MUSC 136: Vocal Arts Techniques I

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.
Strongly Recommended: MUSE 100; ENGL C1000.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

A foundational course in contemporary vocal technique designed to develop healthy, versatile, and stylistically flexible singing skills. Students study breath management, resonance, articulation, registration, tone production, and basic musicianship while exploring multiple contemporary vocal styles. Emphasis is placed on building reliable technical habits, understanding vocal anatomy, and applying technique to solo and ensemble singing. Audition required. 36 lecture hours, 18 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate foundational vocal techniques, including breath support, healthy tone production, registration balance, and efficient resonance.
  • Apply contemporary stylistic elements (e.g., pop, R&B, rock, jazz inflection) to technical exercises and repertoire.
  • Identify and describe basic principles of vocal anatomy and function, connecting them to practical singing habits.
  • Perform selected exercises and repertoire showing improved technical consistency, musicianship, and expressive communication.

Major Course Content

  • Breath Management & Support — posture, breathing mechanics, airflow, and breath coordination for contemporary singing.

  • Tone Production & Resonance — shaping vowels, resonance strategies, forward placement, and timbral flexibility.

  • Registration & Vocal Function — chest/mix/head coordination, registration balance, and smoothing transitions.

  • Contemporary Stylistic Techniques — genre-specific tone shaping, inflection, dynamics, and stylistic nuance across pop, R&B, jazz, and commercial styles.

  • Articulation & Diction — consonant clarity, lyric intelligibility, and style-appropriate pronunciation.

  • Musicianship Foundations — pitch accuracy, rhythm, ear training, and interpreting basic lead sheets or scores.

  • Application of Technique to Repertoire — integrating technical skills into solo and ensemble pieces, expression, and performance habits.

Hours Arranged Content

Performances

Sectionals

Guest Masterclass and Clinics

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Various types of graded literature written specifically for the instrument available within the course, classical and commercial
Research into performance practice of various types of literature and grades

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Formulation of performance objectives as to the stylistic interpretation of musical literature such as meter, articulation, rhythm, pitch, and historical interpretation [classical and commercial music]
Score highlighting of critical interpretation symbols for the 'pathos' within a musical performance
Transcribe a recorded performance of selected literature

Examples of Outside Assignments

Formulation of performance objectives as to the stylistic interpretation of musical literature such as meter, articulation, rhythm, pitch, and historical interpretation [classical and commercial music]
Score highlighting of critical interpretation symbols for the 'pathos' within a musical performance
Transcribe a recorded performance of selected literature

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture