African-American Singers and Performance Styles in Gospel and the Musical

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course explores the nature of song in the training and performance styles of African-American singers. Two singing specialties will be explored: those found in Gospel and in the Musical. Students will examine histories of both these subjects in the USA and as they are practiced today, with emphasis on the church, the music theater, and on cross-over singers. This course has been designed for MSM students, but upper level music majors are welcome, as are advanced students in the Liturgical Music Minor and the Musical Theater Minor. Competence in music theory through the first year of study is necessary.