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CCOG for MUC 144 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
MUC 144
Course Title:
Contemporary Singing I
Credit Hours:
2
Lecture Hours:
10
Lecture/Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Explores sound creation using your voice as your instrument. Emphasizes vocal production techniques through a variety of musical styles. Introduces the process of song preparation for solo and ensemble. Incorporates current artists and industry styles. Includes rehearsals and performances. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Use their voice as an instrument to produce a natural vocal sound.

  • Demonstrate correct vocal production techniques.

  • Prepare and present a solo song for an audience.

  • Sing in a group using two-part harmony.

  • Explain artistic and aesthetic choices with regard to cultural and historical assumptions, associations, traditions, conventions and to one's own voice, style and/or identity.

  • Document development and understanding of technical and artistic progress.

  • Set up and operate live sound equipment for performance.

  • Identify actions that a singer can do to maintain vocal health.

Course Activities and Design

Content for the course will be presented in a lecture format along side in class lab work:

  • Vocal warm-up exercises

  • Weekly documentation of development and understanding of technical progress and artistic progress

  • Weekly discussion and analyzation of technical and artist development challenges

  • Group singing using two-part harmony

  • Performance of solo song

  • Performance of group song

  • Practice using live sound equipment

  • Discussion of performances: what worked, what needs improvement, how did it feel?

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Class participation    

  • Assignments/Journals    

  • Song performance (solo and group)    

  • In- and out-of-class assignments and student performances reviewed and evaluated by the instructor and peers

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Vocal production techniques (natural breath support, correct phonation, relaxation, and concentration)                

  • Gentle warm-up singing exercises to build strength and confidence        

  • Development and maintenance of a healthy voice                

  • Elemental musicianship: rhythm, intonation, ear training             

  • Artist realization/personal style in a song for development of individual expression                

  • Preparation and performance of a solo song for an audience            

  • Preparation and performance of a group song with two-part harmony    

  • Utilization of sound equipment in performance