Voice majors in the Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles) program undertake intensive technique and live performance curricula along with a wide range of classes in supportive music and general studies to earn MI's unique contemporary music degree (see the Bachelor Degree home page and Program Outline for an overview of course requirements).
Vocal technique courses are designed and taught according to the same principles that have made MI one of the world's leading centers for the study of contemporary singing. Requirements include:
V011a.b. Vocal Technique IA-IB
An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the voice. IA covers breathing and how it affects the body, mind and the act of singing as well as effective practice habits and how to protect the voice. IB focuses on understanding the nature of voice production as students learn to recognize different vocal functions through listening and analysis. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for two quarters.
V112a.b. Vocal Technique IIA-IIB
Prerequisite: V112b Vocal Technique IB. Class addresses pitch registers, formation of vowels and consonants, and the application of vocal technique to learning songs as well as specific skills such as vibrato. Students analyze contemporary artists’ voices and each other to develop their awareness and understanding of the vocal instrument. One lecture hour and one lab hour per week for two quarters.
V142a.b. Vocal Performance IIA-IIB
Performance-oriented class focusing on the emotional side of singing. Topics include lyric analysis and interpretation, stage presence, microphone technique, thought processes before going on stage and communicating with the audience. Two lab/ensemble hours per week for two quarters.
V241a.b. Vocal Performance IIIA-IIIB
Prerequisite: V142b Vocal Performance IIB. The emphasis in this course is on developing polished, professional performing skills culminating in a final juried performance with a pro rhythm section. During IIIA, each student chooses his or her material, writes charts, rehearses a band, and develops a personal performing style during a weekly half-hour private session with the instructor and an accompanist. IIIB includes final music preparation and full rhythm section rehearsals leading up to the final jury. One half-hour private rehearsal per week for two quarters plus final project/performance.
V132a.b. Sightsinging/Sightreading IIA-IIB
Reading and singing skills expand to include major and minor diatonic melodies and harmonies, eighth note and sixteenth note syncopation, and interpretation of standard musical notation. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.
V231a.b. Sightsinging/Sightreading IIIA-IIIB
Prerequisite: V132b Sightsinging/Sightreading IIB. Class covers singing in diatonic major and minor keys as well as odd meters and mixed rhythms. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.