Presentation of concepts, demonstration of learning strategies and modelling of skills by the instructor, integrated with drills and practice exercises by the students. Skill reinforcement through assigned use of auxiliary resources.
- Aural Recognition
- Melodies in various phrase groupings including double periods, with chromatic tones, and modulation to closely- and distantly-related keys.
- Modulating melodies in two-part textures.
- Soprano and bass factors, quality, and position of chords in progressions which include: borrowed chords, the Neapolitan Sixth chord, augmented sixth chords, and modulation.
- Complex rhythmic patterns including asymmetrical and changing meters.
- Sight Performance
- Melodies which contain more complex rhythms, chromatic tones, and modulations.
- Complex rhythmic exercises including irregular beat divisions.
- Musicianship Skills Performance
- Modulating melodic fragments.
- Broken chord patterns.
- Ensemble exercises emphasizing multi-part awareness including canons and sing-and-plays.
- Use of Curwen hand signs and conducting patterns.
At the end of the course, the successful student will demonstrate satisfactory skill and musicianship in aural recognition and performance of tonal melodies, harmonies and rhythms, as outlined in Course Content.
Students will be expected to:
- Sing prepared and unprepared (or "sight") drills, exercises and compositions;
- Interpret and respond to visual cues (e.g., Curwen hand signs, conducting patterns, notated rhythms and melodies);
- Use Curwen hand signs while singing;
- Demonstrate conducting patterns while articulating rhythmic exercises;
- Hear musical material and retain it in working memory;
- Provide written answers to demonstrate aural recognition;
- Manage performance anxiety in order to execute required listening, singing and rhythmic tasks in both group and one-on-one settings, within established time limits.
The course evaluation is consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
| Sight and Musicianship Skills Tests (minimum 4, with no test weighing more than 15%) | 40% |
| Melodic, Rhythmic and Harmonic Dictation Tests (minimum 4, with no test weighing more than 15%) | 50% |
| Weekly homework assignments | 10% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
N.B.: This course includes final testing worth more than 10% during the last 14 days of classes. A standing variance to the Douglas College Evaluation Policy was granted by Education Council on March 21, 2011.
The latest editions of required texts, such as the following:
Ear Training Textbook
- Karpinski, Gary S. Manual for Ear Training and Sight Singing (with recordings). New York: W. W. Norton.
Sight Singing Textbook
- Berkowitz, Sol, Gabriel Fontrier, Leo Kraft, Perry Goldstein and Edward Smaldone. A New Approach to Sight Singing. New York: W. W. Norton.