SVI Curriculum and Schedule

The SVI curriculum mirrors the required courses for the vocology track at The University of Iowa. Courses are offered in three time blocks. Block 1 is a prerequisite for the courses in Block 2, which is a prerequisite for Block 3. If the participant wishes, the blocks may be spread over several summer, which is particularly convenient for working professionals.
Block 1
Principles of Voice Production (3 semester credits). Ingo Titze, Instructor
Basic physical, physiological, and pedagogical principles are presented to help students understand professional, nonprofessional, and impaired voice production. Additional areas of exploration include: vocal anatomy; voice classification, control of loudness, pitch, register, and quality; and efficient and inefficient use of voice.

Block 2
Instrumentation for Voice Analysis (2 semester hours). Ingo Titze and Eric Hunter, Instructors
The use of glottographic, videostroboscopic, electromyographic, aerodynamic, and acoustic analysis for assessment of vocal and respiratory function are presented. The use of these techniques in conjunction with perceptual evaluation of voice is also discussed.

Voice Habilitation (2 semester hours). Katherine Verdolini, Instructor
The application of methods of intervention is presented in the development, training, andehabilitation of vocal behavior. Motor learning and the efficacy of treatment strategies are also taught. Finally factors affecting compliance with recommended therapy are explored.

Block 3
Voice for Performers (2 semester hours). Instructors - TBA
A comparison of kinesthetic techniques for the singing/acting voice through a practical exploration of relaxation, posture, breathing, tone quality, diction, and interpretation. The student will gain an understanding of diverse methods of voice training in both singing and acting with practical application to their own voice use.

Typical Schedule
The 2008 individual course block dates are now finalized:
  • Block 1: June 9 - June 27
  • Block 2: June 30 - July 21
  • Block 3: July 22 -August 5

Contact hours in the classroom are typically 2-3 hours each day. Given the intensive pace of the coursework, open hours are typically devoted to individual or group study / homework.

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