Courses

PY.530.469.  Italian Diction.  2 Credits.  

This course prepares students to sing artistically in Italian through a combination of dictionstudy, text translation, and performance. Prerequisite: minimum one semester of collegestudy of Italian language or permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.473.  Opera Literature.  2 Credits.  

A study of selected works in opera from the 17th century to present, with emphasis on compositional styles and traditions of performance. Offered in alternate years.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.474.  Opera Literature.  2 Credits.  

A study of selected works in opera from the 17th century to present, with emphasis on compositional styles and traditions of performance.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.475.  English Diction.  2 Credits.  

A study of the International Phonetic Alphabet and the English language, with particular attention to American English, its unique sounds and their execution in singing.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.477.  German Diction.  2 Credits.  

A thorough examination of the phonemic/phonetic system of German pronunciation and its application to singing in that language. The course is designed to give students not only the professional tools to analyze the phonetic problems in German texts (and to transcribe those solutions with the aid of IPA), but also the ability to hear for themselves how those solutions can be applied. Special emphasis is placed on Bühnenaussprach/Hochlautung, noting the differences between speaking and singing in that language, and the resulting choices that the student will need to make in achieving a good and flexible singing pronunciation. The course emphasizes speaking and then singing excerpts from the German vocal repertoire from opera, oratorio, and Lieder.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.478.  Vocal Lit: Intro to Slavic Diction I: Czech and Polish.  2 Credits.  

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.483.  French Diction.  2 Credits.  

A study of French vocal music, its poetry and interpretation, with attention to diction (using the International Phonetic Alphabet) and grammar, including analysis and performance of selected works.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.545.  Graduate Diction Review 1.  

This two-semester course is an introduction and review of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application in writing, speaking and singing English, French, German and Italian. Emphasis will be placed on the study of the IPA and its application in each of the four languages. Required for graduate voice students who do not pass the Diction Placement Exam.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

PY.530.546.  Graduate Diction Review 2.  

This two-semester course is an introduction and review of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application in writing, speaking and singing English, French, German and Italian. Emphasis will be placed on the study of the IPA and its application in each of the four languages. Required for graduate voice students who do not pass the Diction Placement Exam.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.;Completion of Graduate Diction Review 1 required, PY.530.545[C].

PY.530.589.  Vocal Literature: English/Italian.  2 Credits.  

A survey of English and Italian song literature from the Renaissance to Modern day, applyingthe International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to specific repertoire. Prerequisite: EnglishDiction and Italian Diction.

Prerequisite(s): Undergraduates need to have completed English and Italian Diction in order to enroll, PY.530.469[C] and PY.530.475[C].;Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.590.  Vocal Literature: German/French.  2 Credits.  

A study of selected vocal works and styles in French and German from the 17th century tothe present, with emphasis on compositional trends, traditions of performance, and exposureto a wide variety of literature from both cultures and languages. Prerequisite: GermanDiction and French Diction.

Prerequisite(s): Undergraduates need to have completed German and French Diction in order to enroll, PY.530.477[C] and PY.530.483[C].;Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.617.  Vocal Lit: Bach Survey.  2 Credits.  

An introduction to the performance of solo vocal repertoire by J. S. Bach. Singers will study and present representative selections from the St. Matthew Passion, St. John Passion B Minor Mass, Magnificat, Christmas Oratorio, and selected cantatas. The elements of style will be addressed, including the rhetoric of Bach recitative. Cultural and historical context will also be examined.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.645.  Vocal Lit: Musical Theatre Survey.  2 Credits.  

Analysis and performance of selected works from the American musical theater, beginning with Jerome Kern and continuing to present-day examples. Offered every spring semester.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.671.  Operas of Mozart.  2 Credits.  

A study of the music and drama of five principle operas. Offered in alternate years.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.672.  Verdi and Verismo Opera.  2 Credits.  

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.679.  Vocal Lit: Advanced French Airs and Melodies.  2 Credits.  

An in depth study of French vocal music with an emphasis on style and interpretation, as well as attention to diction (reviewing the International Phonetic Alphabet) and grammar, including analysis and performance of selected works.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.683.  Vocal Pedagogy.  2 Credits.  

A class participation course that includes an introduction to various voice teaching methods and their respective approaches to posture and breathing, registration, resonation, coordination, interpretation, and vocal health; an examination of the anatomy and function of the vocal mechanism; student teaching; teacher observation; repertoire and recital planning. Required for the MM in Voice with Pedagogy Emphasis and the DMA in Voice, Option C; an elective for seniors and other graduate students.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.684.  Vocal Pedagogy Lab.  2 Credits.  

This semester of vocal pedagogy will be continuation of the introduction of relevant content through in-house and guest lecturers. Elements critical to an effective teaching studio will also be covered. Stimulating class discussion will be a vital part of the students’ understanding of class content. Reading assignments accompany each class.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.;Completion of previous course required, PY.530.683[C].

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.686.  Bel Canto Opera.  2 Credits.  

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.687.  Vocal Lit: Oratorio.  2 Credits.  

Participants in this performance seminar will prepare and present representative oratorio repertoire from the 18th century to the present. Students will acquire an understanding of the breadth of styles in this body of repertoire and will complete the course with a list of works of practical value for themselves in the future. The term “oratorio” will be considered broadly, and may include symphonies with voice (e.g. Beethoven 9 and Mahler 2 & 4) but not concert works for solo voice (e.g. Mahler Des Knaben Wunderhorn and Ravel Shéhérezade).

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y

PY.530.691.  Vocal Lit: 21st Century Voice 1.  2 Credits.  

A performance practice course including score reading, definitions of the technical language of avant garde music, and contemporary vocal techniques. Performance is optional. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Distribution Area: P, Y