Italian
& German Diction for Singers Syllabus
MUS
272; Fall 2008
MW
2:00-2:50, CAB 1088
Nancy
King, Instructor
Office:
CAB 1062; Phone: 962-3398
Office
Hours: By Appointment Only; please see posted
schedule
email:
Course Goals:
Students will
learn:
·
The sounds and symbols of the International Phonetic
Alphabet
·
Rules for correct Italian/German lyric diction
·
Rudimentary Italian/German grammar which will be of
assistance in the translation of songs and arias
·
The meanings of Italian/German musical expressive markings
and Italian/German words most commonly found in song texts
Methods:
Activities in
this course will include:
·
·
Performance in class of 2 Italian and 2 German songs
·
Critiques of your own and your peers' performances
·
Completion of 2 listening assignments per language
(discography)
·
In-class oral drills, and readings of song texts
·
IPA transcriptions of songs and arias
Texts:
·
Diction for Singers by Joan Wall http://www.amazon.com/Diction-Singers-Concise-Reference-Pronunciation/dp/1877761516
·
Italian Dictionary:
OR
·
German Dictionary:
·
Langenscheidt’s German-English Dictionary http://www.amazon.com/Langenscheidt-Pocket-German-Dictionary-German-english/dp/1585735930/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219233940&sr=1-2
OR
·
26 Italian Songs and Arias
(music)
·
Favorite German Art Songs (music)
THE
FOLLOWING ARE GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMANCE IN CLASS. READ THEM CAREFULLY, AS A
LARGE PORTION OF YOUR GRADE WILL BE DETERMINED BY IN-CLASS PERFORMANCES!!
·
Music performed in class must be memorized. You are expected to have rehearsed with the
class pianist before you perform in class.
Be thoroughly prepared!
·
You will be assigned a day on which to perform. If you are ill or unable to sing on that day,
you must bring to class a written note from a physician, OR make arrangements
with one of your colleagues to switch performance dates with
·
If you could not sing on your assigned day because of
illness, and you were unable to switch performance dates with a colleague, it
is your responsibility to make a private appointment with the professor to sing
your song. These appointments must be
made with the professor the week of your assigned performance date. Failure to do so will result in a failing
grade for that performance.
Standards
for performances in diction class are the same as those for your teacher's
studio class. Conduct yourself with proper stage deportment and be sure to
vocalize sufficiently before class so you are warmed up and ready to go.
Performances
in class will be graded on:
·
Correct pronunciation
·
Text sheet and translation
·
Preparation (correct notes, rhythms and good ensemble with
accompanist)
·
Communication of text
·
Improvement
Attendance:
·
Students are expected to attend each class period and to be
on time for class. Roll is taken at the
beginning of every period and each unexcused absence results in the lowering of
your grade by three points. More than 2
unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.
·
If you are ill or experience an emergency, your absence may
be excused from class by leaving a message on my office phone (962-3398) or
send an email before the beginning of
class. All other absences will be
penalized.
Quizzes:
·
Many class periods will include a short quiz on vocabulary, the
material covered in the assigned reading, and/or the previous class
session. These quiz scores will be part
of your final grade, and dates of quizzes are designated on the course
syllabus. The material for vocabulary
and musical expressive markings in quizzes is cumulative.
Grading Scale:
100-90 A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-60 D
59- F
Grades in this
course will be determined as follows:
·
Attendance 20%
and participation
·
Performances (two songs) 30%
·
Quizzes (average of all) 20%
Discography/weekly assignments
·
Final exam (written & oral) 30%
100%
NOTE:
No one who fails the final exam will pass the course!!