MUAC 1556 - Singer's Diction: English/German
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 44155,
Credit hours: 1
Course Meeting Times
Log in to view more
Instructor
Jennifer Mosher
Email: jdjones@ysu.edu
Course Description
1556. Singer's Diction: English/German. The prime objective of this course is to introduce students to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and apply it properly to the English and German languages in the service of adequate lyric diction for soloists, choristers, and music educators. Prereq. or Coreq.: Two semesters of private voice lessons or permission of the instructor. 1 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | English and German Diction for Singers, Third Edition | Amanda Johnston | 978-1-5381-9372-3 |
Amanda Johnston's Youtube series of videos demonstrating various concepts, as well as the online workbook (both available via the QR codes on page xxii of the textbook) are required, as well.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
Log in to view more
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Review of IPA Symbols familiar and not, use of online workbook Weekly dictation |
Reply to email with lists of English and German repertoire you have sung and are currently preparing All of first introductory chapter in workbook |
| 8/31 | Cardinal vowels, weekly dictation | Study chapter 1 in text Second introductory workbook starting page 15 |
| 9/7 | types of consonants and their phonemes, weekly dictation | chapter two in textbook chapter three in text |
| 9/14 | terminology needed, organs of speech, points of articulation, dictation | prepare for quiz #1 study figure 1.6 reference card English & German |
| 9/21 | Take quiz #1, weekly dictation, musical examples | Prepare word for word translation and IPA of first German Lied and English Song you will speak sing in class, Chapter 3 in textbook |
| 9/28 | Go over any quiz concerns, read aloud from your song IPA | Begin choral texts (separate for each student), prepare for quiz #2 Online workbook starting p. 27 |
| 10/5 | English Phonemes, Take quiz #2, dictation. | prepare to present your choral text in class |
| 10/12 | Pesky English snares (see chapter ten) for native speakers. Speak and sing song texts in class on Wednesday with dictation. | Textbook chapters 4-5, workbook 37-57 Youtube exercise prep |
| 10/19 | Choral text presentations with written translations and IPA, dictation. | textbook chapters 6-7 and selections of workbook 59-88 |
| 10/26 | Musical examples, prepare for midterm, dictation, demonstrate English side of reference card figure 1.6 | text chapters 8-9, workbook selections from 89-106 |
| 11/2 | Take midterm, dictation, | Textbook chapters 10-11 |
| 11/9 | Midterm results, dictation, concepts needing further attention | workbook 117-120, Chapter 12 textbook |
| 11/16 | Figure 1.6 German, dictation Checkin on any unclear diction rules, phonemes needing extra care & attention, use of author's exercises on Youtube, |
textbook chapters 13-14, workbook selections from 121-140 |
| 11/23 | German characteristics of vowels and consonants | Chapters 15-16, selections from workbook 141-156 |
| 11/30 | Demonstrate German side of Figure 1.6, dictation, prepare for final | Any extra credit songs in German or English with IPA and translation |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.