MUS118  Vocal Diction – English and Italian

 

 I. Course Information:  Study of the fundamentals of phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in English and Italian, including the study of representative vocal literature of each language.

Credit Hours:  1

 

 II.  Instructor Information

Deirdre Welborn Francis, Assistant Professor of Music

RFAC  115

Office Phone:  231-2001        Office Hours:  as posted

Campus e-mail:  dfrancis@andersonuniversity.edu

 

 III.  Course Objectives

Students will develop an understanding of the correct sounds of all vowels and consonants for singing in  English and Italian.  In order to assist in their development of good diction habits, the students will learn the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA); and will be able to read and write the IPA transcriptions accurately. In speaking and singing students will be able to demonstrate clear and accurate diction with ease and intelligibility in Italian and English.

 

IV.  Methods of Assessing Achievement of Learning Objectives

Students will take written quizzes and major tests and participate in oral exercises in class.  Students will  perform 2 English pieces, and 2 Italian pieces and complete IPA transcriptions of each.    For the final exam students will sing an excerpt of an Italian piece and an excerpt of an English piece and complete IPA transcriptions of each.

 

V.  Grading Policies

Homework assignments:         20%

Written Tests:               25%

Singing Tests:                 30%

     English (ave. of performances)    15%

     Italian (ave. of performances)       15%

Final Exam:               25%

       Written portions     10%

       Singing portions     15%

 

 For singing assignments, students will be graded on their diction only, not on their presentation.  However, the student must understand that a poor presentation can adversely affect their diction resulting in a lower grade.  Students may choose to sing their assigned pieces with their applied instructor.   However, students’ performances in class will be evaluated by diction rules applied in class which may differ from the applied instructor’s.

 

VI.  Content Outline

Introduction of IPA, applying IPA to English, rules of English diction, applying IPA to Italian, rules of Italian diction.

 

VII. Methods of Instruction

Teacher will demonstrate appropriate pronunciation and articulation, and students will have opportunity to respond orally.  Students will study the rules of transcribing IPA and for pronunciation and have the opportunity to respond to the group and the instructor.  Students will listen to recordings.

 

VIII.  Assignments of Course Calendar  (See Attached)

 

IX.  Textbooks and Supplementary Reading 

Pieces as assigned.

Wall, Joan. IPA, A Manual for English and Foreign Language Diction.  Psst…Inc, 1989.

Wall, Caldwell, Gavilanes, Allen.  Diction for Singers.  Dallas:  Pst...Inc., 1990.

Coffin, Berton and Ralph Errolle, Werner Singer and Pierre Delattre.  Phonetic Readings of Song and Arias. The Scarecrow Press, Inc. Metuchen, New Jersey and London, 1982

Paton, Glen.  Twenty-Six Italian Songs.  Hal Leonard Publishing.

Ware, Clifton.  Adventures in Singing, 2nd Edition.  McGraw-Hill Publishing, 1998.