Syllabus: Vocal Lab CE 6140 N Spring 2017 Continuing Education Course Information Location: Merriam Theater Building, Room 604 Dates: Tuesdays, January 31 - April 11, 2017 Note: No class during Spring Break, March 7 Instructor Information Name: Mary Ellen Desmond Email: mdesmond@uarts.edu Instructor Bio: Mary Ellen Desmond has been performing professionally as a vocalist, in and around the Philadelphia area, for over twenty years, while accepting occasional invitations to perform in Japan. Classically trained, she is recognized as a crossover artist covering a variety of styles and repertoires. Ms. Desmond returns to teach the Vocal Lab for UArts Continuing Education with many years of experience as a professional performer and educator. She is an alumna of University of the Arts where she studied as a voice major. She has also studied privately with operatic soprano Judith Rosenfeld and Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Janet Lawson. She holds an Associates Degree in Vocal Performance from Community College of Philadelphia and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Thomas Edison State University. Ms. Desmond currently teaches on the vocal faculty of Philadelphia's University of the Arts School of Music, since 2007, and at Community College of Philadelphia since 2010. The curriculum at both schools addresses classical, musical theater, jazz, and pop repertoires. She performs regularly in the Philadelphia / New Jersey / New York area at clubs, churches, concerts, and private functions with a focus on the jazz repertoire. Her debut CD recording Darn That Dream was chosen as a 1998 Top Ten Critics' Pick for Cadence Magazine. Jazztimes magazine 2013 refers to her as a swinging stylist who is simply a joy to hear. A good musician, whether as a student, performer, or educator, never ceases to explore, to experiment, to expand. A better educator is a keen observer with a willingness to share and learn. Through her instruction Ms. Desmond respects the goals of her students, helps them establish healthy technique for singing while addressing the uniqueness of each voice, and encourages them to grow in confidence of expression with their instrument. Course Description This course is a wonderful way to participate in the study of voice in a group setting which will build confidence and technique. Class will deal with basic vocal techniques for beginners, including positive breathing habits, posture, good diction, phrasing, interpretation of song literature, resonation, tone, production and diction. Both group and individual singing of simple vocalizes and songs are part of each week's class work. Various singing techniques are uarts.edu/ce @uartsce #UArtsCE
covered, including singing with a microphone. This workshop provides a basic foundation into the craft of singing for all participants, regardless of experience, in a fun and welcoming environment. Course Overview Vocal Lab is designed as an introductory course to the fundamentals of singing, using the voice as an instrument. In this class, students can expect to learn basic technique and instruction of the voice, as well as proper breathing, tone placement, and performance techniques. Vocal health will also be addressed. Students will demonstrate their progress in class on a weekly basis using the following: Basic technical skill through weekly assignments Performance of assigned repertoire Application of instructor s feedback At the end of this course, students will have the basic knowledge and understanding of the voice and will have the foundation set in order to achieve proper vocal technique. Course Resources Weekly vocal repertoire assignments will be issued, as well as regular assignments for vocal technique, comparative listening, and basics in music theory. Audio files for practice purposes outside of class time will be available and resources for printed music will be made available. Additional Course Materials Supplies Students will be assigned weekly repertoire and daily vocal assignments that they will be expected to learn and perform. This music must be brought to class each week. In addition, it is necessary to have paper, pencil, and water for hydration with the student for every class. A recording device is helpful for maintaining audio for vocal exercises to be practiced outside of class. Course Activities Weekly performances, critiques, and practice will be a part of this course and will be used as a learning method for students to give and receive constructive feedback to each other in performance practice. Course Policies Attendance + Participation All students are expected to attend classes regularly and promptly, and for the duration of the scheduled instructional time. Individual instructors will decide the optimum time for taking attendance and may penalize for habitual lateness or absence. Repeated absences may result in a grade of "F" for the course. 2
*Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing. Non-attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal. University Policies Academic Honesty/ Integrity Policy Violations of academic integrity are considered to be acts of academic dishonesty and include (but are not limited to) cheating, plagiarizing, fabrication, denying others access to information or material, and facilitating academic dishonesty, and are subject to disciplinary action. To review the Academic Honesty/ Integrity Policy in its entirety, please visit: http://cs.uarts.edu/ce/policies#academichonesty/integritypolicy Student Code of Conduct It is the policy of the Division of Continuing Studies to provide a safe and healthy environment for learning, personal growth and enjoyment. The well-being of this community depends upon the good judgment and considerate behavior of its members. Student status at The University of the Arts is not an unconditional right, but a privilege subject to certain rules and expectations articulated in the Student Code of Conduct. To review the Student Code of Conduct in its entirety, please visit: http://cs.uarts.edu/uploads/media_items/student-code-of-conduct.original.pdf Grading Your non-credit grade will be based on the following: Component Points Vocal s 30% Participation 30% Final Presentations 20% Attendance 20% Schedule* Total 100% SESSION + DATE 1 1/31 TOPIC COURSEWORK DUE Introduction Class Introductions The Healthy Voice. Syllabus, Goal Setting, Vocal Warm-Ups and Basic Technique Discussion Vocal Warm-Ups Practice and First Vocal Rep 3
2 2/7 Warm-ups and basic vocal technique - breath, posture tone & coordination. Vocal Rep #1 review. Presentation/Inclass work Understanding the Voice. Understanding range, breath, resonance, & tone. Group & individual vocal exercises. Mind/body connection. How to practice. 3 2/14 Practice of Vocal exercises & Vocal Rep # 1 Warm-ups, technique, and Performances of Vocal Rep #1. 4 2/21 Preparing to Sing & Selecting Repertoire. Continued work with managing breath & producing tone. Selecting repertoire. Music theory basics addressed (notes, rhythms, keys). Vocal exercises & Vocal Rep #2 (students can choose from repertoire options made available by instructor). Warm Ups and Technique Basics. Music theory basics. Vocal Rep #2 choices presented. 5 2/28 Understanding the Song. One on one with instructor & students for Vocal Rep #2. Diction, tone production, & interpreting text. Written review of a live or recorded professional vocal performance introduced; due 4/4. Vocal exercises & Performances of Vocal Rep #2. Warm Ups Technique Music Theory Basics. Written due 4/4. 4
6 3/14 Interpretation. Performances of Vocal Rep #2. Feedback & critiques. Vocal health addressed. Vocal exercises & continue work on Vocal Rep #2. Warm ups Technique 7 3/21 Interpretation continued. Performance style, stage presence, & interpretation. Introduction of Comparative Listening due 3/28.. Vocal exercises & continued work with Vocal Rep #2. Begin memorizing Vocal Rep #2. Comparative Listening (due 3/28). Thought to additional repertoire for Vocal Rep #3 (optional). Warm Ups and Performances of Vocal Rep #2. Feedback/ideas on upcoming review of live or recorded vocal performance. Feedback on choices for vocal Rep #3 option.. Comparative Listening due 3/28. Works in Progress. One on one & group work with instructor for Vocal Repertoire. Vocal exercises & continue work with Vocal Rep #2. Continue memorization. Comparative Listening. 8 3/28 Warm ups ; Technique ; Vocal Rep; Written s - Comparative Listening DUE today by email or hard copy to be handed in at class. Stage Presence. Technique, performance style, performance anxiety. Performances of Vocal Rep with critique. Introduction of option to perform in CE Talent Show 4/26. 5
Vocal exercises & continue work with Vocal Repertoire. Live or Recorded Written Performance. Due:Next Class 9 4/4 Warm Ups. General questions about technique, presentation, course content addressed. Comparative Listening s reviewed. Written Performance DUE today by email or hard copy to be handed in at class. Bringing It All Together. Vocal Rep one on one coaching with group critique. Vocal exercises Prepare Final Performance, memorized Due:Next Class 10 4/11 Warm ups course content Written Performance s discussed Final Performance in class, memorized. Q & A session Future goals Due: s/ Projects Students must demonstrate weekly progress based on class lectures, critiques, feedback from the instructor, and performances. All assignments are graded and are factored into the final grade. Grading is based on application of instructor s feedback, weekly participation, and student s demonstration of knowledge and understanding of basic vocal technique, including participation of performance of memorized repertoire during final class. 6