CCOG for MUC 144B Fall 2024


Course Number:
MUC 144B
Course Title:
Contemporary Singing II
Credit Hours:
2
Lecture Hours:
10
Lecture/Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Continues exploration of sound creation using your voice as your instrument. Emphasizes intermediate vocal production techniques through a variety of musical styles. Covers developing skills in song preparation and improving stage presence. Incorporates current artists and industry styles. Includes rehearsals and performances. Recommended: MUC 144. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Use their voice as an instrument to produce natural vocal sounds.
  • Demonstrate correct vocal production techniques.
  • Sing in a group using two- and three-part harmony.
  • Prepare and present to an audience 2-3 solo songs in contrasting musical styles.
  • Explain artistic and aesthetic choices with regard to cultural and historical assumptions, associations, traditions, and conventions and to one's own voice, style and/or identity.

  • Document continued development and progression of technical and artistic skills.

  • Demonstrate understanding of performance etiquette and appropriate stage presence.

Course Activities and Design

Content for the course will be presented in a lecture format along side in class lab work:

  • Vocal warm-up exercises

  • Weekly documentation of development and understanding of technical progress and artistic progress

  • Weekly discussion and analyzation of technical and artist development challenges

  • Group singing using two- and three-part harmony

  • Performance of contrasting solo songs

  • Performance of group song

  • Practice using live sound equipment

  • Discussion of performances: what worked, what needs improvement, how did it feel?

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Class participation    

  • Assignments/Journals    

  • Song performances (solo and group)    

  • In- and out-of-class assignments and student performances reviewed and evaluated by the instructor and peers

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Intermediate vocal production techniques (natural breath support, correct phonation, relaxation, and concentration)
  • Warm-up exercises to maintain strength and improve confidence
  • Maintenance of a healthy voice
  • Continued development of musicianship: rhythm, intonation, ear training, phrasing
  • Artist realization/personal style in two contrasting songs for continued development of individual expression 
  • Preparation and performances of group songs in two- and three-part harmony
  • Utilization of sound equipment in performance
  • Stage presence and performance techniques