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Course Syllabus

MUSC 3150 Choral Pedagogy and Methods

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: Admission to B. of Music program or permission of instructor.
  • Semesters Offered: TBA
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2026
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2030
  • End Semester: Fall 2031
  • Optimum Class Size: 15
  • Maximum Class Size: 25

Course Description

This course is designed to teach those pursuing a bachelor's degree in vocal performance how to sing and how to teach others to sing using correct principles and techniques. It is open to all who have been admitted to the Bachelor's of Music Program, but is also required for students on the music education advisement track, and those for whom voice is their primary instrument.

Justification

Many graduates of music programs in performance find that they must earn at least a portion of their living by teaching students, either in the private studio or at charter or public schools. This course prepares all vocal music performance majors to teach students how to sing using correct techniques and principles. In this way, it is similar to courses taught in brass, string, woodwind and percussion pedagogy that prepare students to teach others to play. Courses of this type are commonly taught at other Utah colleges offering degrees in music education and vocal performance.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective rehearsal procedures.
  2. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate knowledge of effective warm-up and sight-reading strategies that impact individual student performance development.
  3. Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to select and prepare appropriate repertoire for concert performances.
  4. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate an understanding of the logistics involved in presenting performances.
  5. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate an understanding of the administrative tasks involved in teaching music.
  6. Upon successful completion of this course students know effective ways to prepare students for contests and festivals.
  7. Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to search jobs and submit applications.
  8. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate exemplary pre-professional behaviors.

Course Content

Knowledge and skill building areas of focus may be drawn from:• Building vocal tone• Rehearsal planning and techniques• Developing conducting skill• Choral music performance• Analysis of a piece of vocal music for study• Style in choral singing• Administration of the Choral Music Program• Comprehensive choral music education• The Choral Music profession