The main objective of the course is to become aware of the voice as an instrument and its multiple expressive possibilities. The functioning of the vocal apparatus will be studied, stressing the importance of proper breathing, voice emission and correct articulation.

In addition, repertoire from different periods and styles will be performed, both individually and in groups, using the methodology, resources and material means suitable for applying it to the school context.

Competences

- Becoming aware of one's own body in relation to the voice through relaxation and postural control.

- Controlling the vocal instrument in order to obtain correct emission, intonation and articulation of the voice. Recognizing the importance of the correct use of the speaking and singing voice, and encouraging habits of vocal care.

- Knowing the characteristics of the voice, especially of the child's voice.

- Using and valuing the voice as a means of communication, while exploring its multiple expressive possibilities, both in performance and in creation.

- Selecting vocal musical works for classroom activities, while using appropriate techniques and resources.

- Encouraging and valuing individual and collective singing for its contribution to the integral education of the individual.



Learning outcomes.

The student will be able to demonstrate an ability to:

- Use the possibilities of their own voice appropriately, both speaking and singing.

- Know concepts and specific elements of the voice and its application.

- Perform songs of different styles, integrating elements such as simple accompaniments (such as body percussion and rhythmic patterns).

- Select repertoire, taking into account the characteristics of the child's voice and using teaching-learning strategies appropriate to school education.

1.- Anatomy and physiology of the voice. How the voice works: respiratory system, phonation and voice resonators. Children's, male and female voices.

2.- Vocal technique. Functioning of the vocal instrument: correct breathing, emission and articulation of the voice. Correct use of the speaking and singing voice.

3.- Vocal care. Vocal problems that can be detected in the classroom and different strategies for prevention.

4.- Choral singing in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education. Performance of choral pieces of different styles and periods, suitable for the Infant and Primary stages.

5.- Repertoire of school songs. Methodology and didactic resources. Analysis, classification and selection of the songs that will form the basis of the school repertoire. Methodology and techniques for learning these songs.

The classes are given in lectures and practical sessions. These two types of sessions are combined in order to encourage student participation and to promote the use of the voice in its various expressive and communicative aspects. Bibliographic research, reading and analysis of texts, analysis of videos are carried out, in order to work on activities related to the concepts or themes of the subject, both individually and in small or large groups.



* The readings, videos, teacher's indications, students' tasks, etc. that the subject needs for the teaching and improvement of the students' competences can be worked on using the eGela platform, where they can be available if the situation requires it.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Multiple-Choice Test (%): 10
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 40
  • Individual works (%): 20
  • Team projects (problem solving, project design)) (%): 20
  • Portfolio (%): 10

The assessment of the subject will be continuous, using various activities to be carried out by the students, which they must pass in order to pass the subject.



Waiving of continuous assessment: students will have the right to be assessed through the final assessment system, regardless of whether or not they have participated in the continuous assessment system. To do so, students must submit a written waiver of continuous assessment to the teacher responsible for the subject, for which they will have a deadline of 9 weeks for four-month subjects, starting from the beginning of the four-month period, in accordance with the academic calendar of the faculty.



Final assessment: students will take an exam consisting of several activities; each of them must be passed in order to pass the subject.



* If the situation in relation to COVID requires it, continuous assessment may be carried out through the eGela platform, both to upload the materials necessary for the assessment (papers, practical works, etc.) and to give the mark. Students who have to take the final assessment can do it through eGela if it cannot be done in person.

Resit assessment exclusively through the final assessment system: students will take an exam consisting of several activities; each of them must be passed in order to pass the subject.

Curricular decrees:
DECREE 236/2015, of 22 December, establishing the Basic Education curriculum and implementing it in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country.
DECREE 237/2015, of 22 December, establishing the curriculum for Pre-school Education and implementing it in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country.

Basic bibliography

Bunch, M. A. (1995). Dynamics of the Singing Voice. Springer, 1995

Proctor, D. F. (1980). Breathing, speech, and song.SPRINGER

Alderson, R. & Alderson, A. (2020). A New Handbook for Singers and Teachers. Oxford University Press.

In-depth bibliography

Miller, R. (1996). The Structure of Singing. System and Art of Vocal Technique. Cengage Learning EMEA
Choksy, L. (1981). The Kodály Context. Englewood Cliffs. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Busch, B. R. (1984). The Complete Choral Conductor: Gesture and Method. Schirmer Reference.

Journals

International Journal of Music Education
British Journal of Music Education
Music Education Research
Journal of Research in Music Education

Web addresses

https://www.singup.org/
https://www.isme.org/
https://www.smartmusic.com/music-educator-resources/
https://www.music-teacher-resources.com/