Dr. Thomas King

German Diction

GERMAN DICTION FOR SINGERS FALL 2015 GCPA 1152 T/R   2:20-3:10

Dr. Thomas King Thomasking@depauw.edu, GCPA 0115, Office hours Monday 11:10-12:00, Tuesday 1:15-2:15, Thursday 1:15-2:15 and by appt.

Facebook Group=King German Diction (Thomas R King)  www.drthomasking.com

Required Text:  Diction for Singers second edition, Joan Wall     Required: own and be able to use some kind of audio recording device. [Hand held recorder, phone, computer, etc.]   Strongly suggested:  German dictionary with IPA included. Suggested Readings: Pocket Dictionary of Foreign Musical Terms – Cirone, Handbook of the International Phonetic Association – A Guide to IPA, Musician’s Handbook of Foreign Terms – Ammer, Der kleine Hey – Reusch, German for Singers – Odom & Schollum, German Diction for English Speaking Singers – Pischorn, Diction – Moriarty

CHECK MOODLE, MY WEB SITE, FACEBOOK REGULARLY

OBJECTIVES:  The student will understand the diction rules specific to German & demonstrate these rules through speech and song.

The student will understand the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and how it facilitates good diction in German and in all languages.

The student will begin to compile a database of materials to teach diction courses for singers.

The student will begin to compile techniques for teaching pronunciation (in any language).

THERE WILL BE SONG PRESENTATIONS THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER TO SHOW THE STUDENT’S MASTERY OF 1) IPA, 2) A PARTICULAR SONG AND 3) PRONUNCIATION.

THERE WILL BE QUIZZES THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER TO CHECK THE STUDENT’S KNOWLEDGE OF THE MATERIAL.   QUIZZES WILL BE WRITTEN AND ORAL.   STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO PRONOUNCE THE LANGUAGE CORRECTLY, WHILE SPEAKING AND WHILE SINGING.

GRADES: Grades will be based on attendance, willingness to work, classwork, homework, and the accumulation of assignments turned in ON TIME.  ANYONE attaining 90 points and finishing ALL requirements for such, will receive an “A” – and, if finishing earlier than the end of the semester, may stop attending class! There WILL be chances for extra credit assignments (music terms in German, German comics, extra YouTube music)

CLASSROOM PROCEDURE AND ATTENDANCE: NO food or drink except water bottles, NO cell phone calls or texting. Be present and on time. Anyone missing more than three classes will receive a lower grade.  Anyone missing more than six classes should consider dropping the course. Repeated tardiness will count against one’s grade.

There will be two tracks (courses of study) for this class. Anyone choosing Track 2 must be able to work independently & with self-motivation. Anyone choosing Track 2 who loses self-motivation WILL change to Track 1.

Track 2 = has had German grammar and/or a diction class of any language. This will be explained more at the first class meeting.

Track 1 = anyone who is new to German and to diction study. This will be explained more and the first class meeting.

PLEASE contact Dr. King if there is any extra help needed. Office hours are plentiful. Use them. I want you to succeed. I want you to improve. I want you to understand German Diction and be able to apply it by yourself in the future.

Equal Access: “DePauw University is committed to providing equal access to academic programs and University administered activities and reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and Amendments (ADAAA). Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.  Any student who feels she or he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability or learning challenge is strongly encouraged to contact Pamela Roberts, Coordinator of Academic Success and Student Disability Services for further information on how to receive accommodations and support. Academic Success and Student Disability Services is located at 101 E. Seminary St., 765-658-6267.  It is the responsibility of the student to share the letter of accommodation with faculty and staff members. Accommodations will not be implemented until the faculty or staff member has received the official letter. Accommodations are not retroactive.   It is the responsibility of the student to discuss implementation of accommodations with each faculty and staff member receiving the letter.”

Special Religious considerations:  In accordance with DePauw policy, I am happy to accommodate students who are adherents of a religious tradition and wish to fulfill obligations of that religious tradition on holy days.

THE FOLLOWING DATES ARE DEPENDANT ON HOW MANY STUDENTS IN THE CLASS, HOW MANY ARE IN TRACK 2 AND HOW MANY ARE IN TRACK 1.  I reserve the right to notify you and change this schedule as needed.

Fuller Explanation for German Diction TRACK 2 in black ink

PICK FOUR German songs NOW!!

