MUS 174
The Singing Voice: Structure, Styles and Meaning Spring 2023
Division I
This is not the current course catalog

What makes an opera singer sound different than a pop singer? How does the sound of each contribute to musical meaning for listeners? And why is the former granted a higher status and the latter a wider audience? This course examines the world of singing styles and engages these styles from multiple angles: through listening, readings, film viewing and, importantly, through singing. We examine histories of styles, cultural contexts as well as basic physiology, acoustics and techniques. We will explore the basics of yodeling, overtone singing and belting, among other styles. Familiarity with musical notation recommended.