Voice Elective Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MUAP-2182-005 Voice Elective

Prerequisites

Course Description

One 30-minute lesson per week, minimum three hours of outside practice per week required. Emphasis on basic technique and musicianship, with appropriate literature tailored to the needs/desires of the individual student.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1/2 hr lesson, 3 hrs practice)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Students are required to purchase and use original copies of all assigned music in compliance with copyright law. These materials serve as the student’s repertoire and primary course text.

Supplies

• Three-ring binder

• Pencil

• Recording device (phone or other)

• All required original repertoire

Student Performance

This voice elective course is designed to support students in developing healthy vocal technique and basic performance skills. Emphasis is placed on individual growth, confidence, and practical musicianship.

Course Goals
Throughout the semester, students will work toward the following goals:

1. Refine the principles of posture, breath management, and healthy tone production for the singing voice.

2. Develop fundamental musicianship skills.

3. Learn effective techniques for preparing a song for performance, with attention to accurate diction, musical style, background, poise, and interpretation.

4. Gain an understanding of vocal function, vocal health, and individual vocal potential.

Course Objectives
Students will demonstrate these goals through the preparation and performance of assigned repertoire, as well as consistent participation in class activities.

Performance Assessment
Student performance is assessed through regular participation and demonstration of course concepts. Performance activities are designed to support learning, build confidence, and encourage healthy vocal development. Individual progress and effort are prioritized in evaluation.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

• Come to your lesson prepared, engaged, and ready to work.

• Engage in regular practice outside of class to support vocal development. As a general guideline, students should aim for 20–30 minutes of focused practice on most days, broken into shorter segments as needed to maintain vocal health.

• Practice expectations may vary based on individual experience, repertoire, and personal goals and will be discussed in your lesson.

• Use recommended resources to support learning, including recordings and online tools when appropriate.

• Maintain a respectful, open, and teachable mindset, understanding that constructive feedback is a normal part of the learning process.

Grading Criteria

Grades in this course are based on participation, preparation, and demonstrated progress throughout the semester.

• Weekly Lessons and Participation: 90%

• Voice Notebook and Written Assignments: 10%

Final grades are assigned according to the following scale:

• A = 90–100%

• B = 80–89%

• C = 70–79%

• D = 60–69%

• F = 59% and below

Each weekly lesson receives a grade reflecting attendance, preparation, effort, improvement, attitude, and engagement with assigned repertoire. Growth over time is an important component of evaluation.

Midterm and final assessments may take the form of a performance during a scheduled lesson or a recorded video submission, depending on individual circumstances.

Regular attendance is expected. Excessive absences may impact the final grade, as consistent participation is essential for vocal development.

Attendance

Attendance and participation are essential components of this course and directly impact student progress and evaluation. Voice lessons follow the Amarillo College academic calendar. Lessons will not meet on college holidays, during final exam week, or when the campus is closed due to weather or other emergency conditions.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons. Because lesson times are reserved exclusively for each student, clear and timely communication regarding absences is required. If a student is unable to attend a lesson, the instructor must be notified in advance whenever possible. Absences related to college-sponsored activities or other obligations known in advance should be communicated as early as possible.

Failure to notify the instructor of an absence may result in the absence being recorded as unexcused. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late to their scheduled lesson time may forfeit the lesson and be marked absent.

Make-up lessons are not guaranteed and are scheduled at the discretion of the instructor. If the instructor is unavailable during a scheduled lesson time, reasonable options for rescheduling will be provided when possible. If no mutually accessible time is available, the lesson may be exempt.

Attendance policies for Amarillo College are outlined in the Amarillo College Student Handbook, and this course adheres to those institutional guidelines.

Calendar

Additional Information

Practice rooms are available for individual practice and are located in the Concert Hall South Hallway. Information regarding access to practice rooms and keys may be obtained through the Music Department Office.

As part of responsible vocal study, students are encouraged to follow professional guidelines related to vocal health, technique, and safe practice. Resources and information supporting best practices in music study and performance are available through the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM):
https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/

Concert Reflection (Optional Enrichment)
Students may choose to submit a brief written reflection (½–1 page) on a vocal or music-related event they attend during the semester. Reflections should focus on observations related to vocal technique, performance style, or musical expression. This activity is optional and intended to support broader musical engagement and learning. When access to live events is limited, approved recorded performances may be used in place of in-person attendance.