Aug. 27 TK will give a full explanation of the class. Listen to the explanations of Track 1 and Track 2. Decide which you might choose. Buy the book. Buy a German dictionary. Prepare to send or bring recorded assignments – phone, computer, email, etc. CHOOSE your GERMAN songs for +presentation in our class (see below). Ask your teach for advice. Ask them to assign several German songs this semester.

Sep. 1 Correct the book = Read my corrections and enter them in your book, pp. 161-228.

Sep. 1 Write the IPA chart with 16 German vowel symbols, and an example German word for each. Be sure to space the symbols correctly around the chart.

**

Record the following from the book FIRST, so you see the full explanation. THEN, record just from the LIST #2

HOW TO RECORD = Say each word or sound SLOWLY TWICE, TWICE

Sep. 3 through 11 Please meet with me individually = please meet with me individually = Please meet with me individually. I would like to meet with you for about 10 or 15 minutes to learn of your abilities and your goals in this class. See my office hours above. If none of these are convenient, I can work out another time with you. I will not be on campus on Wednesdays at all.

By Sep. 3 & 8 Record ch, ch, ä, é (German closed e), o (German closed o), ö, ü, = record yourself speaking (The following are all organized in LIST #2)

ch, ch p. 184 LL 4.2.54 Compare and contrast, 185 LL 4.2.55 compare and contrast ALSO LIST #2

ä 194-195 LL 4.3.09, LL 4.3.10 Read aloud and second Read aloud. ALSO LIST #2

é (German closed e) 196, 197 LL 4.3.14 only the FIRST Read aloud   ALSO LIST #2

o (German closed o) 203-204, LL 4.3.34, LL 4.3.35 Compare and contrast [both], LL 4.3.36 Read aloud [ONLY FIRST ONE!]   LL 4.3.38, LL 4.3.39 ALSO LIST #2

ö 205-206, closed & open versions, LL 4.3.43, LL 4.3.44, Read aloud. LL 4.3.45, LL 4.3.46, read aloud and LL 4.3.47, second read aloud. ALSO LIST #2

ü 208-209 LL 4.3.52 LL 4.3.53 Read aloud. LL 4.3.54 second read aloud. ALSO LIST #2

**

SEPTEMBER 8, QUIZ #1 will be writing the IPA German vowel chart, 16 symbols, spaced correctly for logic AND 16 German words as examples of those pure vowels. If a word you use has more than one syllable, underline the vowel that is the example.

By Sep. 10 & 15 Record “short and irregular word” LIST, pronounce the IPA correctly for words “too short” to have rules.

Remember! RECORD = SAY EACH WORD OR SOUND SLOWLY TWICE, TWICE

TK has compiled this “short and irregular word” LIST to group all of these exceptions together. Read this list MANY times and you will be able to recognize these words in your songs easily and follow the rules for pronunciation.

**

By Sep. 15 & 17 Go to FaceBook German Diction group Listen to one of TK’s lists = we will work on it in class. Dein ist mein ganzes Herz and LIST #2 and German Phrases

By Sep. 22 Watch videos on YouTube (TK will suggest them) = THE GERMAN DICTION FACEBOOK GROUP HAS A LIST OF VIDEOS. Watch ANY two of them – SEVERAL TIMES, listening carefully for sung German (or spoken). Make a list of 15 words from the videos.

There will be five quizzes given. You may take any quiz a second time to increase your points, if needed.

Sep. 24 Listen to a DIFFERENT one of TK’s lists a few times [see above!], then record yourself using the handy sheet provided. Please pronounce each word or group TWICE SLOWLY, one after the other.

+Present songs = Have a corrected copy of the German words, the IPA, and the translation. See TK’s sample sheet. Be ready to sing some of the song and to display the song sheet electronically OR have 7 song sheet handouts for the class. Choose a few short phrases for the class to learn from you! Be the teacher. If you can explain correctly, then you REALLY know the material!

Sep. 29 Quiz #2, You WILL write the IPA chart again. You WILL record yourself saying a few German words or phrases. We will have spoken these in class already.

Listen to another list of TK’s a few times, then record yourself. (same as above, TWICE SLOWLY)

Oct. 1, 5 Present Song #1

Oct. 13 We will take stock and use this as a catch up day, if needed. We will read German comics (Peanuts)

Oct. 15 ALL SING. Be prepared to sing one complete German song

Starting October 20, Track 2 students need only come on Quiz days and on days that they present songs.

