are made aware of circumstances that impact your participation in class, we can be of assistance.   Although this syllabus is full of requirements and policies, we are not inflexible.   Please do not stop coming to class or drop the class without first talking to the instructor.   Dropping a course should be your last step.   Be aware that dropping may impact your grade point average, financial aid, and health insurance policies (some require you to be a full time 12 hour student).   As experienced instructors, there may be options that we can point out that have not occurred to you.   We are here to help you, but you must be willing to help yourself.   Do not wait until the end of the semester to ask for advice.   Your success matters to your instructor and it is a top priority in the department.

5)    Additional grade computation is outlined in Measures of Mastery of Learning Outcomes (VI above).

C.         Instructor Requirements

(Customized by each instructor – see Faculty web page, then select Course Information)

VIII.    College Policies

A.                      San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs or services.

B.         Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council - April, 1998

C.         ADA Statement: “As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.

D.             A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.

E.         Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting

in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

F.         Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.) when in classrooms, laboratories and the library. College Academic Council, 01/2000.

G.          San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required.   A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed.   Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism.   The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.   Absences of each student are recorded without exception.   The counting of absences begins on the first day of class.   A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a 16-week semester may be dropped by the instructor.   If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of “W” (withdraw).     It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.

H.          San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.

  I.          ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:

ACCD DPS Emergency Phone      (210) 222-0911

ACCD DPS General Phone           (210) 208-8099

ACCD DPS Weather Phone          (210) 208-8189 (For information on college closures)

            J.           Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the

“Student Code of Conduct” and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College Bulletin. www.accd.edu/sac/sacmain/schedule/SAC_Bulletin_05-06.pdf