Columbia College

Music 37

John Carter, Instructor

VOICE LEVEL II

Texts:

The Arnold Book of Old Songs by Roger Quilter. Boosey and Hawkes Pub.

26 Italian Songs and Arias, ed. Paton, Alfred Publishing (As needed)

As Needed:

Theory Notebook Complete, by John Brimhall. Hansen House, c.1963

Vocal Exercises

Song Supplement, ed. Carter

Other texts, individualized, as needed.

Introduction:

This class is designed for people who have had at least two semesters of class voice. This course will assume that you can breathe correctly for singing, demonstrate and explain good posture, and that you have performed for others in public performance.

Procedure:

As a class, we will meet twice weekly for warm-ups, class songs, individual songs, and in-class assignments. Instruction will focus more on individual performance - in fact, each of you will sing by yourself every week (if not every class session). These individual "performances" will allow you to not only train yourself for solo performance, but also give you the benefit of individualized instruction from myself.

I will, in collaboration with you, pick songs that will be of the biggest benefit to your vocal growth and improvement. If you have not passed the Voice Mastery Test from Music 36, 37, and 38 you will be working on those as well as the Voice Mastery Test for Music 39.

Expectations:

I expect that you will be here, with your materials and prepared to sing.

Attendance: I don’t grade you on attendance. However, if you are gone too frequently you are missing out on a lot of the growth and information that is shared in the class. If you find you cannot continue in this class due to a change in life circumstances, it is up to you to drop yourself from the class. If I think that you are not here enough to get credit, we will talk and perhaps arrange for you to drop.

Practice: Singers in Intermediate Voice, Level IV, are expected to practice three times per week outside of class for one hour. Improvement and growth is dependent on this. Pick a “safe” place where you won’t be criticized. Ideally it’s best to pick a set time.

In Class Performance: I expect that you will come prepared for performance. That means, that you have practiced, you have your music, pencil and your wits about you. You know your assignment without asking me. When it is your turn to perform, I will expect that you know the notes, rhythms, and words before you sing in class. You do not need to have music memorized unless you are trying to pass a level. You will also need to have “Learning a Song” completed. No one will be allowed to perform in class without this background prepared.

Outside Performances: You are also required to perform outside of class. We will have a number of opportunities to prepare and perform. I will help you as much as I can to make this a successful experience for you. Because of the importance of these performances to your growth, any missed performances will result in a failing grade for the semester. Clear your calendar as soon as you know performance dates.

Evaluation: See the attached Grading Sheet

Other Items:

Office Hours: I am available in my office during office hours or by special appointment. My office is in the Seminar Building. My phone number is 588-5214. We also have a staff accompanist who is available occasionally for help..

Financial Aid is available for students through February. See Cass in Financial Aid for more information. Music Scholarships are available. Auditions are held in the spring. Accompanist: Occasionally our accompanist is available for individual coaching by appointment.

One last thought: Have fun!! Enjoy the learning process!! Look on it as an opportunity to grow and contribute something wonderful to your audience and your world.!!