SOMETIME in October, present Songs #2, #3, #4

Nov. 10, 17, 24 Quiz #3, Quiz #4, Quiz #5

SOMETIME Listen to Dein = listen and watch, fill in the IPA on the handy sheet provided.

SOMETIME Listen to German Phrase and record them

Review for Final = discussion and practice tests in class.

Final = Final

By now you should have accumulated 100 points for an A!

Track 2 [Add your points often]

Book = 3

Recorder capability = 1

Record ch, etc. = 6

Record short and irregular words = 4

IPA chart = 6

Quiz #1 = 3

List #2 =5

Videos on YouTube =3

Dein and IPA = 2

Quiz #2 = 3

Meet w/ TK 3 times individually before September 28 = total 9

SEPTEMBER 29 — Do you have 45 points yet? You SHOULD.

any extra credit, master class, recitals, etc. could total up to 6 points

Song #1 sing, speak, present = 10

Song #2 = 5

Song #3 = 5

Song #4 = 5

??????any extra credit, master class, recitals, etc. could total up to 6 points

TK List #2 (YES, DO THIS AGAIN!) =5

German Phrases recorded = 6

Quizzes November 10, 17, 24              3 points each, total up[ to now = (45) plus 45

November 24 You should have 90, and/or with a few extra credit points, you sould have more than 90 and an “A”

December 3 REVIEW FOR FINAL = 5 POINTS

*(Final counts up to 10)  Where do you stand?

 

Fuller Explanation for German Diction TRACK 1 in BLUE ink

PICK FOUR German songs NOW!

Aug. 27 TK will give a full explanation of the class. Listen to the explanations of Track 1 and Track 2. Decide which you might choose. Buy the book. Buy a German dictionary. Prepare to send or bring recorded assignments – phone, computer, email, etc. CHOOSE your GERMAN songs for +presentation in our class (see below). Ask your teach for advice. Ask them to assign several German songs this semester.

Sep. 1 IN CLASS we will Correct the book = Read my corrections and enter them in your book, pp. 161-228.

Sep. 1 IN CLASS we will Write the IPA chart with 16 German vowel symbols, and an example German word for each. Be sure to space the symbols correctly around the chart.

**

Record the following from the book FIRST, so you see the full explanation. THEN, record just from the LIST #2

HOW TO RECORD = Say each word or sound SLOWLY TWICE, TWICE

Sep. 3 through 11 Please meet with me individually = please meet with me individually = Please meet with me individually. I would like to meet with you for about 10 or 15 minutes to learn of your abilities and your goals in this class. See my office hours above. If none of these are convenient, I can work out another time with you. I will not be on campus on Wednesdays at all.

By Sep. 3 & 8 IN CLASS we will Record ch, ch, ä, é (German closed e), o (German closed o), ö, ü, = record yourself speaking (The following are all organized in LIST #2)

ch, ch p. 184 LL 4.2.54 Compare and contrast, 185 LL 4.2.55 compare and contrast ALSO LIST #2

ä 194-195 LL 4.3.09, LL 4.3.10 Read aloud and second Read aloud. ALSO LIST #2

é (German closed e) 196, 197 LL 4.3.14 only the FIRST Read aloud   ALSO LIST #2

o (German closed o) 203-204, LL 4.3.34, LL 4.3.35 Compare and contrast [both], LL 4.3.36 Read aloud [ONLY FIRST ONE!]   LL 4.3.38, LL 4.3.39 ALSO LIST #2

ö 205-206, closed & open versions, LL 4.3.43, LL 4.3.44, Read aloud. LL 4.3.45, LL 4.3.46, read aloud and LL 4.3.47, second read aloud. ALSO LIST #2

ü 208-209 LL 4.3.52 LL 4.3.53 Read aloud. LL 4.3.54 second read aloud. ALSO LIST #2

**

SEPTEMBER 8, QUIZ #1 15 minutes we will be writing the IPA German vowel chart, 16 symbols, spaced correctly for logic AND 16 German words as examples of those pure vowels. If a word you use has more than one syllable, underline the vowel that is the example.

