Master of Voice Pedagogy: Musical Theater Track Program Requirements
Learn more about General Graduate Requirements.
(30 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the following courses: | ||
| VC 650 | Pedagogy Capstone | 1 |
| VC 721 | Westminster Voice Pedagogy Institute | 3 |
| VC 722 | Literature for Teaching | 3 |
| VC 723 | Voice Ped I: Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 740 | Seminar in Music Theater Pedagogy | 3 |
| VC 741 | Music Theater Literature I | 3 |
| VC 742 | Music Theater Literature II | 3 |
| VC 791 | Teaching Internship 2 | 2 |
| Core Requirements: | ||
| MH 731 | Intro to Musicology | 3 |
| Core Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Theory or History elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
The core elective must be a single, 3-credit graduate-level course outside the student’s major area, area of emphasis and/or area of applied study.
- 2
Students who have had significant teaching experience in American schools may petition to substitute another graduate course for VC 791. The department, if granting, will specify acceptable course alternatives.
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Students may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from their academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Pedagogy Courses | ||
| VC 721 | Westminster Voice Pedagogy Institute | 3 |
| VC 722 | Literature for Teaching | 3 |
| VC 723 | Voice Ped I: Voice Science | 3 |
| VC 741 | Music Theater Literature I | 3 |
| VC 740 | Seminar in Music Theater Pedagogy | 3 |
| VC 742 | Music Theater Literature II | 3 |
| VC 791 | Teaching Internship 1 | 2 |
| VC 650 | Pedagogy Capstone | 1 |
| Core Courses | ||
| MH 731 | Intro to Musicology | 3 |
| Core Elective 2 | ||
| Theory or History Elective | ||
- 1
Students who have had significant teaching experience in American schools may petition to substitute another graduate level course for VC 791. The department, if granting a substitution, will specify acceptable course alternatives.
- 2
The core elective must be a single, 3 credit graduate-level course outside of the student's major area, area of emphasis, and/or area of applied study.
Courses and Descriptions
MH 731 Intro to Musicology 3 Credits
Introduction to the basic tools of research in historical musicology in order to foster: (1) an awareness of the nature and scope of historical musicology as a scholarly discipline; (2) familiarity with the techniques of musicological research; (3) an understanding of the relationship between musicological research and performance practice; and (4) experience in the application of musicological techniques to specific musical works and issues. It is strongly recommended that this course be taken at the outset of graduate study. Required for all Master of Music candidates.
VC 650 Pedagogy Capstone 1 Credits
Independent research leading to a completed capstone project, such as a pedagogical publication or presentation, development of an original or unique method of instruction, instructional materials, etc. The project must be approved by the department.
VC 721 Westminster Voice Pedagogy Institute 3 Credits
This intensive course gives a detailed overview of science-informed, experience-driven voice pedagogy. It includes emphases on both Classical and Contemporary Commercial singing styles. Vocal anatomy, acoustic properties of the voice, voice-health, mind/body integration, lifespan voice, and an introduction to voice research/technology using the Presser Voice Lab and online resources are some of the Institute's areas of focus. Master teachers conduct "Look-in Lessons" and voice health specialists share the latest in the field.
Prerequisites: If taking for credit, an undergraduate degree is required.
VC 722 Literature for Teaching 3 Credits
A survey of graduated teaching literature for beginning, intermediate and advanced voice students. Literature will be explored that is particularly well-suited to specific vocal issues (e.g. legato, coloratura, staccato, etc.).
VC 723 Voice Ped I: Voice Science 3 Credits
Study of voice anatomy and physiology with concentration on respiration, phonation, articulation, hearing and vocal health. Through hands-on experience in the Westminster Voice Laboratory, students explore the physics of sound, the fundamentals of musical acoustics, and acoustical elements that are unique to the human voice. Priority registration is given to M.V.P. majors and M.M. students majoring in Voice Performance and Pedagogy. Other students may enroll on a space-available basis.
VC 740 Seminar in Music Theater Pedagogy 3 Credits
Comprehensive study of various pedagogical approaches to teaching Music Theater singing techniques. Students explore exercises and vocalises for general voice development as well as techniques to address and correct specific vocal problems. Role-playing exercises are used to develop appropriate listening and teaching skills. Class participants begin supervised instruction of a volunteer singing student. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments, and other written assignments.
VC 741 Music Theater Literature I 3 Credits
Survey and analysis of Music Theater literature from its roots in Tin Pan Alley through Kander and Ebb. Students will explore the synergistic relationships among text, music, and style and discuss the influence of society and politics on the genre. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments and other written assignments.
VC 742 Music Theater Literature II 3 Credits
Survey and analysis of Music Theater Literature from Sondheim to the present. Students will explore the synergistic relationships among text, music, and style and discuss the influence of society and politics on the genre. The class will also discuss the integration of pop/rock and other contemporary substyles within the genre. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments and other written assignments.
VC 742 Music Theater Literature II 3 Credits
Survey and analysis of Music Theater Literature from Sondheim to the present. Students will explore the synergistic relationships among text, music, and style and discuss the influence of society and politics on the genre. The class will also discuss the integration of pop/rock and other contemporary substyles within the genre. The course is offered entirely online and will consist of recorded lectures, reading assignments, group discussions via discussion boards, listening assignments and other written assignments.
VC 791 Teaching Internship 2 Credits
Teaching internship with a master teacher(s). The student will teach under faculty observation and supervision, including follow-up private discussion with the observer. In addition, students themselves observe group and private lessons and are given readings, written assignments, and/or projects associated with their own teaching. May be offered on an intensive basis in conjunction with Westminster Summer Session events, such as The High School Solo Vocal Artist and/or Vocal Institute.