Course Syllabus

In this course, students will learn techniques for learning different types of operatic recitative. In-class coaching will also encompass accompanied recitative, and later parlando styles of operatic composition, with an emphasis on contemporary English-language repertoire. Class attendance and participation are essential, as this class centers on coaching and group vocal work. Grades will be based solely on attendance and preparation for each day's assignments.

Each course will revolve around in-class coaching of the participants. Music may come from the students' current repertoire and may also be assigned by the instructor. Memorization is not required for the class coachings. Students will be evaluated on their advance preparation for these coachings - text translation and analysis, and knowledge of the score - as well as on their ability to consolidate information and ideas during the coaching. Undergraduates in the class may be assigned less music than the graduate students. 

A schedule of the repertoire will be provided at the beginning of the semester, and will be subject to change. In advance of each class, each student slated to sing will be required to upload a summary of information regarding his or her scheduled music (translation, IPA, character information). These summaries WILL be individually graded. On-time submission of these summaries is essential. They will be shared with the class as part of everyone's preparation for the in-class coaching. Information on how to complete these assignments can be found documents posted in the "Files" section. In this class, we will emphasize the translation assignment document, and use the aria presentation document as assigned. 

Recordings will be posted to this site most Mondays, along with several discussion questions from the instructor. Students will have until 5 pm on Friday to participate in these discussions. These discussions will not be individually graded, but will count as a group toward the class participation grade. On-time participation in the discussions is essential.

The class grade is based on a total of 100 points, broken down as follows:

CLASS PARTICIPATION (25 points): Class attendance, class preparation, participation in listening discussions. This portion of the grade will begin to be affected after one class absence, or after one late/missing summary or discussion.

WRITTEN WORK (25 points): quality and originality of written work.

IN-CLASS COACHING (50 points): preparation for coaching, ability to flexibly and easily respond to in-class instruction and suggestion. The evaluation here is not on a perfected performance, but on the ability to work.

ABSENCE POLICY: As stated above, class participation is essential to this course. The participation portion of the grade will begin to be affected after one absence. I will make accommodations for illness with a doctor's note. If allergies or other problems compromise a students' ability to perform in class, this will also be accommodated; it is my expectation that students will communicate in a clear and timely fashion about their needs in this regard. Longterm inability to sing in class will affect the class grade. 

CLASS REPERTOIRE: Repertoire will be chosen in consultation with the students' applied teachers. Any concerns about the schedule of repertoire or the vocal workload should be brought to my attention. Again, communication is key. I hope that we will mutually strive to broaden each student's repertoire, and to give each student tools to enhance and depend their performance. The right combination of challenges will be different for each individual in the class. Let's keep the lines of communication open between me, you (the student), and your applied teacher. 

FEEDBACK IN CLASS: I will ask for the class to give feedback to each singer; this is an important part of the class participation grade. It is expected that such will always be given in a spirit of support, and that language will remain professional and courteous. 

TECHNOLOGY: It is absolutely fine for any of you to record any part of the class for your own study purposes. It is also fine for any singer to ask NOT to be recorded; any such wish must be respected by the entire class. Cell phones and computers may not be used for any other purpose during the class.