MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course: MUS 302.01 Credit Hours: 2.0
I. Title: CHORAL METHODS
II. Catalog Description:
Methods, materials and pedagogy related to the teaching of choral music in the elementary, junior high/middle school and senior high school choirs. Students must be of junior standing. REQUIRED FOR ALL MUSIC EDUCATION MAJORS. Prerequisites: Students should be of junior standing and Music Education Majors.
III. Purpose:
This course is designed to provide students with the basic skills necessary for the successful teaching of choral music. The students will explore a variety of teaching methods/techniques and will have the opportunity to practice/observe these methods through teaching practicums and classroom observations. In addition, the students will develop everyday management skills necessary for a successful choral program.
IV. Course Objectives:
The students will:
1. Develop a working philosophy of choral music based on pragmatic skills;
2. Demonstrate effective teaching through video-taped teaching practicums and on- demand task assessments;
3. Be able to discuss potential classroom management strategies;
4. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of sequential music learning through appropriately planned rehearsals;
5. Develop a packet of materials for use in the academic justification and promotion of choral music programs to school administrations and parents.
V. Content Outline:
I. What do we teach?
A. Curriculum Development
B. Expression
C. Style Characteristics
D. Score Preparation
E. Diction
II. How do we teach?
A. Research-based teaching strategies
B. Auditions
C. Seating Arrangements
D. Sight-singing
F. Teaching Singing
G. Voice Change – Male
H. Voice Change – Female
I. Repertory
J. Rehearsal
III. Assessment
A. Terms
B. Testing Instruments
C. Grading
VI. Instructional Activities:
Lecture, teaching practica, on-demand task assessments, observations, portfolio, and choral style characteristics and repertory lists.
VII. Field and Clinical Experiences:
The students will complete two (2) field observations, on-demand task assessments, and 2 teaching practica.
VIII. Resources:
The textbooks, handouts, articles from The Choral Journal, the Music Educators Journal and other appropriate professional journals along with selected repertory.
IX. Grading Procedures:
1. Completion of all On-Demand Task Assessments (300 points): (see grade sheet for descriptions.
2. 2 Observations (50 points)
3. Portfolio (50 points): Portfolios should be maintained during the semester. They should be kept as up-to-date as possible and be neatly and efficiently organized. They should include all class notes; observations; on-demand tasks; handouts; and other appropriate materials.
4. Class Attendance (100 points) as per grade sheet
X. Attendance Policy:
No unexcused absences or tardies are permitted. Absences will affect grade as per the attached grade sheet. Any student who misses more than 1/4 of the regular class meetings (7) will fail the course. See p. 50 in the 2001-2003 Undergraduate Catalog.
XI. Academic Honesty Policy:
Students are expected to complete their own work. Any proven instance of dishonesty will result in the failure of the class. See p. 50 in the 2001-2003 Undergraduate Catalog.
XII. Text and References:
Required: Phillips, Kenneth. Teaching Kids to Sing. New York: Schirmer Books, 1996.
Almquist, Bradley. MUS 302: Choral Methods Course Pack. Bradley L. Almquist, 2004.
Henson, B.R. Rhythmic Diction: A Musical Approach to Choral Diction. San Antonio, TX: Southern Music Co., 1990.
VHS Formatted Video-tape
XIII. Prerequisites: Students should be of junior standing and Music Education Majors.
GRADE SHEET: MUS 302: Choral Methods
Fall 2004
Grade Sheet must be turned in on the last day of class or a failing grade will be recorded.
NAME: ______Student # ______
1. ON-DEMAND TASKS: ( 300 points) ______
1. Score Marking (25 ) ______
2. Choral Warm-up I (25) ______
3. Sight-Singing I (25) ______
4. Sight-Singing II (25) ______
(Examinations)
5. Mid-Term Exam (100) ______
6. Final Exam (100) ______
2. OBSERVATIONS: (50 points) ______
1 completed ______
2 completed ______
3. PORTFOLIO: (50 points) ______
Instructor Assigned
4. ATTENDANCE: (100 points) ______
0-1 misses: 100 points
2-3 misses: 50 points
more than 3: 0 points
Total: ______
Grade Earned: ______
______
Signature of Student
A = 500 - 450 points C = 399 - 350 points E = 299 and less
B = 449 - 400 points D = 349 - 300 points