Topic: Students are studying proper breathing and vocal technique for a variety of different styles.
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to recognize proper breathing and vocal technique in other singers as well as execute proper technique themselves.
Video Resources:
Master Your Breath in 10 Minutes a Day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8k6MiEJjo
This is a tutorial video on proper breathing technique with recommended easy daily exercises that will improve one's consistency with breath technique.
Signs of Bad Vocal Technique
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4lA6DPWofo
This is an informational video on common mistakes that singers make and how to recognize them both visually and audibly.
Supporting Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/diaphragmatic-breathing
This website contains helpful visuals for diaphragmatic breathing as well as the exercises one can use to master it.
Lesson Activities:
a. Students will watch the "Master Your Breath in 10 Minutes" video and take notes as well as practice the exercises described in the video in class as well as at home.
b. Students will watch the "Signs of Bad Vocal Technique" video and compare the issues described in the video with their own singing to identify what aspects of their technique that they need to individually improve.
c. Students will find their own good and bad vocal technique examples online and compare and contrast differences in the performances as well compare their answers with their fellow students.
d. Students will prepare a vocal piece to be performed for the class followed by peer review and critique of their breathing and vocal technique executed during their performance.
NafME Standards:
MU:Cr3.1.E.IIIa Evaluate and refine varied draft musical works based on appropriate criteria, including the extent to which they address identified purposes and contexts.
MU:Pr4.1.E.IIIa Developandapplycriteria to select varied programs to study and perform based on an understanding of theoretical and structural characteristics and expressive challenges in the music, the technical skill of the individual or ensemble, and the purpose and context of the performance.
MU:Pr4.2.E.IIIa Examine, evaluate, and critique, using music reading skills where appropriate, how the structure and context impact and inform prepared and improvised performances.
MU:Re9.1.E.IIIa Develop and justify evaluations of music, programs of music, and performances based on criteria, personal decision-making, research, and understanding of contexts.
Massachusetts Arts Framework:
1.1 Sing independently, maintaining accurate intonation, steady tempo, rhythmic accuracy, appropriately-produced sound (timbre), clear diction, and correct posture
1.6 Sing independently with increased accuracy, expanded breath control, and extended vocal range
5.2 Listen to and describe aural examples of music of various styles, genres, cultural and historical periods, identifying expressive qualities, instrumentation, and cultural and/or geographic context
5.8 Describe specific music occurrences in a given aural example, using appropriate terminology
5.16 Demonstrate the ability to perceive, remember, and describe in detail significant occurrences in a given aural example
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to recognize proper breathing and vocal technique in other singers as well as execute proper technique themselves.
Video Resources:
Master Your Breath in 10 Minutes a Day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8k6MiEJjo
This is a tutorial video on proper breathing technique with recommended easy daily exercises that will improve one's consistency with breath technique.
Signs of Bad Vocal Technique
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4lA6DPWofo
This is an informational video on common mistakes that singers make and how to recognize them both visually and audibly.
Supporting Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/diaphragmatic-breathing
This website contains helpful visuals for diaphragmatic breathing as well as the exercises one can use to master it.
Lesson Activities:
a. Students will watch the "Master Your Breath in 10 Minutes" video and take notes as well as practice the exercises described in the video in class as well as at home.
b. Students will watch the "Signs of Bad Vocal Technique" video and compare the issues described in the video with their own singing to identify what aspects of their technique that they need to individually improve.
c. Students will find their own good and bad vocal technique examples online and compare and contrast differences in the performances as well compare their answers with their fellow students.
d. Students will prepare a vocal piece to be performed for the class followed by peer review and critique of their breathing and vocal technique executed during their performance.
NafME Standards:
MU:Cr3.1.E.IIIa Evaluate and refine varied draft musical works based on appropriate criteria, including the extent to which they address identified purposes and contexts.
MU:Pr4.1.E.IIIa Developandapplycriteria to select varied programs to study and perform based on an understanding of theoretical and structural characteristics and expressive challenges in the music, the technical skill of the individual or ensemble, and the purpose and context of the performance.
MU:Pr4.2.E.IIIa Examine, evaluate, and critique, using music reading skills where appropriate, how the structure and context impact and inform prepared and improvised performances.
MU:Re9.1.E.IIIa Develop and justify evaluations of music, programs of music, and performances based on criteria, personal decision-making, research, and understanding of contexts.
Massachusetts Arts Framework:
1.1 Sing independently, maintaining accurate intonation, steady tempo, rhythmic accuracy, appropriately-produced sound (timbre), clear diction, and correct posture
1.6 Sing independently with increased accuracy, expanded breath control, and extended vocal range
5.2 Listen to and describe aural examples of music of various styles, genres, cultural and historical periods, identifying expressive qualities, instrumentation, and cultural and/or geographic context
5.8 Describe specific music occurrences in a given aural example, using appropriate terminology
5.16 Demonstrate the ability to perceive, remember, and describe in detail significant occurrences in a given aural example