Course Description
Vocal technique studies focusing specifically on technique related to musical theatre vocal production. This is the fifth in an eight semester sequence. In the third year students will sing effectively in a variety of styles while continuing to strengthen healthy vocal technique. As development allows, students will choose repertoire. Prerequisite: THR 219; Audition Required; Open only to those in the BFA Drama with Musical Theatre Concentration.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Focus on the development of the voice, including breath control, resonance, alignment, tension release, increase of range, and healthy production in various styles of singing.
- Learn healthy and effective vocalization and warm-up techniques.
- Learn healthy vocal habits surrounding hydration, diet, and general health.
- Work to identify repertoire that is appropriate for their performance type and vocal level.
- Show development of self assessment skills and understand how to select appropriate music for vocal and acting type (Third Year Students).
- Develop/refine vocal ‘book’ and assess the level of appropriateness of music based on difficulty, range, and type (Third Year Students).
- Come up with a list of requested repertoire before the semester begins (around 7-8 items), narrowed down by student and professor, minimum of 6 songs, mostly musical theatre (Semester 5).
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Lesson Notes | 30% |
| Learned and Memorization Tests | 20% |
| Assignments: Song Sheets, Readings, and Other | 15% |
| Final Jury | 10% |
| Teacher Discretion – Classroom conduct and professionalism, rehearsal attendance, respectful accompanist interaction, and overall technical growth | 25% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 100.0 - 95 | A |
| 94.99 - 90 | A- |
| 89.99 - 87 | B+ |
| 86.99 - 83 | B |
| 82.99 - 80 | B- |
| 79.99 - 77 | C+ |
| 76.99 - 73 | C |
| 72.99 - 70 | C- |
| 69.99 - 67 | D+ |
| 66.99 - 63 | D |
| 62.99 - 60 | D- |
| 59.99 - 0 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Students are expected to attend all lessons. Students are required to attend a minimum of twelve lessons in each semester of study. If a student receives fewer than twelve lessons, their grade will be lowered by 5% for each extra lesson missed.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- Sheet Music (or pdf on a tablet). Students are responsible for acquiring copies of their music; purchasing music is the student’s financial responsibility if required.
- 4Score app if using a tablet for sheet music to take clear, quick notes.
- Accompanist time for face-to-face lessons and rehearsals; hiring and compensating accompanist is the student’s responsibility.
- 3-ring binder or iPad for organizing songs and notes; if using iPad, purchase of 4Score app is required.
- Recording device (e.g., phone set to airplane mode) for recording lessons.
- Digital accompaniment tracks for practice and performance; students may ask accompanist to record these.
- Pencil and/or erasable pen for music notation.
- Performance shoes if required by role, especially heels.
- Water bottle for warmups requiring semi-full water bottle.
- Practice tools provided by instructor (e.g., different sized straws, cork, rubber bands); students must bring these to all lessons.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.