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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSID013A
Course Title (CB02)
Beginning Singing I
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
This course provides class instruction for beginners in the techniques of solo and group singing. Training in controlling tonal production, breathing, diction, and musical accuracy, including the development of vocal repertoire and performance techniques.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
FD - Voice Class Applied Performance

Course Justification

Beginning Singing I is transferable to UC and CSU. The course belongs on the A.A. Music degree. This course offers introductory level training for beginning singers and can prepare them for auditions for higher-level instruction.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
Yes
Foothill Course ID
MUS F013A

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
1.5
Maximum Credit Units
1.5

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours2.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
24.0
Total
36.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
24.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

ESL D261. and ESL D265., or ESL D461. and ESL D465., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

An understanding of basic music notation and some possession of basic piano skills, or concurrent enrollment in MUSI D002. or MUSI D012A

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Homework and extended projects

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

In-class performances

Assignments

  1. Daily preparation of vocal exercises
  2. Preparation of solo literature
  3. Proposals for mid-term and final performances
  4. Attendance at a live vocal concert.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Weekly participatory vocal exercises, which demonstrate understanding of the vocal mechanism, and show growth in musicianship.
  2. Bi-weekly Analysis of vocal growth and progress with instructor, with particular attention to breathing techniques, vowel production and music notation.
  3. Completion of mid-term and final performance, demonstrating mastery of repertoire and basic singing techiniques
  4. Written report demonstrates ability to express, in writing, understanding of and appreciation for live performance

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Required texts and music scores
  • A portable recording device is desirable, as is access to a piano
Essential College Facilities:
  • A well ventilated classroom with piano and chalkboard or whiteboard and with appropriate acoustical conditions
  • Audio and projection system

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
*"Practical Method of Italian Singing," Nicola Vaccai, G. Schirmer, New York, 1994.
*"28 Italian Songs and Arias of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries", G. Schirmer, New York, London: Hal Leonard Corporation, 2010.
"Marchesi: Vocal Method, G. Schirmer, New York, London,1999

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
"A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals," William Duckworth, Thomson/Schirmer, Belmont, CA, 2004.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Develop an understanding of the vocal mechanism
  • Apply standard vocal breathing techniques to tonal production
  • Develop control of all basic vowel and consonant sounds
  • Prepare and perform songs from an assigned minimum repertoire of songs
  • Recognize basic music notations
  • Employ basic singing techniques in performance

CSLOs

  • The successful student will demonstrate proper beginning level technique: breathing, support, and placement.

  • The successful student will develop solo singing repertoire (primarily Italian).

Outline

  1. Develop an understanding of the vocal mechanism
    1. Vocal folds and surrounding musculature
    2. Resonance chambers
    3. Proper mouth openings and tongue placement for pure vowel sounds and vowel and consonant combinations
    4. The role of the Diaphragm and other core muscles
  2. Apply standard vocal breathing techniques to tonal production
    1. Proper posture
    2. Inhalation and exhalation exercises
    3. Controlled exhalation contributing to focused tone
    4. Understanding of support throughout vocal range
  3. Develop control of all basic vowel and consonant sounds
    1. Understanding clarity of vowels including pure and modified vowel sounds and their effect on placement and the difference between diphthongs and the effective use of them.
    2. Articulation within phrases of vocal lyrics
    3. Use of repetitive techniques to correct inherent language barriers
    4. Explanation of differences in languages and efficacy of Italian in particular. Explanation of drawbacks of English for beginning singers.
  4. Prepare and perform songs from an assigned minimum repertoire of songs
    1. Italian art songs and arias
    2. Some use of songs in English
      1. Accompaniment provided for songs selected by the instructor.
      2. Accompaniment may or may not be provided for songs selected by the student.
  5. Recognize basic music notations
    1. Introduction of notes and rests
    2. Introduction of major and minor scales
    3. Recognizing rhythmic patterns
    4. Phrase, tempo, and dynamic indications
  6. Employ basic singing techniques in performance
    1. Proper posture
    2. Memorization
    3. Focus of tone
    4. Analysis of meaning of words and the song overall and communication of this within the style of the song.
    5. Recognition of audience response
    6. Performance etiquette

Lab Topics

  1. Vaccai exercises
  2. Marchesi exercises
  3. Scales and arppeggios
  4. Tessitura development
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