Diction for Singers

The course intends to discuss the basic rules of pronunciation and articulation for German, French, and Italian, as used in lyric diction. Language-specific aspects such as purity of open vs. closed vowels, formation of mixed vowels and diphthongs, treatment of single consonants (especially plosives), and consonant clusters will be studied through both spoken and written exercises using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Students will get a chance to experience the languages through analytical listening, as well as by being coached in song repertoire and recitatives. The course further intends to deepen the student’s understanding of the three languages by introducing basic aspects of grammar. This course is required for all Music Thirds in voice during their first year in the vocal program.