Wilkes University Syllabus MUS 200 Voice Lesson One Credit Hour Spring 2021

Instructor: Leesa Levy DMA

Office Hours: Times available via zoom by appointment.
Contact Information: Email is best – leesa.levy@wilkes.edu; Home phone: 570-800-1281
Cell phone: 570-677-0490

Course Materials: A 3-ring binder with dividers, labels, and plastic sheets to hold music and
assignments, a copy of the syllabus and other forms
Copies of song literature and music texts as assigned
Digital recording and playback device (i.e. a mobile phone with appropriate app)

A. Course Purpose and Goals

The course is specifically designed to further develop the student's classical (bel canto) and
musical theater (including belt) singing technique. The primary emphasis is placed on
strengthening healthy vocal performance skills that will enable the student to pursue singing as a
life skill and potential career.

A secondary emphasis, which grows from the student's development of healthy vocal technique,
is the exploration of vocal literature appropriate for the student's voice, physique, and personality.
Within these emphases the student should apply themselves to the following learning outcomes:

1. An applied understanding of the breathing mechanism and vocal apparatus and how each
operates, proper posture and relaxation techniques for singing.
2. A gowing understanding of how to manipulate the vocal apparatus to produce desired changes
in timbre and how to achieve a desired stylistic outcome by modifying specific aspects of
vocal technique.
3. A growing understanding of, and ability to select, potential repertoire for the student's
particular voice and character type.
4. Effective practice, memorization, and audition skills and efficiency in bringing song literature
to a performance ready state.

B. Course Philosophy and Policies

1. Attendance is expected at ALL individual lessons. Student excuses for lesson absences must be
received by the instructor via email, telephone call or text at least 2 hours prior to the start
of the lesson to be considered valid. Excuses must be verifiable. Acceptance of the
excuse is at the discretion of the instructor. Absences and multiple tardiness will result in
the lowering of the student's grade for the course. The student will lose full points for
each absence and 1 points for each tardiness.
Department policy regarding make-up lessons: If the teacher misses a lesson, a make-up
lesson will be scheduled. If the student misses the make-up, the student forfeits that
lesson (and any points for same). If a student is absent the lesson will not be made up.

2. It is expected that students will practice technical exercises and song literature assigned by the
instructor a minimum of three hours per week for a one-credit lesson. This practice
should be split up over five to six days.

3. Rebecca Elfman is the studio accompanist. She will arange a rehearsal schedule with you.
Rehearsals count as part of the lesson grade. Each student is required to create copies of
his/her vocal selections and submit them to Rebecca with contact information by the end

1
 of the second week of classes. Keep track of rehearsals and literature that you practice
with Rebecca.

C. Learning Activities
Each student will be assigned technical exercises designed to strengthen percieved weaknesses in
vocal production and to strengthen vocal stamina. These exercises are to be included in the
student's daily warm-up and practice routine. At the end of the semester, an a-capella test of the
exercises will be administered in a lesson, the results count toward the student's GPA for the
course. Additional exercises in sight-reading, rhythmic drills, ear training, etc. will be added by
the instructor as deemed necessary. These exercises are to be included in the student's daily
warm-up and practice routine.

Each student taking a one-half hour lesson at this level is required to learn a minimum of four
songs. Three shall be selected by the instructor. One may be selected by the student if so desired.
All four song must be memorized and brought to a performance ready level. Two selections must
be performance ready by mid-term, the remaining must be ready by two weeks prior to the end of
semester vocal jury. A typical grade resulting from the learning of the minimum number of songs
to a performance ready level is a B to B- (80-86% or no higher than a 3.0) as outlined on the
chart below. The preparation of more than four songs, memorized and at a performance ready
level will enhance the student's grade for the course.

Supporting studies will include:

1. The completion of three Professional Recording Critiques of the assigned
literature. These are due at midterm, late assignments will not be
accepted.
2. The completed Semester Review form and the completed Vocal Jury Adjudication
form due by the final lesson of the semester.

D. Assessment and Grading

Lessons (4 points per lesson, 56-60 points total)
Exercises/Technique (Possible 6 point total)
Accompanist (Possible 7 point total)
Listening Critique Assignments (Possible 6 points total)
Final Jury (Cabaret): Two songs (10 points each, 20 points total)
Extra literature learned: 1 point per selection

Accumulated points Quality of Work GPA

93% - 100% Outstanding quality 4.0
87% - 92% High quality 3.5
80% - 86% Good quality 3.0
71% - 79% Satisfactory quality 2.5
62% - 70% Acceptable quality 2.0
51% - 61% Minimum quality,
below graduation standards 1.5
50% and below Unacceptable quality,
below graduation standards 1.0

To determine your class average, keep track of your lesson, assignment performance points. Add
the points together and use the percentage outlined above to assess your class average.