Revised 08/2024

MUS 136 - Applied Music-voice (1 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches singing, proper breath control, diction, and development of tone. Studies the standard vocal repertoire. All courses in applied music may be repeated one time. Music majors may repeat these courses up to 8 hours with special permission. 1 half-hour lessons per week, 4 hours practice (laboratory) required. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) available for this course. More information at https://www.nvcc.edu/admissions/cpl.html

General Course Purpose

Students taking applied voice lessons will develop markedly improved vocal tone, a healthy vocal technique (including posture, breathing and vocalization), basic knowledge of vocal physiology and health, and an increasing repertoire of standard vocal literature appropriate for his/her voice and suitable for audition and public performance.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Division Approval.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Match pitch accurately and sing with good intonation;
  • Produce a clear, well supported, energized, free, focused and resonant vocal tone;
  • Sing with clear, precise, understandable diction in Italian and other languages, as determined by the repertoire studied;
  • Sing course repertoire with melodic and rhythmic accuracy, from memory as required;
  • Sing course repertoire expressively, musically and with artistry;
  • Recall the breathing process and the role of efficient bodily suspension in vocal artistry
  • Recognize the role of text in shaping the expressive aspects of singing
  • Reproduce vocal technique and musicianship in interpreting works studied
  • Recall basic vocal physiology and recognize how the voice works as a musical instrument
  • Recognize the concepts of vocal health, how to maintain a healthy voice, and when to seek professional help for vocal problems.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • The Human Voice as a Musical Instrument - How Voices Work
  • Efficient body alignment for singing
  • Breath control/support for singing
  • Concepts and techniques of vocal tone production
  • Singing diction in Italian, English, Latin, German, French and/or other languages as required by
  • repertoire texts
  • Concepts and techniques of artistic, expressive singing
  • Efficient practice techniques
  • Repertoire study and performance
  • Maintaining vocal health