Course Syllabus
Music 17A - Fundamentals of Singing
Fall 2020 – (Section #1193 )
Tuesdays & Thursdays (4:30 - 6:00PM)
All classes will be synchronous meetings unless notified otherwise
Instructor – Janice Hall (email) jhall@santarosa.edu (Phone )541-7364
Course outline and expectations
- Students will be asked to learn and perform four songs during the semester assessed by the instructor and students will also complete observation forms for the instructor. (Students will need to find their own accompaniment versions of the song and the cd with our book is highly recommended for this purpose.)
- Song #1 - Folksong or Balled (due by last class of September)
- Song #2. - Musical or pop song (due by last class of October)
- Song #3 - Classical art (due by last class of November)
- Song #4 - (due Final class December 15) -Students may use a song from the semester (or another pre-approved song) Students may invite friends to this final presentation or informal recital practice.
- Goals will be set for individuals and grading will be a reflection of growth and effort made at attaining the goal and song presentations will represent 50% of students overall grade. Songs must have been worked on in class with the instructor’s coaching before they can be performed for an assessment.
- There will be three quizzes based on class handouts and assigned reading materials. Quizzes are scheduled to be given on the first week of October, November and December and will represent 30% of students overall grade.
- Students will be asked to perform various vocal exercises and song phrases to work on specific vocal techniques during class sessions. Performer observation forms will be submitted to the instructor. These assignments and/or discussion threads are credit /no credit participation assignments. Class participation and attendance will represent 20% of students overall grade.
- Students will present their songs as Level #1, #2 or #3 (Please keep selection under three minutes)
- Level #1 - Run through for approval (no coaching but key adjustments may be necessary)
- Level #2 - Student has worked on song and is ready for coaching (15 minute max - time limit)
- Level #3 - Student presents song in concert for instructor assessment and class observations
Class Calendar
All work must be completed on or before the assigned dates unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor prior to the deadline. As this is a living document, Your name will be added on the blank lines below for the days you are assigned to be coached during our zoom classes. Please let the instructor know if you are unable to use your spot.
August
(Class overview - Student fears and goals - Introduction to basic Musicianship/ the Singer’s Breath & Posture )
18 - First day of class – "Teach me to sing but don’t ask me to sing!"
20 - Students are asked to sing a song of their choosing for the class
25 - (Zac, Alex D., Frank, Alex B. sang)
27 - (Eric, Weslyn,, Tali, Oscar, Frank sang)
September
(Vowel production, vocal colors and blend)
9/1. (Alex B., Oscar, Tali sang)
9/3 - (JoJo and Jorge sang)
9/8 - No class - professional development day for faculty
(last day to register for semester length lasses is 9/6)
(last day to drop class without a "W" symbol is 9/6)
9/10 _______________________________________
9/15 - All asked to sing class song
9/17 ________________________________________
9/22 ________________________________________
9/24 - Song #2 selection due
9/29 - Song #1 - Due for final presentation
October
(Consonant production and the delayed articulation concept)
10/1 - (Quiz #1)_____________________________________
10/6. ________________________________________________
10/8 _________________________________________________
10/10 __________________________________________________
10/13 ________________________________________________
10/15 ________________________________________________
10/20 _______________________________________________
10/22 ______________________________________________
10/27 _______________________________________________
10/29 - Song #2 Due for final presentation
November
(Legato, Staccato, Range and flexibility)
11/3 - (Quiz #2) _________________________________________
11/5 - ___________________________________________________
11/10 ___________________________________________________
11/12 ____________________________________________________
(last day to drop class with a "W" symbol is 11/15))
11/17 ____________________________________________________
11/19 ____________________________________________________
11/22 ____________________________________________________
11/24 - Song #3 - Due for presentation
11/27 (Thanksgiving break- No classes this week)
29 (Thanksgiving break - No class this week)
December
(Performance & Expression)
12/1 -( Quiz #3 )___________________________________________
12/3 _____________________________________________________
12/8 ______________________________________________________
12/10 - Work on final song
15 Final Class – Final Student Presentations
Other Information
Course Web Site
Students will use the Canvas course web site for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, viewing classmate's work, sharing resources, and viewing grades.
Student Canvas Help link 24/7
https://de.santarosa.edu/student-help-for-canvas
Textbook
Adventures in Singing Ed #4 by Clifton Ware - (optional cd)
You can locate and order textbooks online via the SRJC Bookstore. Note that if you want to pick your books up in Petaluma, you need to order them from the Petaluma Bookstore website.
Other Important Policies and Practices
Netiquette, or Why Is It Harder to Be Polite Online?
Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:
- Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING.
- Forward emails only with a writer's permission.
- Be considerate of others' feelings and use language carefully.
- Cite all quotations, references, and sources (otherwise, it is plagiarism).
- Use humor carefully. It is hard to "read" tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons like :) for a smiley face to let others know you are being humorous.
- Use complete sentences and standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.
- Text speak, such as "ur" for "your" or "ru" for "are you" etc., is only acceptable when texting.
Special Needs
Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278), as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.