Individual Music Study I (Instrument & Vocal)

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
MUSC 1156
Descriptive
Individual Music Study I (Instrument & Vocal)
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
2.00
Start date
End term
201720
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
N/A
Contact hours
1/2 hour per week for 12 weeks
Method(s) of instruction
Tutorial
Learning activities

The student will receive one-half hour per week of private instruction for 12 weeks and will be expected to practice adequately as specified by the instructor.

Course description
The interpretation and performance of repertoire, technical requirements and, for instruments only, sight reading will be studied on an individual basis. Open to Basic Musicianship students only.
Course content
  1. Fundamentals
    • Wind Instruments
      • Breathing exercises and breath control.
      • Posture and correct positioning of instrument.
      • Embouchure.
      • Tone development.
      • Intonation.
      • Development of dynamic range.
      • Articulation.
    • Guitar (nylon string, steel string, and/or electric), Electric Bass Guitar, and Lute
      • Correct posture and instrument position.
      • Correct hand position.
      • Tuning.
      • Development of tone.
    • Voice
      • Body awareness (posture, alignment)
      • Breathing (physical function, concept of breath control/support)
      • Making sound: phonation (balance, registers, intonation, comfort in developing personal vocal sound, range, dynamics)
      • Diction (vowels, consonants, diphthongs)
      • Applying basic musicianship skills (notation, rhythm)
    • Percussion and/or drum set
      • Stick grip.
      • Positioning of instrument(s).
      • Playing position.
      • Understanding specialized notation.
    • Keyboard (Piano, organ and harpsichord)
      • Seating position
      • Hand position
      • Development of tone and basic technique
    • String Instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
      • Posture and instrument position.
      • Left hand - correct position and development of technique.
      • Right hand - correct bow hold and use of bow.
      • Tuning of instrument.
      • Tone production.
      • Intonation.
  2. Technique
    • Wind Instruments
      • Scales:
        • Major and minor keys, at the discretion of the instructor
        • One octave, ascending and descending
        • Articulations:
          • all tongued
          • slur 2
          • slur 2, tongue 2
      • Arpeggios:
        • Major and minor keys, at the discretion of the instructor
        • One octave, ascending and descending
        • Articulations:
          • all tongued
          • slur 3
    • Guitar (nylon string, steel string, and/or electric), Electric Bass Guitar, and Lute
        • Scales:
          Major, minor, modal and other scale forms, ascending and descending, at the discretion of the instructor and in consideration of the style being studied.
        • Arpeggios, cadences, and chord progressions: at the discretion of the instructor and in consideration of the style being studied.
    • Voice
      • At the discretion of the instructor and in consideration of the style being studied, vocal exercises suited to the needs of each student will be applied that cover the introductory principles of developing: flexibility, strength for breath capacity/management, relaxation of vocal tension, vowel clarity/purity, register isolation, coordination and balance, and range.
    • Percussion and/or Drum Set
        • Snare Drum
          Rudiments from 13 essential rudiments from National Association of Rudimental Drummers (N.A.R.D.) plus selected works from Goldenberg: Modern School for Snare Drum.
        • Mallet Instruments
          • Scales:
            • All major, natural minor, and chromatic scales
            • Two octaves, ascending and descending
          • Arpeggios:
            • All major and minor keys
            • Two octaves, ascending and descending
        • Drum Set:
          • various styles and rhythms at the discretion of the instructor
      • Keyboard (piano, organ and harpsichord)
        • Pentachord exercises.
        • Lateral movements with the thumb
        • Major and minor scales and arpeggios, two octaves, ascending and descending
        • Triads and inversions, one octave, ascending and descending
        • Articulations
        • Pedal techniques (organ only)
      • String Instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
        • Scales:
          • Major and minor keys, at the discretion of the instructor
          • One octave, ascending and descending
          • One and two notes per bow
        • Arpeggios:
          • Major and minor keys, at the discretion of the instructor
          • One octave, ascending and descending
          • Separate bows
  3. Studies, Etudes or Exercises
    To be selected by the instructor.
  4. Repertoire
    At least two pieces to be selected by the instructor in consultation with the student.  Stylistic variety will be considered.
  5. Sight Reading (Instruments only)
    Materials of appropriate complexity in terms of key, rhythm, range and style are to be selected by the instructor. The student will demonstrate accuracy and an understanding of the musical features and characteristics.
  6. Other Materials
    May be introduced at the discretion of the instructor.   Examples include orchestral excerpts, special techniques, transposition, improvisation, etc.
  7. Performance and Attendance at Recitals and Masterclasses
    • Students are required to perform in at least one student recital and/or masterclass, at the discretion of the instructor.
    • Students are required to attend all Arts at One concerts and all masterclasses that are specified by their instructor.
Learning outcomes

The successful student will learn the interpretation and performance of repertoire, technical requirements and sight reading as outlined in the Course Content.

Means of assessment

100% of the total mark will be allotted by the instructor on the basis of weekly achievement in the various aspects of the course. This will be recorded by the instructor at the conclusion of each lesson. Factors to be considered are progress, punctuality and attendance, musicianship and completion of the minimum requirements.

Up to 10% of the total mark will be deducted for unfulfilled participation in recitals and masterclasses. The following explains the grading calculation:

  • 5% is deducted for failure to perform, at the discretion of the instructor.
  • 1% is deducted for each absence from the Arts at One concert series.
  • If a student has not attended the required number of masterclasses, 1% is deducted for each absence.
  • 1% is added for each additional performance and/or accompaniment above the minimum. This addition will only offset marks that have been deducted.
Textbook materials

The instructor will recommend suitable materials.

Prerequisites

Acceptance into Basic Musicianship Program

Corequisites

Full time status in Basic Musicianship Program

Which prerequisite