This is a beginning musicianship course for students who wish to develop sight-singing skills in standard Western music notation as it pertains to the interpretation and performance of melodic music. This class is intended to serve singers who desire to be able to learn songs from sheet music (which will help prepare students for the more advanced 4000-level voice classes at Bennington), but would be useful for any student who wants to learn how to read music and sight-sing. Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of music notation: notes, rhythms, and musical terminology. By gaining familiarity with scales and intervals, and through the use of melodic exercises and song excerpts in varying styles, students will build a connection between the eye, ear, and voice to develop the muscle memory needed to be able to translate written melodic material into sound, on sight. Students will learn and sing excerpts of songs in varying styles, gaining musical independence in the process. Sight-singing is an invaluable and highly marketable skill for musicians of all styles, and opens up a world of possibility for both aspiring professionals and amateur lovers of music.
This course is for true novices- it is not intended for students who already have experience reading music notation. No previous singing or musical experience is necessary to enroll, though it is highly recommended that students who enroll have the ability to match pitch (i.e. hear a pitch and then sing it back accurately).
Learning Outcomes:
Learn the basics of standard Western music notation
Develop skills to translate written musical material into sound
Gain independence in learning songs from sheet music
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
W 4:10PM - 6:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 2000 , All courses , Fully In-Person , Two Credit , Voice
Tags: ear training , melody , Music fundamentals , music reading , music theory , musicianship , sight singing , singing , songs , theory , vocal music , Voice