MUSC 164: Clinical Musicianship I: Voice
Prerequisites:Music therapy major ot permission of instructor
Credit Hours: (1)
This laboratory class is the first course in a 4-semester sequence designed to develop
professional requirements for functional musicianship. The content will introduce
and emphasize vocal skills and techniques as well as the development of a vocal approach
for use in a clinical music therapy setting. Students will have multiple opportunities
to learn about vocal health and safety, clinical repertoire for clients across the
developmental continuum, and the use of the voice in a clinical setting. This course
is repeatable if needed in order to support the varied timelines of each student’s
vocal development.
Detailed Description of Course Content
- Functional use of the voice for singing including: posture, breath control and support,
projection, vocal mechanics to avoid injury to voice. Clinical applications of voice
to include: use of voice with a variety of clinical populations, volume, style, appropriate
repertoire, key, and vocal range of participants.
- A variety of musical idioms from jazz, rock, country, folk, multicultural traditions,
a variety of stylistic periods of music spanning the age-range of typical client populations
from birth-hospice care.
- Use of music technology including: garage band, midi, sound equipment such as amplifiers,
microphones, p.a. systems, computer applications, and assistive technology for clients
as appropriate.
- Expansion of clinical repertoire to include songs that are developmentally appropriate
across the age-span, and that support clinical goals and objectives.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This laboratory course may include the following instructional strategies: learning
and performing music, student development of materials, student presentations, cooperative/group
learning, oral and musical communication activities, and role-playing/simulation.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The following professional competencies as outlined by the American Music Therapy
Association will be addressed in this course.
Introduced:
- Sing and accompany oneself for a basic repertoire of traditional, folk, and popular
songs with and without printed music
- Ability to transpose simple compositions
Introduced and Emphasized:
- Basic foundations of the use of voice in a music therapy context
- Ability to accompany oneself while singing using basic chord progressions in several
major and minor keys with varied accompaniment patterns
- Sing in tune with a pleasing quality and an adequate volume both with accompaniment
and a capella
- Sight-read simple compositions and song accompaniments
- Harmonize and transpose simple compositions in several keys
- Tune stringed instruments using standard tunings
- Improvise vocally for use in a variety of clinical settings
- Develop original melodies, simple accompaniments, and short pieces extemporaneously
in a variety of moods and styles
- Ability to harmonize both vocally and with an accompaniment instrument
Assessment Measures
Mid-term and final playing exam, weekly performance exams.
Other Course Information
Review and Approval
April, 2019