University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts MUG 3104 Basic Conducting Fall 2015 Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:30-11:20 AM Rehearsal Hall

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1 University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts MUG 3104 Basic Conducting Fall 2015 Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:30-11:20 AM Rehearsal Hall Dr. Scott Tobias Phone: (407) Office: PACM206 Course Description: This introduction course to Conducting is designed to cover the fundamentals of conducting technique including beat patterns, baton technique, cuing, subdivisions, fermatas, preparatory beats, releases, and expressive gestures for dynamics, phrasing and style. Also discussed are the basics of score reading, clefs and transpositions, musical terminology, and multi-staff systems. The class itself will function as an ensemble and each student will be given multiple opportunities to conduct assignments. Goals/Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: 1) Demonstrate a knowledge of conducting technique by executing: a. The basic conducting patterns for 1-12 beats per measure b. Preparatory gestures, cues, and releases at any point in a measure and in a variety of musical styles and contexts c. Expressive gestures, dynamics, phrasing and style in a variety of musical contexts d. Fermatas, with and without caesuras, at any point in a measure e. Meter changes and tempo changes 2) Demonstrate a knowledge of musical score reading skills by: a. Reading various musical scores from two-line piano scores through full SATB, orchestral and band scores b. Defining various musical terms used in musical scores 3) Demonstrate a synthesis of the knowledge of conducting technique, musical score reading, and podium leadership by conducting music with a live ensemble Attendance: Students will be expected to attend all classes and to participate actively in class discussions and activities. If a student finds it necessary to miss a class, the instructor should be notified of the absence prior to the class period missed. Participation in class discussions and activities is considered to be valuable to success in the course. As a

2 result, excessive absences from class will adversely affect a student s grade. After three absences, a student s final average will be lowered by one letter grade for each additional absence, unless otherwise approved by the instructor. It should also be noted that multiple absences may result in forfeiting an opportunity to conduct and therefore can further lower a grade. Texts/Materials: Required Text for Course: The Art of Conducting by Donald Hunsberger & Roy Ernst, Second Edition. (McGraw-Hill, Inc.) Each student will also need the following: - a baton for use during the semester - his/her instrument/voice - a notebook in which to keep observation sheets, notes, handouts, etc. Video Review: Following each conducting exercise, students will be expected to the do the following: 1) Watch the video of his/her conducting and note observations on the provided form. (Video files will be shared through Webcourses, Dropbox, or similar service.) 2) Sign up for a time to meet with Dr. Tobias. Sign-up sheets will be posted on Dr. Tobias office door. 3) During the meeting, each student will submit his/her personal observation sheet. Dr. Tobias will provide written comments regarding the student s conducting. The video will be watched and discussed. 4) Following the meeting, each student should keep both their personal observation sheet and Dr. Tobias written comments in his/her notebook. 5) Each student must complete this process before moving on to the next conducting exercise. Failure to complete the personal observation form will result in a lowering of the exercise grade by one letter grade. Failure to meet with Dr. Tobias will result in a lowering of the exercise grade by one letter grade. Observation Papers: Students will complete two observation papers during the course of the semester. Students are to attend two concert performances and observe the conductors throughout. Two written reports will be prepared noting observations of the conductors style, performance, gestures, etc. This is not necessarily a critique of the conductors, positive or negative, but rather observations of various methods of conducting. In writing the paper, students may refer to the persons observed as Conductor A or use their names. The papers should be typed and at least one page in length, but not more than two. It is

3 preferred that the two papers be on two different conductors in order to broaden exposure to different styles and approaches. Observations may be done at on-campus performances or off-campus performances. Students are encouraged to be discreet if taking notes during the performance. Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on participation in class as well as on conducting assignments throughout the term. The final grade for the course will be determined according to an average of grades received for the following: Chapter 2 Exercises Chapter 3 Exercises Chapter 4 Exercises Terminology Quiz Chapter 6 Exercises Chapter 7 Exercises Observation Papers Academic Activity Documentation: As of Fall 2014, all faculty members are required to document students academic activity at the beginning of each course. In order to document that you began this course, please complete the brief online quiz posted in Webcourses by the end of the first week of classes, or as soon as possible after adding the course, but no later than August 28. Failure to do so will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid. Class Schedule (exact dates of topics are subject to change) August 25 Course Introduction / Posture, Conducting Stance, Podium Presence [Assignment Read p. 3-11] 27 Preparatory Beats, Downbeats, Releases, Patterns in 3 & 4 [Assignment Read/Study p , ] September 1 Chapter 1 Exercises (p ) 3 Chapter 1 Exercises (p ) 8 Chapter 1 Exercises (p ) [Assignment Read p ] 10 Baton Selection & Use / Dynamics / Patterns in 2 [Assignment Study p ]

4 15 Chapter 2 Exercises (p ) 17 Chapter 2 Exercises (p ) 22 Chapter 2 Exercises (p ) [Assignment Read p ] 24 Patterns in 1 / Use of the Left Hand [Assignment Study p ] 29 Chapter 3 Exercises (p ) October 1 Chapter 3 Exercises (p ) 6 Chapter 3 Exercises (p ) [Assignment Read p ] 8 Entrances on 2, 3, 4 / Cues [Assignment Study p ] 13 Chapter 4 Exercises (p ) [Observation Paper #1 due] 15 Chapter 4 Exercises (p ) 20 Chapter 4 Exercises (p ) 22 Chapter 4 Exercises (p ) [Assignment Read p ] 27 Clefs & Transpositions / Terminology [Assignment Read/Study p , 82-91] 29 Quiz Terminology / Subdivisions / Entrances on Incomplete Beats [Assignment Study p ] November 3 Chapter 6 Exercises (p ) 5 Chapter 6 Exercises (p ) 10 Chapter 6 Exercises (p ) 12 Chapter 6 Exercises (p ) [Assignment Read p ] 17 Dynamic Accents / Syncopations / Subito Dynamic Changes [Assignment Read p ] 19 Tenutos & Fermatas [Assignment Study p ] 24 Chapter 7 Exercises (p ) 26 No class Thanksgiving Break

5 December 1 Chapter 7 Exercises (p ) 3 Chapter 7 Exercises (p ) [Assignment Read p ] / [Observation Paper #2 due] 15 Final Exam Period (10:00 AM 12:50 PM) Asymmetrical Meters Chapter 8 Exercises (p ) The UCF Creed Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance and decisions. Integrity Scholarship Community Creativity Excellence I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty. I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the UCF community. I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual. I will use my talents to enrich the human experience. I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake. Academic Integrity UCF is committed to a policy of honesty in academic affairs. Conduct that comprises a breach of this policy may result in academic action and disciplinary action. Academic action affects student assignments, examinations or grades. Disciplinary action affects student enrollment status. Please review the behavior standards at Accommodations for Students with Special Needs The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the professor at the beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the professor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability Services, Student Resource Center Room 132, phone (407) , TTY/TDD only phone (407) , before requesting accommodations from the professor. The contents of this syllabus are subject to modification by the professor due to unexpected circumstances. In such cases, the academic integrity of the course will be maintained.