Fine and Performing Arts - Music Program
MVV 1111 - Voice Class I and II
Spring 2008
Course Syllabus
Instructor: Professor Carla DelVillaggio
Phone:VCC: 407-582-2329 (leave message); Cell: 407-432-0015, (h) 407-330-3868
E-mail: Home: and school:
Website: personal: and
Valencia faculty website is at http://frontdoor.valenciacc.edu/?cdelvillageio
Textbook: Christy, Van A. and Patton, John Glenn.; Foundations in Singing, 7th Ed.; New York, Mc-Graw Hill, 2002. This textbook has a set of CDs available for purchase, but I do NOT suggest buying these CDs. You may borrow a set from the music library instead of spending the money on the CDs.
Course Description: For instrumental music majors and students with no previous vocal study. Emphasis on breath control, diction, tone production and development of repertoire. Students will be expected to sing as part of the class as a group, but more importantly you will also be required to sing solo in front of the class. No exceptions. This is a class about SINGING after all. This course may be used for secondary instrument requirements for music majors. May be repeated for credit, but grade forgiveness cannot be applied. (Special Fee: $25.00)
Ms. D’s Preferred Method of Communication: I prefer to utilize EMAIL for the majority ofmy communications to my students. You WILL be required to check your ATLAS email on a regular basis. I might need to make changes in assignments, performances, or give you important concert information, or any number of things and you will need to be informed of such. Failure to check your email regularly could result in your not getting valuable information. A BROKEN or otherwise incapacitated computer is NOT an excuse. There are many computers on campus that are available to you. If I request a response to my email, I will expect to receive it in a timely manner. When directed, you will also need to access my Faculty webpage for many wonderful singer's resources that I will make available to you. The link ishttp://frontdoor.valenciacc.edu/?cdelvillageio
Exit Skills:Upon completion of this course the student should have a good understanding of basic vocal technical skills, vocal health, understand about the various types of voices, have had exposure to music in both Italian and English. We will also listen to music in order to discuss & evaluate various different types of voices as part of our discussions.
Course Requirements:
**There will be a book report (approximately 2500 to 3000 words) required. The book report must be based on one of the following topics:
1. Vocal Technique
2. Voice Physiology
3. Vocal Pedagogy
4. Vocal Styles of Music, such as Classical, Baroque, Opera, Pop, Jazz, etc.
5. A Specific Singer/Group: History or Unique Style/Approach to Singing
6. A Related Topic as Approved by the Instructor.
Late book reports will be marked down one letter grade for each day they are late. Failure to submit a book report will result in the lowering of the student’s final grade by one letter grade. Sources should be listed. Internet sources are acceptable. Papers should be typed, using 12pt Times New Roman font, and single-spaced. Please write these papers in your own words. Cutting and pasting from the internet or any other source is not acceptable and will result in an “F” for the paper. Spelling counts….Spell Check is your Friend!
You will be assigned several songs throughout the semester that will be prepared in class and OUTSIDE of class as well, and then performed in class for a grade. One will be in Italian. At least ONE song must be performed from memory.
Full attention must be given during class time. The audience (class) will be expected to offer constructive criticism following all performances. Any disruption or any other inappropriate behavior, such as being rude and talking when others are performing, will not be tolerated and any student acting in this manner will be asked to leave class.
Grade Evaluation:
Tests 40 %
2 Concert Reviews20 %
Book Report10 %
Performances30%
3 Student RecitalsREQUIRED
Grading Scale:
A = 90 - 100 %
B = 80 - 89 %
C = 70 - 79 %
D = 60 - 69 %
F = Below 60 %
Mid-Term Grade Assessment:I will endeavor to send out a “love note” via email at or around midterm and prior to the deadline for withdrawal from classes, to let you know where you stand in terms of your grade for this course. If you are “BELOW a C” at that time and need to bring up your grade it may be possible to do an extra credit project. Please arrange time to discuss this with me.
*** NOTE: Failure to attend and provide a written review of the TWO recitals/concerts required will result in LOSS OF 5PTS OFF TOTAL GRADE - PER RECITAL.
****NOTE: Failure to attend Student Recitals will result in a lowered grade.
***NOTE: Excessive Absences or Tardiness to Class will result in a lowered grade
Extra Credit: Extra credit is possible. Consult with the professor to come to an agreement on the extra credit you wish to provide. Some possibilities would be extra concert reviews, extra performances in class, second book report.
Testing Policy: Students must take all tests as scheduled by the instructor. Makeup tests will only be given under special circumstances with the permission of the instructor. Anyone wishing to take a makeup test MUST contact me within 24 hours of missing the test with an excused absence in order to be considered for such makeup test. Tests may include information covered in class as well as information in the book. Any makeup test must be taken within one week of the original test date and will be taken in the TestingCenter. All makeup tests will be of a different format than the original test. Any student who fails to appear for the final examination may be assigned a grade of WF. Tests will be in multiple formats, T/F, Multiple choice and short answers. NO ONE is permitted to leave the classroom in the middle of a test.
Special Rules:
1. Student Recital attendance is MANDATORY. Recital dates will be announced.
2. No smoking, eating or drinking is allowed in the music building, including the practice rooms.
Classroom Policies:
1. The student is expected to attend each class meeting ON TIME. If you must arrive late, please be courteous to your classmates.
2. The student is responsible for all material covered or assigned during classes.
3. Tardiness:
More than 10 minutes late = one unexcused absence.
Three times tardy = one unexcused absence.
4. Excused absences:
The student is responsible to notify the professor at least oneday priorto anabsence (or within two days after an absence if it was an unforeseen emergency) or it will be considered an unexcused absence. Two consecutive excused absences must be followed up with a doctor’s note(when applicable). Four or more excused absences will result in aconference between the professor and the student withpossiblerecommendation for withdrawal from the course.
5. Unexcused absences
Three or more unexcused absences constitutes immediate failure.
An absence is considered excused only for the following reasons; Illness,medical emergency, family emergency (or other situations as deemedappropriate by the professor). All other absences are consideredunexcused, including job schedules, family trips, etc. Please make yourplans accordingly.
Academic Honesty:
Each student is expected to be in complete compliance with the college policy on academic honesty as set forth in the college catalog and the student handbook. Any student found cheating on an exam will receive a zero on that exam. The professor may also choose to withdraw the student from the class.
ValenciaCommunity College Student Competencies:
1. Think critically and make reasoned choices by acquiring, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating knowledge.
2. Read, listen, write and speak effectively.
3. Recognize the value of aesthetics.
CLAST Competencies:
1. Reading skills (literal comprehension, critical comprehension).
2. Logical reasoning skills.
Students With Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who qualify for accommodations must provide anotification from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the instructor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office of Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities. The East Campus Office is located in Building 5, Room 216.
Disclaimer:Changes in this syllabus and or schedule may be made at any time during the term by announcement from the professor. A revised syllabus may then be issued at the discretion of the professor.
AGREEMENT
I, ______, affirm that I have read the syllabus for this course in its entirety and that I fully understand all of its content. I have no questions (or have had my questions answered satisfactorily) as to course content, requirements, grading, and all other class policies. I understand that should I fail to complete any requirement set forth in this syllabus that it will be reflected in my final grade.
Signature:______
Printed Name:______
Voice Class – Spring 2008
**this page is to be completed and turned into Ms DelVillaggio by the 2nd class meeting.