Skip to main contentSkip to footer

MUS 173, 57641 - Jazz Vocal Ensemble - Julie Lawson

Course:Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Professor:Julie Lawson
Email:julie.lawson@canyons.edu
Format:
  • OnlineLive
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Hi everyone,

My name is Julie Lawson and I am the vocal jazz instructor at College of the Canyons.  Most of you are either returning students or new students coming from our local Santa Clarita schools so most of you know who I am already.  After finishing two very successful semesters teaching through Distance Education (online), I now know that anything is possible.  In many ways, the online experience afforded us much more time to explore and experiment with different aspects of vocal jazz, not just rehearsing the typical SATB arrangement, although we did that as well.  

Let's find time for critical listening and experiment with a Match the Artist tune.  Perhaps learn a vocal jazz transcription (scat solo).  We can incorporate some of these into our final concert which will be Friday evening, December 3, 2021.

 

 

Course Description

The jazz singer will learn and develop good vocal technique.  For example, how to breathe effectively for the phrase.  What should the onset sound like, what about the release?  How is the release handled?  How to utilize the soft palate to create many different sounds; light and airy, dark and hollow, brassy and speech-like or nasal.  The soft palate placement creates all kinds of timbre variations for the singer.  It is your bag of tricks.  We will learn about musical phrasing, text stress, dynamics, mic technique, improvisatory skills like scatting and recomposition, articulations, ornaments, how to listen to your rhythm section and become a collaborator with them.  

What to Expect in this Course

You will be assigned sections from each tune to learn for the following week.  I will ask you to record yourself and send me the recording for critiquing purposes.  I will expect you to come in prepared for each rehearsal; it's impossible to create music as an ensemble unless everyone learns their parts and comes to class feeling confident.  

Types of Assessments

I will always be assessing:

1. Intonation

2. Blend

3. Melodic and rhythmic precision

4. Dynamic range

5. Your ability to make quick adjustments and follow my lead

Textbook Information

There is no formal textbook for the class.  I believe there is an additional $20 materials fee that you pay when you enroll.  That covers the cost of all the music which I will provide for you.

Other Relevant Course Information

Your success depends on your commitment. 

Be willing to take risks.  You'll have more fun that way and learn more quickly.  Let's support eachother and make the fall semester an opportunity for musical growth.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/01/2021 Sub#: 303