MUSC 355

MUSC 355: Choral Conducting

Prerequisite: MUSC 354

Credit hours: (2)

Continuation of MUSC 354 (Intro to Conducting) with emphasis on conducting techniques, score analysis and interpretation, and rehearsal methods integral to conducting choral music literature from each of the stylistic periods.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

MUSC 355 is an introduction to the art of choral conducting. The course will stress the development of fundamental skills and the application of practical solutions to problems found in everyday rehearsals. Throughout the course emphasis will be placed on each participant developing a personal methodology based upon creative problem solving. In this way, the successful participant will develop cognitive skills and habits which should be of use not only in choral rehearsals; but also in many other arenas of endeavor. This course provides a direct assessment of individual musicianship and ability to teach musicianship.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

1) Posture, alignment, and movement through space
    a. Alexander Technique
    b. Movement through space
    c. Laban Technique

2) Listening and error detection
    a. Unison
    b. Two part
    c. Three part
    d. Four part, homophonic
    e. Four part, polyphonic

3) Score study, amalysis, and gesture integral to conducting choral music of the western canon and multicultural musics.
    a. Renaissance
    b. Baroque
    c. Classical
    d. Romantic
    e. Twentieth Century
    f. Folk musics

4) Mind-mapping and rehearsal techniques
a. Creating a mind-map
b. Teaching from score analysis/mind-map

Goals and Objectives of the Course

By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:

1) Develop and demonstrate appropriate choral score study techniques and practices, including error detection
2) Identify and describe distinguishing features of choral literature from each stylistic period
3) Develop and demonstrate basic rehearsal techniques
4) Apply appropriate conducting techniques to choral literature from each stylictic period, demonstrating core components of gesture, standard meterical patterns, gestural details, and left hand techniques.

Assessment Measures

Grade will be based on score analyses, conducting-teaching demonstrations, and writing assignments.

Other Course Information

Texts

Fowler, Charles, ed. Conscience of a Profession: Howard Swan. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Hinshaw Music, Inc., 1987.
Diction, John Moriarty, E. C. Schirmer Music Company, Boston. 1975.
Keep Your Voice Healthy, second edition, Friedrich S.
Brodnitz, M.D., College Hill Press, Boston. 1988.
assorted handouts as well as excerpts of books and journal articles.

Approval and Subsequent Reviews

April 18, 2017
Revised April, 2009