MUSC 116: Jazz Voice III

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Credits: 2
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 18
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Total Student Learning Hours: 126
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Development of intermediate-advanced techniques in jazz singing through applied study, guided listening, and performance. Topics include jazz phrasing, improvisation, stylistic nuance, repertoire analysis, and historical context. Students present both solo and small-group performances. Audition required. No textbook required. 36 lecture hours, 18 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • Develop intermediate-advanced vocal techniques appropriate for jazz styles, including breath management, tone production, and healthy vocal practice.
  • Apply intermediate-advanced jazz phrasing and stylistic elements (e.g., swing feel, articulation, rubato, and expressive nuance) to standard repertoire.
  • Demonstrate intermediate-advanced improvisation skills, including melodic variation, motivic development, and basic scat syllables.
  • Analyze and interpret intermediate-advanced jazz vocal repertoire through listening assignments, score study, and discussion of historical context.

Major Course Content

 
  • Foundations of Jazz Vocal Technique — tone production, breath management, resonance, articulation, and healthy stylistic inflection.

  • Jazz Phrasing & Interpretation — swing feel, rhythmic placement, lyric delivery, and stylistic nuance across major jazz eras.

  • Introduction to Vocal Improvisation — scat syllables, motivic development, call-and-response, and improvising over simple chord progressions.

  • Repertoire Study & Performance Practice — learning and presenting standard jazz literature in solo and small-ensemble settings.

  • Guided Listening & Style Analysis — identifying hallmark traits of influential jazz vocalists and analyzing recordings for form, phrasing, and improvisational approach.

  • Basic Transcription Skills — transcribing short melodic lines or improvisational excerpts to build aural and stylistic awareness.

  • Ensemble Communication & Microphone Technique — working with rhythm section players, cueing, blend/balance, and using microphone technique appropriate to jazz settings.

Hours Arranged Content

Solo and small group coaching, rehearsals, and concerts

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Assigned periodical, videos, webpage articles

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Written evaluation of live and recorded jazz improvisation using standard evaluation (adjudication) forms and short essay.

Examples of Outside Assignments

1. Develop, maintain and improve instrumental tone quality, intonation and loudness control, technique and musical rhythm projection on primary instrument. 2. Practice performance of assigned/approved improvisation skill development exercises. 3. Improvise on assigned chord progressions and selections of the jazz repertoire. 4. Transcribe, analyze and perform assigned recorded improvised jazz solos 5. Compose and perform original jazz melodic lines utilizing techniques discussed in class as assigned 6. Apply skills to performances with other jazz performing groups

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lab, Online Education Lecture