Course Day and Time: Tuesday, 4:15-5:10 pm

Credits:  1

Room: B600

Office Hours: 12:00-1:00 Monday, 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-8:00 Tuesday, 7:00-8:00 Thursday, and by appointment: Please my schedule, which is posted on the door of my office. If you need to schedule an appointment, please call our administrative assistant, Autumn Nova, (212) 625-0500 ext. 6188.

Phone: (212) 927-1015 Home

              (917) 825 8697 cell

              (212) 625-0500 ext. 6187 Office

E-Mail dana.talley@nyack.edu

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 Fundamentals of Singing is designed for non-voice majors and all voice students in place of, or in addition to, private instruction. It is also a requirement of B.A. in Music with a Church Music Concentration and Music Education majors. This course may be also used for Applied Music credits. Fundamentals of Singing, is meant to help the student to better serve the Lord in song.  Vocal exercises, relaxation, and basic musicianship will be covered, in addition to communication, and the study of English diction. 

 Singing must be an expression of, and an enhancement of, the text. It certainly must not detract from the text.  Therefore it is very important that the singer know the text, invest it with its true meaning, and pronounce it in such a way that it can be understood by all.  Good "diction", then, combines an understanding of the text, and its proper expression, with correct pronunciation of the words. We will spend 50% of our time on the study of diction.

 OBJECTIVES:  This class will help the developing musician or interested student to:

1.  Understand the centrality of singing to all music study.

2.  Focus on the time-tested theories of bel canto singing--the goal of which is to

     produce beautiful tone.

3.  Make his/her words understandable.

4.  Project more efficiently.

5.  Express the words, both in meaning and in pronunciation.

6.  Sing in a relaxed and easy manner, which will not hurt the voice

     and will be pleasant for the listener.

7.  Maintain a worshipful attitude and communicate both with the 

     Lord and with His people.

8.   The instructor and students will endeavor to incorporate the Nyack College Core Values into the repertory that will be studied and their performances both on and off campus including a respectful attitude with fellow students, professors, and guests. 

CORE VALUES: Nyack College seeks to exalt Jesus Christ and fulfill its mission by being:
Socially Relevant -- Preparing students to serve in ministerial, educational, healing and community-building professions. 
Academically Excellent -- Pursuing academic excellence in the spirit of grace and humility.
Globally Engaged -- Fostering a global perspective within a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Christian academic community.
Intentionally Diverse -- Providing educational access and support to motivated students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Personally Transforming -- Emphasizing the integration of faith, learning and spiritual transformation. 

REQUIRED TEXT:

None 

OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS:

A hymnal, approved by the instructor. 

Each student is expected to keep a journal and/or bring a tape recorder to class.  Access to a CD player will also be helpful.  Practice should include assigned vocal exercises, repertoire, and English diction study. 

 Additional Course Requirement: 

During the course of the semester, you need to attend one VOCAL concert outside the school and one Nyack College recital. There is no recording good enough to substitute for the experience of hearing a live performance.  It would NOT include: a rock concert or a country music concert, but may include an approved performance at your church. Free recitals at Juilliard, Manhattan, and Mannes Schools of Music should be included as the one required concert.  If you have questions about whether or a not a concert will count, check with me.  I encourage you to explore some new things, and take some chances. Reviews of concerts should include:

A. Detailed discussion of one longer piece (two or three, if short pieces):

1. VOCAL technique observed (use terms and ideas from class)
2. Personal reactions (musical and cultural factors)

B. Observations about the audience:

1. Dress of performers/audience.

2. Demeanor of audience during performance:  Was applause appropriate?

C. Papers must be typed, double-spaced and between 500-750 words in length.

GRADING: 

Class participation:  45%   Term project: (reviews of vocal concert):  20%

Midterm: 15% Final : 20% (including the singing of an assigned spiritual or hymn)

 Information Literacy Requirement:  You will be required to access the following website for further information to aid you in your study of singing:  

 1. The student will visit the class website: http://www.songsofpeace.com/ncmcmusic/voice/mus234.htm

and submit a one page evaluation of the contents making suggestions for additions. This will be done at the beginning and at the end of the semester.

2. The student will look at the following Webliography to aid in concert attendance and make at least one addition to the list.

3. The student will sign in to naxosmusiclibrary.com to prepare an oral presentations on any singer they choose. 

The login is NYACK01 and the password is NYACK01 

ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY: 

Your grade will be reduced after one un-excused absence.  Students are to arrive on time.  If you are 15 minutes late, it will be considered half an absence.  Students are expected to attend every class.  (1/2 letter grade for each absence, after three cuts an F will be given.  In the unusual event that an absence is unavoidable, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the relevant notes, materials, videos, or recordings. Missed exams or tests can be made up at the Instructor’s discretion.  

STUDENT HANDBOOK REQUIREMENT:  

In addition to the information in the college catalog, all students are responsible for the requirements, regulations, and information in the NCMC Music Handbook.  Please put the following link in your browser:
 http://www.ncmcmusic/Handbook 

Learning Disabilities: Any student who has a learning disability is encouraged to speak privately with the professor or with Professor Adelaide Pabon the 504 coordinator for Nyack College/New York City.  Any student eligible for and requesting academic accommodations due to a disability is required to provide a letter of accommodation from Academic Support Services within the first two weeks of the beginning of the class.