Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSID022.
Course Title (CB02)
Early Music Study and Performance
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
This course includes the study and performance of instrumental and vocal music from the Medieval and Renaissance periods, including the cultivation of performance skills aimed at emulating the spirit and vitality of those periods. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required. Enrollment is open to all students. An introductory audition will determine placement in the appropriate section of singers.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

Early Music Study and Performance is transferable to UC and CSU. The course belongs on the A.A. Music degree. This course provides training in early music including recognizing and reading early music notation and performing with period instruments.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

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
5

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU
C-IDArea(s)StatusDetails
MUSMusicApprovedC-ID MUS 180

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
2.0
Maximum Credit Units
2.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours3.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
36.0
Total
48.0
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.

prior choral experience is recommended

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

Other: Guest clinicians

In-class performances

Assignments

  1. Daily practice and preparation of assigned musical selections
  2. Memorization of assigned musical selections
  3. Preparation for special performances
  4. Participation in dress rehearsals, final quarterly concert and other special events, which may include performances on or off campus.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Bi-weekly singing assignments which demonstrate expanded knowledge of Medieval and Renaissance choral repertoire
  2. Midterm project demonstrating understanding of basic choral notations
  3. Testing during the quarter for knowledge, independence, accuracy, and interpretation of the assigned repertoire
  4. Performance at the end of quarter demonstrates understanding of accurate rehearsal techniques, responsibilities of group participation, and performance skills. The performance serves as the course final.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Access to a piano and harpsichord
  • Ability to play, record and send sound and video files
Essential College Facilities:
  • A competent, professional accompanist
  • A rehearsal hall with good acoustics, a piano, a harpsichord, and chalkboard
  • Audio and projection system
  • Choral library with material representative of Medieval and Renaissance periods
  • Recording facilities for rehearsal, study, and recording of performances

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Music borrowed from the °®¶¹´«Ã½ Choral Library

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Original and commissioned compositions and other purchased music

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Develop an expanded knowledge of Medieval and Renaissance choral repertoire
  • Apply accurate rehearsal techniques in group singing
  • Develop performance discipline and skills
  • Recognize basic choral music notations
  • Understand the participation requirements necessary to be a member of an organized group

CSLOs

  • Students practice proper rehearsal techniques in group singing.

  • Recognize traditional and early music notations.

Outline

  1. Develop an expanded knowledge of Medieval and Renaissance choral repertoire
    1. Music for rehearsal and performance designed specifically for small vocal and vocal-instrumental groups
    2. Compositions and arrangements representing diverse genders and cultures
    3. Major and minor composers from these time periods will be represented
  2. Apply accurate rehearsal techniques in group singing
    1. Acuity of intonation and harmonic perception
    2. Distinctive choral tone in relation to the periodic style of music
    3. Development of rhythmic vitality and accuracy
    4. Diction and phonetic precision
    5. Phrasing, shaping melodic lines, and nuance
    6. Control of dynamics and expressiveness
    7. Sensitivity and responsiveness to direction
  3. Develop performance discipline and skills
    1. Physical and mental self control
    2. Good posture for comfort and accurate, focused tonal production
    3. Sensitivity to flaws in intonation and rhythm
    4. Use of repetitive techniques in rehearsal
  4. Recognize basic choral music notations
    1. Recognizing variances in expression markings (Italian, German, French, etc.)
    2. Understanding concepts of polyphonic tonality and harmony in literature
    3. Awareness of rhythmic patterns
    4. Phrase, tempo, and dynamic indications
  5. Understand the participation requirements necessary to be a member of an organized group
    1. Importance of self-readiness and contribution
    2. Memorization of music
    3. Communication within the ensemble and to the audience
    4. Understanding human differences and individual choral sounds
    5. Helping with tasks such as preparing posters, advertising, ticket sales, etc.
    6. Moving equipment for performances
    7. Being responsible for care of music, folders, performance attire
    8. Learning performance etiquette and recognition of audience response
    9. Contributing to and enjoying the excellence of performance

Lab Topics

  1. Students will rehearse selected repertoire.
  2. Students will practice correct phrasing of musical passages.
  3. Students will practice achieving balance and good intonation within the ensemble.
Back to Top