MUS-184, 185, 284, 285: Individual Study in Music Performance: Voice I, II, III, IV

Course, prefix, number, & title: MUS-184, 185, 284, 285 Individual Study in Music Performance: Voice I, II, III, IV

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 0.5 or 1 class hour Students are required to take 1 credit, 0.5 class hour for the A.S., Music degree. Students have the option of taking 2 credits, 1 class hour; offered as needed

Credits: 1 or 2 credits

Pre-requisites (if any): Grade of C or better required in course level I to advance to level II, in II to advance to III, in III to advance to IV.

Co-requisites (if any): MUS-186, 187, 286, 287

Course Description in college catalog:

One half hour or one hour of weekly private instruction in voice for A.S., Music degree students. Final examination will consist of a performance jury.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Learn vocal exercises that will increase your understanding and ability in areas of singing technique: body alignment and flexibility, breath management, breath energy and core body strength, resonance space and flexibility, register blend and flexibility, vowel formation and clarity, clear tonal onset, and ease in singing through velocity.

2. Advance in vocal expression and technique through applying concepts to song performance.

3. Demonstrate communication skills through clear and effective performance.

Program-specific outcomes

Prepare students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning to pursue a career in music by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship and performance.

Provide the general college students with the opportunities to study music in a variety of classes that promotes intellectual inquiry, global awareness and lifelong active learning.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

2. Make ethical judgments while recognizing multiple perspectives, as appropriate in the program of study

3. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Process

Students attend a once-a-week lesson, during which technical and expressive issues are discussed, implemented, and exercised. Technique is applied to songs from the standard vocal repertoire. Students learn and memorize four songs and prepare them for performance: two songs for each of two Student Convocations, and all four songs for an end-of-semester jury (one song performed chosen by student, and one other chosen by faculty).

Attendance: Every single one of your lessons is a precious opportunity to learn about your voice. This time is valuable. Don’t miss a single one! If you cancel a lesson, I may not be able to reschedule. If I cancel a lesson, I will make it up. If you are sick or have an emergency, please email or call me so I will know what happened.

Preparation: Every week I will ask you, “What was your homework for today?” Make sure you know, and have practiced it. I will make assignments of what I want you to work on. Be sure to do it. Write down specific assignments in a notebook and bring a tape to class so that we may record your lessons. Come to lessons prepared to work with your music, a pencil and a tape.

Practice: You prepare for your lesson by steady practice. A half hour a day five days a week is the requirement. Keep a log of your practice time so your practice time is recorded. You are graded on how much you practice. I will check your log each week. Thoughtfully practice the exercises given and apply concepts to your songs. Begin to memorize your pieces immediately so full concentration may be placed on internalizing your technique and making its place in your performance second nature.

Grading: You are graded on your end-of-semester jury, your practice time, and your work in your weekly lesson, with all grades compiled to make your final grade. Each lesson will be graded on a point system so that you will always know where you stand regarding your lessons grade.

0-not showing up for lesson

1-present at the lesson with minimal preparation.

2-some preparation, minimal progress

3-some preparation OK progress

4-obvious practice, engaged in lesson, good progress

5-well prepared, outstanding progress, engaged in lesson.

Your first lesson is an automatic five-pointer. After that you must earn them!

Grading Breakdown

Weekly lesson grade: 55%

Jury grade: 25%

Practice grade: 20%

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.