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.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.471.  Russian Diction.  2 Credits.  

A study of Russian vocal music, including analysis and performance of selected works.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.478.  Czech Diction.  2 Credits.  

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

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.

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.

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.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.617.  Singing Bach.  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.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.645.  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 in alternate years.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

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.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Area: P, Y

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

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.679.  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.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.680.  Survey of African-American Art Song.  2 Credits.  

This seminar critically examines the history, nature, and trajectory of art song by African American composers. As such, we will understand that art song by African American composers is significant to the genre of art song as an entity. Using a Critical Race Theory Lens we will investigate the simultaneity race, gender, sexuality, and class oppression as expressed in musical values and the reception history of these works. Students will be required to musically prepare songs, perform them in class, and create short presentations about relevant stylistic elements of the song and information about the composer.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

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.

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].

Area: P, Y

PY.530.686.  Bel Canto Opera.  2 Credits.  

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.687.  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.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.691.  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.

Area: P, Y

PY.530.692.  21st Century Voice 2.  2 Credits.  

A survey of contemporary vocal literature and notational practices, including discussion oftechniques for learning complex music and coaching of selected repertoire. Students willpresent on topics, techniques, and repertoire. A course for singers, pianists, composers,conductors and others.A continuation of the fall semester. Prerequisite: PY.530.691 or permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.;Completion of previous course needed, PY.530.691[C].

Area: P, Y

PY.530.695.  Advanced Lieder Studies.  2 Credits.  

This course is designed to present students with analysis, preparation, and performance of the poetry and music found in German Lieder. Through detailed study of poetry and music, we will trace the development of German song from it’s humble origins, to the great song cycles of Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, Mahler, and beyond. Attention will be paid to appropriate diction, style, and practical performance of the German vocal literature.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Voice majors only.

Area: P, Y

PY.540.540.  Opera Etudes.  1 Credit.