Thornton School of Music
Courses of Instruction
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
Performance (Vocal Arts) (MPVA)
MPVA 101x Non-Major Beginning Individual Instruction (1-2, max 2, FaSpSm) Individual instruction at the beginning level designed for non-music majors with no previous experience. Not available for credit to music majors.
MPVA 141 Class Voice (2, max 4, FaSp) Introduction to the fundamental principles of singing: breath control, tone production, diction, and the use of appropriate song material.
MPVA 153 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm) Weekly individual instruction and vocal performance forum.
MPVA 203ab Acting for Singers I (2-2, FaSp) Use of dramatic techniques in the interpretation and performance of music; basic acting techniques for the operatic and recital stages; sensory exercises, movement, improvisation, relaxation and make-up. (Duplicates credit in former MPVA 303.) Recommended preparation: MPVA 153.
MPVA 241 Intermediate Class Voice (2, max 4, FaSp) Continued development of the fundamentals of singing, diction, and repertoire building. Prerequisite: MPVA 141.
MPVA 253 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm) Weekly individual instruction and vocal performance forum.
MPVA 300x Non-Major Individual Instruction (1-2, max 16, FaSpSm) Intermediate and advanced instruction designed for non-music majors. Not available for credit to music majors. (Duplicates credit in former MPVA 201 and MPVA 401.) Recommended preparation: MPVA 101x.
MPVA 301 Individual Instruction (1-2, max 16, FaSpSm) Intermediate and advanced instruction: secondary emphasis for music majors, principal emphasis for music minors and all B.A. music majors. Open only to music majors and minors. (Duplicates credit in former MPVA 201 and MPVA 401.)
MPVA 353 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm) Weekly individual instruction and vocal performance forum.
MPVA 390 Special Problems (1-4, Irregular) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
MPVA 402 Musical Theatre Workshop (2, max 8, Irregular) Stylistic and technical features of dramatic and musical elements involved in performance of American musical and standard operetta repertory; staging of scenes.
MPVA 403 Acting for Singers II (2, max 8, FaSp) Continuation of MPVA 203ab. Acting of operatic roles in different periods and styles; specific recital and audition techniques. Recommended preparation: MPVA 203ab.
MPVA 404 Word and Music in Opera (2, max 8, Irregular) Performance class for singers and pianists; analysis of recitatives, arias, and ensembles of various operatic styles; study of the technique of effective musical delivery. By audition only. Recommended preparation: MPVA 203ab.
MPVA 405 USC Opera (2, max 12, FaSp) Preparation, rehearsal, and performance of operatic works and excerpts; study of different operatic styles; public appearances. By audition only.
MPVA 406 Opera Coaching Techniques (2, max 8, Irregular) Score study for pianists, coaches, and conductors; role analysis; transcription techniques for one or two pianos of an orchestral score.
MPVA 407 Directing for the Operatic Stage (2, max 8, FaSp) Various approaches to operatic style; basic blocking; stage management. Student direction of scenes produced in USC Opera.
MPVA 438 Vocal Pedagogy (2, Fa) Voice physiology and function.
MPVA 439 Vocal Pedagogy Practicum (2, Sp) Pedagogical approaches and methodology; practice teaching. Prerequisite: MPVA 438.
MPVA 440 Italian and French Diction (2) Principles of pronunciation and enunciation; use of international phonetic alphabet. (Duplicates credit in former MPVA 442a.)
MPVA 441 English and German Diction (2) Principles of pronunciation and enunciation; use of international phonetic alphabet. (Duplicates credit in former MPVA 442b.)
MPVA 442 Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (2, Fa) Principles of pronunciation and enunciation; basic application of the International Phonetic Alphabet symbols and sounds to English, German, Italian, French and Latin.
MPVA 443 Cantata and Oratorio (2, 2 years, Fa) Historical survey of literature, style and performance practice; emphasis on performing solo and small ensemble sections of larger works.
MPVA 453 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm) Weekly individual instruction and vocal performance forum.
MPVA 479 Song Literature (2, max 4, FaSp) Song literature of Italy, France, Germany, Russia, Norway, Sweden, England, America; comparative analysis of various composers and their influence on song literature. (Duplicates credit in former MUHL 479.) Recommended preparation: for music majors, MUHL 331; for non-music majors, MUHL 315x.
MPVA 490x Directed Research (1-8, max 12, FaSpSm) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.
MPVA 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Selected topics of current interest.
MPVA 501 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm) Secondary instruction for graduate music majors or instruction for graduate non-music majors.
MPVA 540 Special Studies in Vocal Literature (2, max 6, Sp) Art song, concert and operatic repertoire. Emphasis to be determined by the department.
MPVA 541 Comparative Vocal Pedagogy (2, 2 years, Sp) Survey of pedagogical sources from early 17th century to present; major historic figures, terminologies and methods; relevance to modern-day singing and teaching practice.
MPVA 553 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm) Weekly individual instruction and vocal performance forum.
MPVA 554 Graduate Certificate Performance (4, max 16, FaSpSm) Individual instruction and related lab participation for Graduate Certificate students.
MPVA 590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
MPVA 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Selected topics of current interest.
MPVA 653 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 12, FaSpSm) Weekly individual instruction and vocal performance forum.
MPVA 754 Artist Diploma Performance (4, max 16, FaSpSm) Individual instruction and related lab participation for Artist Diploma students.
MPVA 790 Research (1-12) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.