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Course Syllabus

MUSC 3250 Contemporary Vocal Styles

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • 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.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Summer 2019
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2024
  • End Semester: Spring 2025
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course 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.

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

  1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physiological differences that exist between various vocal styles.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of vocal resonance.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate posture and alignment mechanics for proper vocal sound.
  4. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to sing in the following vocal styles: country, rock, contemporary pop and broadway belt.
  5. Students will possess a vocal style catalog - a collection of recordings of their own voice performing in a variety of styles.

Course 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