I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 1/27/11)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change existing
gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
III. Language
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
III Exception: Symbolic Systems * VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms X IV: Expressive Arts
IX: American & European
if requesting
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program School of Music
Course #
MUSI 111A
Course Title
Prerequisite
Singing for Non-Majors
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
2
Date
Instructor
Dr. Kimberly James
Phone / Email X2182 kimberly.james@umontana.edu
Program Chair Dr. Maxine Ramey, Director
Dean
Dr. Stephen Kalm
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Renew X
Change
Remove
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Description of change
IV. Description and purpose of new general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
An introduction to the skills which enable and enhance artistic singing. As a group, students
work to understand and exercise good tone production, musicality, and performance skills.
Purpose of this Course:
each student will:
 Develop a basic understanding of proper use of the singing and speaking voice
 Learn ways to internalize a song while preparing for public performance
 Learn how to sing in front of an audience with confidence and poise
 Develop the skills necessary to constructively critique performances of other people and in the
process improve verbal written and communication skills.
This foundational course provides the student the opportunity to acquire introductory skills in a
group setting and to engage in the creative process. This “learning by doing” course offering
involves the student by way of interpretive performance and critical assessment of their own
work and assists in the cultivation of an appreciation of the humanities and history of different
global cultures. The thrust of the course is active involvement of the student in the creation or
performance of a work of art.
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Fundamental issues dealing with basic
techniques as related to the vocal/choral
medium and interpretation are studied and
explored for a perspective of aural, visual
and kinesthetic involvement.




Develop a basic understanding of proper
use of the singing and speaking voice
Learn ways to internalize a song while
preparing for public performance
Learn how to sing in front of an audience
with confidence and poise
Develop the skills necessary to
constructively critique performances of
other people and in the process improve
verbal written and communication skills
The student is asked to engage in the creative
process by way of performance during the
singing course and within the context of
discussions with the instructor. In addition,
they are asked to engage in critical
assessment of their own work during
rehearsals and after class performances
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Goals: Students are asked to express
themselves at each practice
sessions/rehearsal; to perform the selection
or technique to be learned or explored.




Begin to discover his/her own voice
Learn and develop basic principles of
singing, music reading, and score
preparation through the study of provided
song literature and music handed out in
class.
Learn to appreciate many different forms of
vocal music
In being exposed to a variety of musical
styles, it is hoped that the student will
further his/her appreciation of music as an
art.
Material presented for study represents
styles and genres from a global perspective.
Western and non-western composers and
styles are presented as well as music from a
wide varied of historical time periods. In
addition, students are asked to apply a
fundamental knowledge of music theory and
history to their performances, the structures
and forms of the artistic language to convey
meaning. Students present the product of
their work at class performance
presentations throughout the academic year.
Critiques and reviews are done after each
class performance.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
1-2 credit hour courses in music conform to commonly accepted practices in higher education in
Schools of Music for applied learning and include skills courses , laboratory ensembles and studio work.
This mode includes activities where students receive hands-on learning experience continually
supervised by the instructor. Work is normally completed in the learning environment, but may include
out-of-class assignments. The contact hours are be devoted primarily to practice, mastery, clarification,
and application of material, rather than presentation of new or theoretical material.
VIII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
Singing for Non-Majors
MUS 111A - 2 credits
University of Montana
Department of Music
Fall 2010
“If music be the food of love, sing on!”
Shakespeare
Instructor
Office number
Office hours
Office phone
Email
Meeting Days and Time
Final Time
Location
Rachel Bucholtz, Graduate Teaching Assistant
11
By appointment.
243-2618
Rachel.bucholtz@umconnect.umt.edu
MWF 11:10 – 12 PM
Thursday, Dec. 16th 10:10-12:10
MUSIC 105
Required Text and Course Materials


Text from the bookstore: The Singing Book second edition by Meribeth Dayme & Cynthia
Vaughn
Notebook or Binder
Course Description:

An introduction to the skills which enable and enhance artistic singing. As a group, students
work to understand and exercise good tone production, musicality, and performance skills.
Course Goals:



To enhance your musicianship skills and build confidence in performance
To establish a vocabulary for discussing singing
To understand and document your progress as a singer
Course Objectives:







Discuss how the voice works
Discuss singing basics: posture and breathing
Sing in groups as well as alone
Listen to/watch recordings (live performances) of professional singers
Discover strategies for learning a new song
Assignments:
Preparation of repertoire as assigned through the semester


Critique of live classical voice performance
o I will provide the class with a list of performance that will be happening in the Music
Recital Hall (MRH) or the University Theatre (UT) that will include classical voice
performance. After watching the performance each student will write a review,
including both positive and negatives from the performance, approximately one page
(double spaced, 12-point font).
Voice Journal
o Throughout the semester, as you discover new things about your voice, or understand
more fully things that have been there all along, I would like you to write down your
findings. You must write a minimum of 1 journal entry a week (14 entries). This can
be done traditionally or via blog or voice thread. If you are interested in either of the
latter options, please contact me.
o Such thoughts or results of work should include but are not limited to the following:
 List of vocal and physical exercises assigned
 Notes from class discussion
 Notes from performances watched/listened to
 Comments on practice sessions
Quizzes:

A total of 5 quizzes will be given throughout the course of the semester. They will be as
follows:
o Learning a new song
o Basic Theory
o Posture/Breathing
o Anatomy of the Voice
o Vocal Health
Expectations and Requirements:





Regular, prompt attendance
Preparation of music through practice sessions outside of class
Performance of memorized songs during the semester
Completion of all assignments
Professionalism:
o Treat your colleagues with respect, especially in regards to their performances.
o Even though this is a beginning level singing class, I would like you all to think about
dressing for success, especially on performance days. Namely, I would suggest that
you do not wear: extremely short shorts or skirts, bare midriff tops, old t-shirts, torn
jeans or shirts, or baseball caps on days that you intend to perform.
Grading Policy:
1. Quizzes
2. Critique of live performance
10 points each (5 total)
50 points
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Voice Journal
First Solo
Mid-term Solo
Final Solo
Attendance/Participation
Grading Scale:
A 93-100%
B+ 87-89%
C+ 77-79%
D+ 67-69%
F 0-59%
AB
C
D
50 points
50 points
100 points
200 points
100 points
90-92%
84-86% B- 80-83%
74-76% C- 70-73%
64-66% D- 60-63%
Disabilities:
Students with disabilities may request reasonable modifications by contacting me. The
University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between
students with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). “Reasonable”
means the University permits no fundamental alterations of academic standards or
retroactive modifications. For more information, please consult
http://www.umt.edu/disability.
Academic misconduct:
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic
penalty by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students
need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php.
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.