Description:

The student will develop techniques to expand breath support, vocal range and dynamics; develop precise articulation; and strengthen the connection between thought and sound. Through the use of exercises to free, develop and strengthen the voice, the student will be better able to communicate the full range of human emotion and all the nuances of thought. Skills acquired in this course are essential for actors, broadcast journalists, educators and other public speakers. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain the physiological mechanics of the voice.
2. Develop a relaxation process to free up the voice.
3. Direct the voice through all the resonators.
4. Access breath for power in communication.
5. Incorporate vocal dynamics directly into the spoken text.
6. Demonstrate productive work habits in the classroom.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Explain the Physiological Mechanics of the Voice
   A. Identify parts of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal
mechanism.
      1. Diaphragm
      2. Lungs
      3. Larynx
      4. Vocal folds
      5. Teeth, lips, tongue
   B. Recognize how the 'need to communicate'  affects the body as a
process.  
      1. Nerve impulse
      2. Breath response
      3. Phonation
      4. Articulation 
      5. Amplification through resonators
   C. Explore the relationship between pitch and resonators.
   D. Identify articulators.
      1. Lips
      2. Teeth
      3. Gum (alveolar) ridge 
      4. Tongue
      5. Hard palate
      6. Soft palate
   E. Identify factors which inhibit the voice.
      1. Habitual blocking of reflex action due to conditioning or social
demands
      2. Tension
      3. Strong emotion 
      4. Posture

II. Develop a Relaxation Process to Free Up the Voice
   A. Recognize vocal habits and distinguish them from new experiences.
   B. Develop flexibility and strength to support the voice.
      1. The spine
      2. The joints
      3. The muscles
      4. Resisting gravity
      5. Breath support
      6. Energy
   C. Explore the breathing process.
      1. Involuntary muscle reactions
      2. Restrictive tensions
      3. Natural rhythm
      4. Oxygen exchange
   D. Develop the first stages of a vocal warm-up.
      1. Awareness
      2. Mental focus
      3. Natural breathing
      4. 'Touch of sound'
      5. Vibrations
      6. Muscle relaxation

III. Direct the Voice Through All the Resonators
   A. Identify characteristics of the different resonators.
      1. Pitch
      2. Rhythm
      3. Mood
      4. Vulnerability
   B. Isolate the various resonators.
      1. Chest
      2. Oral cavity
      3. Teeth
      4. Nasal cavity and sinuses
      5. Skull
   C. Link the resonators together.
      1. Range
      2. Breath
      3. Energy
   D. Work through the point where the voice breaks between 'head voice'
and 'chest voice.'

IV. Access the Breath for Power in Communication
   A. Explain the different types of breathing.
      1. Abdominal
      2. Diaphragmatic
      3. Intercostal
   B. Develop additional warm-up techniques to increase access to breath.
      1. Imagery
      2. Six-sided box
      3. 'Vacuuming' the lungs
      4. 'Breath of fire'
      5. 'Sigh of relief'
      6. Anticipation
      7. Meditation
      8. 'Power center'
   C. Identify habits that interfere with communication.
      1. Muscle tension
      2. Forced (strident) voice
      3. Decreased lung capacity (lack of postural support)
      4. Emotional shut-down

V. Incorporate Vocal Dynamics Directly into the Spoken Text
   A. Distinguish between vowel and consonant sounds.
      1. Fricatives
      2. Plosives
      3. Nasals
   B. Distinguish between voiced and unvoiced consonants.
   C. Combine the forward (bell) tone with the dropped jaw for flow.
   D. Demonstrate vocalization of all the vowels.
      1. Neutral 'hah'
      2. Lip vowels
      3. Tongue vowels
   E. Develop a full vocal warm-up, including:
      1. Relaxation
      2. Free breathing
      3. Lengthened spine
      4. Resonators
      5. Articulators

VI. Demonstrate Productive Work Habits in the Classroom
   A. Identify and develop positive attitude, including:
      1. Giving and accepting constructive criticism
      2. Maintaining a positive, safe work environment
      3. Developing specific listening skills
   B. Develop productive work habits, including:
      1. Completion of assignments on time
      2. Preparation for in-class assignments
      3. Observation of others' work

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. 60% of grade   Oral assignments (should include a minimum of four
texts, in both prose and verse)

2. 30% of grade   Participation (includes attendance and willingness to
work)

3. 10% of grade   Tests

Grading Criteria:
   90 - 100%   A
   80 -  89%   B
   70 -  79%   C
   60 -  69%   D
    0 -  59%   F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.