EDUC 386A & B Middle and High School Vocal Methods

Instructor: Dr. Jennaya Robison

Office: 159
Phone: 563.387.2208
Email: robije01@luther.edu
Office hours: by appointment

Course Description
Through the knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the singing mechanism, students will
cultivate a systematic method of voice training appropriate for middle school, high school, and adult
singers.

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

Following a series of lectures on the mechanics of singing, vocal pedagogy, and vocal health, students
will put into practice the methods of singing as outlined by the instructor. The students will demonstrate
the knowledge of the singing mechanism through teaching students from the Decorah area and Luther
College communities.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Explain the basic concepts of the 5 parts of singing
Examine various vocal exercises, the use of vocal exercises, and implementation of guided vocal
practice for students.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of beginning repertoire appropriate for middle school and high
school singers.
Display knowledge of vocal pedagogy through an in-class presentation with his/her voice
student.
Communicate with his/her student with positive feedback, constructive criticism, and
compassion.
Begin to be able to diagnose vocal faults and offer solutions for singers.
Display knowledge of resources available to middle school and high school (as well as
community) teachers of voice and choral conductors.
Display competency at the piano as to aid your singers in vocal exercises and literature.

Required Texts/Readings Textbook

Rundus, Katharin. Cantabile Voice Class. Pavane Publishing. Medium High & Medium Low books:
24 Italian Songs & Arias or 26 Italian Songs & Arias; Folk Songs for Solo Singers (v. 1 or 2),
voice repertoire packet available through the bookstore September 15.

Other equipment / material requirements

Staff paper
Binder and folder for handouts and materials and portfolio
Voice student who can participate in 9 lessons and 1 video presentation.
Course Requirements and Assignments
Presentations & Self-Evaluations - 30%
2 Voice lesson videos (10 minutes) and Self-Evaluation of Voice Lesson Teaching
Keyboard demonstration through vocalizations and accompaniment
Small group Topic Presentations
Written Assignments & Exams - 70%
Written Midterm Exam
Sample vocal exercises plan
Song performance and description
Annotated Bibliography
Written Final Exam
Faculty Teaching Observations
Attendance & Participation

Lesson Observations
The student will submit a lesson observation form upon observing of two (2) faculty voice teachers
(preferably not the voice teacher with whom you currently study.)
Participation
Participation is essential for success in this course. Students need to be present for every lecture

Grading Information 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 59 and lower F

Penalty for Late or Missed Work Assignments are due on the dates stated in the Course Schedule. Students
may not make up a missed test or assignment due to an unexcused absence. Missed tests or assignments due to
excused absences can only be made up at a time appointed by the instructor. You must notify the instructor of an
excused absence before the absence occurs.

Classroom Protocol Class participation is essential. You will be expected to sing when directed (as an
individual or in a group.)

Attendance Policy Your attendance is required in this class in order to fully comprehend the material. Your
attendance and participation are also vital to the success of your colleagues in this class. You are allowed 2
absences before attendance impacts your grade. After two absences, each absence following lowers your grade
by 5% (prior to factoring any of your work, participation, test scores, etc.) Tardiness will impact your
participation grade.
EDUC 460 A & B Vocal Pedagogy

COURSE OUTLINE, Dr. Jennaya Robison - instructor

Readings assigned should be completed PRIOR to the first class meeting of each week.

WEEK ONE: August 30

Personal vocal history discussion. Introduction of syllabus

WEEK TWO: September 5, 7

Reading Chapters1-4, pgs. 3-16 (Releasing tension, alignment, opening vocal tract, breathing for singing)
DUE: Personal vocal history

WEEK THREE: September 12, 14

Reading Chapter 5 & 6, pgs. 17-25 (Starting and stopping the tone, Resonation)
Lecture: Phonation and the Laryngeal Mechanism/Resonance

WEEK FOUR: September 19, 21

Quiz, Alignment, Respiration, Phonation
Reading, Chp. 11, pgs. 37-40 (Attentive and Deliberate Practice)
Lecture: The First Lesson what to expect from your student, what you student needs from you
Voice students assigned

WEEK FIVE: September 26, September 28

Reading, Chapter 8 & 9, pgs. 26-30, (Vocal Registers, Voice Classification)
Assignment: Sample Vocal Exercises DUE September 29
Student demonstrations: vocal exercises (presented in class with vocal exercises, bring 1 copy per student.)
Begin teaching voice lessons to students

WEEK SIX: October 3, 5

FACULTY VOICE LESSON OBSERVATION 1 - Due October 6
Reading, Chapter 10, pgs. 34-36 (Telling the story)
Assigning literature to students. Bring literature books to class.
PERFORMANCE: Song demonstration and handouts (students perform)
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK SEVEN: October 10, 12

No Class October 12
October 10 - WRITTEN MIDTERM EXAM
PERFORMANCE: Song demonstration and handouts (students perform) if time allows.
Long-term assignment handout Annotated Bibliography (DUE December 7)
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK EIGHT: October 19

Reading Chapter 12, pgs. 41-44, (Vocal Health)
Assignments Topic presentations assigned
PERFORMANCE: Song demonstration and handouts (students perform)
Teaching voice students continues
WEEK NINE: October 24, 26
Lecture The Changing Voice
VOICE LESSON VIDEO DUE WITH REFLECTION #1, October 26
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK TEN: October 31, November 2

NO CLASSES, October 31 (Reformation Celebration, campus wide.)
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE: Guest lecture, Dr. Diana Orbelo, Mayo Clinic, vocologist (2:30-4pm)
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK ELEVEN: November 7, 9

FACULTY REHEARSAL OBSERVATION 2 Due November 10
Choral Vocal Pedagogy
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK TWELVE: November 14, 16

Lecture: special topics
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK THIRTEEN: November 21, November 23 NO CLASS (Thanksgiving)

Small group presentations
VOICE LESSON VIDEO DUE WITH REFLECTION #2
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK FOURTEEN: November 28, December 1 (NO CLASS, December 1)

Small group presentations
Teaching voice students continues

WEEK FOURTEEN: December 5, 7

Annotated Bibliography DUE December 7
Teaching voice students continues

STUDENT RECITAL Saturday, December 9, 5:30PM, Choir Room

FINAL EXAM: 10:15 12:15 Tuesday, December 12

Written Final Exam & Portfolios DUE