Syllabus
MU 223 - Class Voice
TR 8 am; Auditorium
Mrs. Lisa Benner    Office 104A    Phone(318) 357-3174 ext. 164

COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
To gain knowledge and understanding of the vocal instrument as it applies to each individual, and to learn to apply these techniques to solo vocal performance.  To give each student a strong foundation of correct and healthy vocal skills (tension free production, strength, agility, range, breath control, resonance) that will serve them in their future musical studies.  If necessary, this course may also contain basic musicianship skills such as note identification, counting, and learning to play a melody line on the piano.

MATERIALS
cassette tape brought to each class
pencil brought and ready for use each class
notebook or three ring binder brought to each class
music for pieces being studied

EXPECTATIONS
Since some class members will begin this course with a higher skill level and more experience than others, the ability to sing well is not by itself a necessity for, or an assurance of, a good grade. The ability and willingness to take the skills already possessed and work to add to and improve them will be the foundation of the grade received. These will be the main factors in grade determination:

EVERY MEMBER OF THE CLASS WILL PERFORM AT EACH CLASS PERIOD.

1) class attitude - demonstration of practice and thought about things discussed and assigned in weekly classes; eagerness to learn music and initiative shown in working with instructor to choose literature and solve problems.  BE AGGRESSIVE TAKE CHANCES, BE WILLING TO EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR VOICE AND ABILITIES!

2) attendance
classes - According to the LSMSA attendance policy, failure to attend a class will be reported on the attendance report.  Whether or not an absence is excused will be determined by the administration and/or the school nurse, not the instructor. If you know in advance that you will be missing a class, please get excused officially with the yellow form.  Two unexcused absences will result in the final grade being dropped one letter grade.   Since a large part of the grade is based on class attitude and progress, a high number of absences, even though excused, may have an adverse affect on your grade.

recitals - Attendance at any recital in which an LSMSA voice student (or faculty member of any discipline) performs will be required. Be sure to check the weekly schedule for notice of these events. All voice students are encouraged to attend as many other performances at LSMSA and NSU as possible with special emphasis on any NSU vocal events. It is the responsibility of each student to check in with the instructor to record your attendance at these events!

3) notebook - Recorded in your notebook will be:
a) class notes taken from the lecture material and assigned readings
b) daily practice sessions; noting problems, things that go well, new discoveries, etc.
c) techniques, exercises, books and literature discussed and assigned in class
d) a critique of two vocal events attended throughout the semester. These reports should be one page each, and use appropriate vocal terminology.  Vocal events that will qualify for this requirement: voice recitals of LSMSA or NSU students and/or faculty, or any other opera production, vocal recital, or musical theater production attended.
e) a list with definitions of all musical terms included in pieces assigned. (Tempo markings, phrasing, dynamic instructions etc.)

4) Written quizzes and assignments
written quizzes on the theory and process of correct vocal function and other skills discussed in class will be given periodically

5) Performances
song performances - There will be at least three songs assigned for study over the semester.  Students will perform each of these songs in front of the class and the instructor.  The final exam for this class will be a jury - a formal performance of one piece studied over the semester presented from memory in front of the class and instructor.  Students are encouraged to find a collaborative pianist who can play your accompaniments and/or can work with you during the week. (Dr. Jones is not to be asked to do this.)

PRACTICE
Daily practice outside the class is required to become a proficient vocalist (and to make the progress that will be the main foundation for your grade). Practice sessions should take place six days a week for the following time guides:

            Class voice students are expected to practice at least 30 - 45 minutes per day.
            All vocal students are required to warm-up for a least 15 minutes per day.
            All vocal students are encouraged to rest or sing very little one day a week.

CHOOSE YOUR GRADE
Here are the components for each grade level in this class. You may choose what grade you will receive by your work this semester:

A - positive enthusiastic class attitude; arrives on time for each class with all course materials ready, assignments completed; demonstrates progress on the concepts being studied; all literature learned and jury pieces memorized; complete and well done notebook; attends all required recitals plus extra vocal performances.

B - lackadaisical class attitude; course materials not present at each class; assignments late and/or incomplete; lack of progress due to failure to practice; notes not learned in assigned literature; poor performance on jury due to lack of preparation; disorganized, illegible, late, or incomplete notebook; failure to attend required recitals; poor class attendance due to chronic illness or other excuses

C - poor, unenthusiastic class attitude; course materials not present in class; assignments incomplete; no progress or concern about lack of progress due to failure to practice; notes consistently not learned in assigned literature; poor performance in class and on jury due to lack of preparation with no sense of concern over poor performance; excessively late and/or incomplete notebook; failure to attend required recitals; poor lesson attendance due to chronic illness or other excuses

D - four unexcused absences(in accordance with LSMSA policy); other than that, a "C" in a music course is generally considered failing, so to get a "D", you’d practically have to work at it.  I don’t expect to have to give any of these out!

MY OFFICE HOURS
My office hours vary from semester to semester and sometimes from week to week.  Please check my door frequently to see when I am free. If you cannot make any of these times, call me, or see me before or after classes to schedule an individual time.

FINAL THOUGHTS
You must treat this course like an independent study course. I am here to provide guidance and suggestions on how to improve your use of your voice. You must take the ideas and techniques discovered during class and make them work for you. This requires you to practice intelligently on your own throughout the week. I cannot do this for you!

Reading every book on Michael Jordan and his secrets to success will not make me a great (or even good) basketball player if I don’t take that knowledge and turn it into ability through intelligent practice and hard work. I am going to hold you responsible for becoming an intelligent and diligent singer over the course of your study here.