MUS 6566 VOCAL LITERATURE I

Course Syllabus, Fall 2001

2 credit hours

Prerequisite: graduate standing

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A survey of art-song literature from the Elizabethan lute song to the present.

COURSE RATIONALE: Art songs represent the heart of the literature for the solo voice. These works are not only a prime medium for the performer but also the basic instructional tool for the voice teacher., An understanding of the style and performance practices inherent in the periods surveyed is a crucial element in the education of professional singers and teachers. This course, MUS 6566, and its companion, MUS 6567, which surveys songs and arias with orchestral accompaniment, provide a broad base of repertoire for all voice classifications and an understanding of how this repertoire can be utilized in vocal development. Thus, both of these courses are required for the graduate vocal pedagogy degree and at least one is chosen by the vocal performance major.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The student should develop the ability to recognize and evaluate any song according to its (1.) vocally technical demands; (2.) musical difficulty;

(3.) appropriateness for certain vocal categories and development; (4.) stylistic and interpretative aspects in the context of its musical period and composer; (6.) inherent qualities and distinctive character; (5.) textual background and content; and (7.) historical significance.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY and ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS: According to the 2001-2002 Mississippi College Graduate Bulletin, students are expected to abide by the statement of institutional policy regarding honesty (p. 13 under the title Academic Conduct); attendance regulations (p. 13); grades (pp. 34-36); and other matters of concern as addressed in this publication.

COURSE PROCEDURE: The instructor will present regular lectures coupled with listening activities and score studies. Students will develop an appropriate bibliography, research and present reports on topics, summarize outside readings, analyze scores and recordings, and write a formal research paper.

GRADUATE ORIENTATION: A hard copy of the Mississippi College Graduate Orientation Manual may be obtained from the Graduate Office in Nelson Hall, Room 202, and may be viewed at:

http://www/mc.edu/publications/graduate/orientation.html. A hard copy of the Music Department Graduate Orientation Manual may be obtained from the Music Department Office in Aven Hall, Room 204. These important sources of information should be read thoroughly.

TEXT: Kimball, Carol. Song: A Guide to Style and Literature. Seattle: Pst...Inc., 1996.

EVALUATION: Three major tests (including the comprehensive final exam) will comprise one third of the semester grade. The bibliography, six listening tests, and the written and oral reports will make up another third of the grade. The remaining third is based on a formal research paper, whose topic is to be approved by the instructor, which is due two weeks before the semester ends. The instructor will assist the student in making up work missed if an absence or tardy is excused, i.e., due to an unavoidable personal emergency or a situation which has been mutually and previously agreed upon by the instructor and student. Students who miss a test or fail to submit an assignment because of an excused absence have the privilege of making up the test and/or turning in the assignment at the next class period without penalty. Otherwise, the student earns an automatic zero on the test and/or the assignment may be accepted at the next class period with a letter-grade drop.

GRADING SCALE: A =100-94; B = 93-85; C = 84-75; D = 74-70; F = 69 and below.

INSTRUCTOR: Nell Adams, Aven 401, 925-3924 (924-0289 at home)

Please feel free to call, if necessary, and to make an appointment for a conference.