By Sep. 10 & 15 IN CLASS we will learn to Record “short and irregular word” LIST, pronounce the IPA correctly for words “too short” to have rules.

Remember! RECORD = SAY EACH WORD OR SOUND SLOWLY TWICE, TWICE

TK has compiled this “short and irregular word” LIST to group all of these exceptions together. Read this list MANY times and you will be able to recognize these words in your songs easily and follow the rules for pronunciation.

**

By Sep. 15 & 17 IN CLASS together we will Go to FaceBook German Diction group Listen to one of TK’s lists = we will work on it in class. Dein ist mein ganzes Herz and LIST #2 and German Phrases

By Sep. 22 DO THIS ON YOUR OWN, OUTSIDE OF CLASS. BRING YOUR LIST TO CLASS ON SEP. 22. Watch videos on YouTube (TK will suggest them) = THE GERMAN DICTION FACEBOOK GROUP HAS A LIST OF VIDEOS. Watch ANY two of them – SEVERAL TIMES, listening carefully for sung German (or spoken). Make a list of 15 words from the videos.

There will be five quizzes given. You may take any quiz a second time to increase your points, if needed.

Sep. 24 IN CLASS we will Listen to a DIFFERENT one of TK’s lists a few times [see above!], then record yourself using the handy sheet provided. Please pronounce each word or group TWICE SLOWLY, one after the other. We will also learn how to present a song.

+Present songs = Have a corrected copy of the German words, the IPA, and the translation. See TK’s sample sheet. Be ready to sing some of the song and to display the song sheet electronically OR have 7 song sheet handouts for the class. Choose a few short phrases for the class to learn from you! Be the teacher. If you can explain correctly, then you REALLY know the material!

Sep. 29 Quiz #2, You WILL write the IPA chart again. You WILL record yourself saying a few German words or phrases. We will have spoken these in class already.

Listen to another list of TK’s a few times, then record yourself. (same as above, TWICE SLOWLY)

Oct. 5, 8 Present Song #1

Oct. 13 We will take stock and use this as a catch up day, if needed. We will read German comics (Peanuts).

Oct. 15 ALL SING. Be prepared to sing one complete German song

Oct. 20 IN CLASS we will listen to “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz,” “Gretchen am Spinnrade” and fill in the IPA on the handy sheet provided.

Oct. 22 ALL SING. Be prepared to sing one complete German song

Oct. 27 & 29 present Song #2 and Song #3

November 3 Take stock again. What do you need to be successful in German Diction? Individual session? TK re-explain something? Speak and Sing MORE?

Nov. 5 Study for next Quiz

Nov. 10, Quiz #3 and Listen to “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz” and fill in the handy IPA sheet.

Nov. 12 Present Song #3 and Song #4

Nov. 17 Quiz #4 and work on recording German Phrases.

Nov. 19 If time allows, we will learn about German Latin. Yes, in Germany one pronounces Latin a bit differently than in Italy and in the States. If time does not allow, we will continue with our regular

Nov. 24 Quiz #5

December 1 TAKE STOCK. Review for Final = discussion and practice tests in class.

December Final week Final = Final

By now you should have accumulated 100 points for an A!

Track 1 [add your points often]

Book = 3

Recorder capability = 1

Record ch, etc. = 6

Record short and irregular words = 4

IPA chart = 6

Quiz #1 = 3

TOTAL 23? BY SEPTEMBER 15

 

List #2 =5

Videos on YouTube, LIST OF 15 WORDS =3

Dein and IPA = 2

Quiz #2 = 3

Meet w/ TK 3 times individually before September 28 = total 9

TOTAL 45? BY SEPTEMBER 29     Do you have 45 points yet? You SHOULD.

any extra credit, master class, recitals, etc. could total up to 6 points

Song #1 sing, speak, present = 10

Song #2 = 5

Song #3 = 5

Song #4 = 5

??????any extra credit, master class, recitals, etc. could total up to 6 points

TK List #2 (YES, DO THIS AGAIN!) =5

German Phrases recorded = 6

Quizzes November 10, 17, 24              3 points each, total 9  = (the earlier 45) plus 45

December 1 This would add up to 90, and/or with a few extra credit points, you would have more than 90 and an “A”

December 3 REVIEW for FINAL   5 points

December FINAL WEEK   Final exam counts up to 10 points