STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      The student will learn:

         A.      The basics of vocal production and the voice as an instrument

         B.      Discover the use and limitations of vocal color and dynamics

         C.      How to construct and how to use the voice as an expression of communication

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Mechanics of articulation and speech production.

 II.     Familiarity with the sounds of the Internal Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) ¿ consonants, vowels, dipthongs; their sounds and symbols, and method of transcription.

 III.    Vocal and physical relaxation.

 IV.     Respiration ¿ correct breathing and breath support.

 V.      Muscle interaction ¿ use of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.

 VI.     Diction and correct pronunciation.

 VII.    Resonance: the nasal passages, teeth, head, and chest.

 VIII.   Elimination of tonal faults:

         A.      Nasality

         B.      Stridency

         C.      Hoarseness

         D.      Breathiness Sibilance

         E.      Nervous Tension

 IX.     Elimination of Regionalisms.

 X       In all instances, working toward Standard American Speech.

 XI.     Vocal variety and expression: phonation ¿ pitch, loudness, focus, vibrance, tempo, and rhythm.

 XII.    The voice as an instrument ¿ acting/persuasion with the voice