Course Syllabus
Course: MUSC 3250
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: Contemporary Vocal Styles
Semester Approved: Summer 2019
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2024
End Semester: Spring 2025
Catalog Description: This course is an elective in the Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music. It is designed to give vocalists the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of vocal techniques, including contemporary commercial music, belting, country and rock styles. It will focus on the technique and physiology of these styles.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 2; Lecture: 2; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: Completion of MUSC 2120 and 2140 with a grade of C or better OR permission of instructor.
Justification: Because of the flexibility of tone capable with the human voice, contemporary vocalists are asked to produce an extremely wide range of sounds in both stage and studio situations. Understanding the history, physiology and vocal techniques required of these vocal styles is an important step for the singer looking to implement them into his/her performance. This course gives students the opportunity to experiment with stylistic types that may be challenging to them while listening to others who are masters of the style.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physiological differences that exist between various vocal styles. This outcome will be assessed via written exams and the recorded journal of musical styles.
Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of vocal resonance. This outcome will be assessed via the recorded journal of musical styles, and class presentations.
Students will be able to demonstrate posture and alignment mechanics for proper vocal sound. This outcome will be assessed via the recorded journal of musical styles, and class presentations.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to sing in the following vocal styles: country, rock, contemporary pop and broadway belt. This outcome will be assessed via the recorded journal of musical styles, and class presentations.
Students will possess a vocal style catalog - a collection of recordings of their own voice performing in a variety of styles. This outcome will be assessed via the recorded journal of musical styles, and class presentations.
Content:
• History of Classical and Contemporary Vocal Techniques
• Alignment and Mechanics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Resonance and Acoustics
• "Belting"
• Other Contemporary Styles
• Vocal Remedies - Myths and Truths
• Life Cycle of the Singing Voice
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be assessed using the following methods:
Written exams - covering physiological and technical information 20 to 30%
Presentation - students will sing in front of class 20 to 30%
Presentation - students will present a recital of styles for the public 20 to 30%
Stylistic journal - students will make recordings of themselves showing representative styles. 20 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
LeBorgne, Wendy and Rosenburg, Marci. The Vocal Athlete. Plural Publishing, 2012.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course is delivered via direct instruction, student recordings of various vocal styles, modeling and demonstration, and student feedback of classroom performance.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 20
Optimum Class Size: 12
