THVC331*03

Fall 2015

Voice Lesson for Musical Theatre

Instructor
Ben Dibble
Class Time: TBA
Phone: 267-257-8893
bdibble@uarts.edu
Required Texts and Materials
Assigned music is to be obtained by the students. Possible resources for this include the
music library, or finding and purchasing by themselves. Student will be responsible for
keeping all music in an easy-to-use binder, and for putting all coaching-recorded
accompaniments on a flash drive for easy access.
Overview
Individual instruction in vocal techniques appropriate for the musical theater,
culminating in a jury examination at the end of each semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
The student will achieve a greater awareness and command of the
mechanics of a healthy vocal technique
The student will develop an open diaphragmatic breath for a fully supported
sound
The student will be made aware of physical habits that may inhibit their
singing and work to release them
The student will learn to release into their sound for a more relaxed
performance
The student will channel and focus their energy
The student will bring joy and exuberance to their singing
The student will learn to analyze and interpret the text of a song
The student will start to explore bold, inventive acting choices through music
The student will prepare at least three full songs for performance at the Final
Jury at semesters end
The student will start to explore his/her voice type and how to select songs to
further growth
Grading Criteria and Assessment Methods
Student will be evaluated with the following methods:
Preparedness/
Attitude

Performance

Superior
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Always arrives on
Usually arrives onOften tardy;
time; music and time; most music fails to prepare for
techniques are
and techniques are
class; inattentive to
learned in a timely
learned in a timely
instruction.
manner; respectful
manner; respectful
of the work.
of the work.
Mastery of material

Competent

Inadequate mastery

and techniques. demonstration

of material and
techniques.
Improvement

of material and
techniques.

Shows an
Technique is
Little or no
exceptional and developing; has development of
growing
shown some ability
technique; is unable
understanding of to build on previous
or unwilling to
technique; builds lessons; generally
accept critique;
on previous lessons;
able to accept
unable to make
accepts critique and
critique.
adjustments.
makes proper
adjustments.

Graded Assignments
Assignment

% of Grade

Attendance, Application of vocal technique,

Work Ethic

60%

Successful Jury at Semesters End

30%

Maintenance of Hard and Digital Copies of

Music

10%

The Grading Policy can be found in the Course Catalogue.

Academic Integrity Policy

University of the Arts policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the Course
Catalogue.
Absences
Attendance is vital to your success in this course. Absences will be excused only in case
of documented illness or emergency. Notice of an excused absence must be received
before the lesson to be missed. Two late arrivals will be counted as one absence. Two
unexcused absences will lower the final grade by one letter grade(for example, from A to
B or B+ to C+). On the occasion of the second absence, the student will receive a verbal
warning from the instructor and a CARE report will be submitted. Three absences will
require the student to withdraw from the course. Students refusing to withdraw will be
given an immediate warning and receive a failing grade for the semester.

Third Year Jury Requirements (full list with definitions found in accompanying
document)
First Semester minimum 5 selections:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Jazz Standard with improvisation

Open choice
Open Choice
Open Choice
Student Researched

Second Semester minimum 5 selections:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Top 40 or Rock/Jukebox Musical

Open Choice
Open Choice
Open Choice
Student Researched

Technology
Student will carry a flash drive with any midi-recorded accompaniments for
use in the voice studio.
Student will be required to put all hard music into electronic form and begin
to keep an electronic book of music.
Student will submit a Jury List electronically by October 16
How to be Successful in this Class
Be on time, be prepared, practice often!
Policy on Academic Progress and Student Responsibility can be found in the Course
Catalogue.
Contacting Me
Email or text message me at the provided address and number for promptest response
Educational Accessibility
Students who believe they are eligible for course accommodations under the ADA or Section 504
or have had accommodations or modifications in the past, should contact the Office of
Educational Accessibility at 215-717-6616 or access@uarts.edu to arrange for appropriate
accommodations and to obtain an accommodations letter, if applicable. Faculty can provide
course accommodations/modifications only after receipt of an approved accommodations letter
from the Office of Educational Accessibility. Accommodation letters can be provided to qualified
students at any time during the semester, but grades earned before the letter is received by the
faculty cannot be changed.