MUSCLASS 3400 - Classical Vocal Studies 3A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2020

Through the continued study of appropriate repertoire, technical exercises, vocalises, diction and relevant languages, students will develop their individual technical and musical potential as singers, together with a sound understanding of interpretive principles, stylistic integrity and performance skills. Students are expected to undertake a minimum of 12 hours per week of structured individual practice, technical work, repertoire study, language study and sight-singing practice. Through weekly Performance Classes students will be given the opportunity to develop a range of preparation and performance skills, and will also develop a range of skills and approaches which will aid their technical development. Students will also be given the opportunity to present, perform, and discuss their current repertoire with fellow students as 'work in progress'. Through the Stagecraft & Theatre Skills Class students will experience, learn and assimilate a range of structured approaches and skills pertinent to music theatre, opera and other stage-based art forms. Some of the classes will be undertaken in conjunction with the State Opera of South Australia. Students will also be paid a stipend from the Conservatorium ($1,000 dollars per semester course in 2016) so that they can undertake intensive 1:1 vocal tuition and coaching with a teacher of their choice, chosen from the Elder Conservatorium's list of approved Classical Voice teachers.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSCLASS 3400
    Course Classical Vocal Studies 3A
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites MUSCLASS 2401
    Incompatible MUSCLASS 3051, MUSCLASS 3100A
    Restrictions Available to BMus students only
    Course Description Through the continued study of appropriate repertoire, technical exercises, vocalises, diction and relevant languages, students will develop their individual technical and musical potential as singers, together with a sound understanding of interpretive principles, stylistic integrity and performance skills. Students are expected to undertake a minimum of 12 hours per week of structured individual practice, technical work, repertoire study, language study and sight-singing practice.
    Through weekly Performance Classes students will be given the opportunity to develop a range of preparation and performance skills, and will also develop a range of skills and approaches which will aid their technical development. Students will also be given the opportunity to present, perform, and discuss their current repertoire with fellow students as 'work in progress'. Through the Stagecraft & Theatre Skills Class students will experience, learn and assimilate a range of structured approaches and skills pertinent to music theatre, opera and other stage-based art forms. Some of the classes will be undertaken in conjunction with the State Opera of South Australia.
    Students will also be paid a stipend from the Conservatorium ($1,000 dollars per semester course in 2016) so that they can undertake intensive 1:1 vocal tuition and coaching with a teacher of their choice, chosen from the Elder Conservatorium's list of approved Classical Voice teachers.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Carl Crossin OAM

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to…

    1. Exhibit technical, musical and language skills that, through accuracy, fluency and clear stylistic awareness, illustrate a strong and maturing conceptual and interpretative understanding of (a) the art of singing in general and (b) of the student’s chosen repertoire in particular.
    2. Exhibit effective personal practising strategies which arise from independent, imaginative and creative approaches to problem solving including the use of contemporary technologies.
    3. Manifest a developing sense of critical understanding of the widely accepted performance standards required for professional endeavour and an ability to assess one’s own performances and those of fellow musicians in the light of those standards.
    4. Exhibit maturing skills in performance etiquette, communication, stagecraft and interaction with an audience that enhance the student's performances in a way that reflects the essence of the music being performed.
    5. Exhibit curiosity, self-awareness, a maturing sense of musical standards, and problem-solving skills that will enable continuous learning and growth.


    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 3, 5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2, 3
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    4, 5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3, 5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1, 3, 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    To successfully participate and engage with this course, students will need...

    1. Musical scores of repertoire and technical exercises as prescribed by course lecturers (The Elder Music Library houses an excellent collection of scores available for loan to students). Original copies of the music must be used for examinations.
    2. To engage the services of a professional accompanist for performance examinations and other performances.
    3. A good quality recording device to record classes, performances and private practice - as required - on a regular basis.
    4. To purchase their own copy of A Handbook of Diction for Singers (2nd Ed.) by David Adams. This book will be used as an essential reference in all Classical Vocal Studies courses throughout all three undergraduate year levels.
    5. A tuning fork (A440), pencil & eraser, and metronome.

     

    Recommended Resources

    Regular listening to a variety of performances (live & recorded) is highly recommended. Students can listen to works through the library's Naxos subscription (see library catalogue, search using Naxos as the title and limit search to ‘electronic resources’. You will be prompted to enter your uni ID number and password to access the Naxos catalogue).

    There is a wealth of material available for listening (but not for downloading).

    The link to the Naxos catalogue is In the Music Resources Guide.

    http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/music

    You will find links to both Naxos and Naxos Jazz under “Quick Links” on the left side of the page.

    The Music Resources Guide contains quick links to key music databases for scholarly research and online listening. It also contains links to websites of publicly available online scores, collected editions, and professional associations. Here too you can find a regularly updated list of new books, scores, CDs and DVDs available in the Elder Music Library.

    http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/music

    Music Resources Online:

    Access to online music from library’s other Music Database (Music Online – incorporating Classical Music Library, Jazz Music Library, American Song, Contemporary World Music and Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries) is now integrated in Library Search – just type the work you require into the general Library Search box and narrow down appropriately.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Successful participation and engagement with this course is supported by the following learning & teaching modes…

    1:1 Tuition Although individual 1:1 tuition is fundamental to the development of each student’s vocal potential and is an integral part of Classical Voice studies at the Elder Conservatorium, this aspect of the student’s musical development is undertaken outside of this course structure through the provision of a stipend of $1,000 per semester to cover the cost of individual tuition with a Conservatorium approved Classical Voice teacher. Under the guidance of the Head of Voice, Opera, Conducting & Ensembles this arrangement will enable each student to plan and undertake a series of 1:1 lessons with an appropriate Classical Voice teacher in a manner that suits the student’s vocal needs, and provides suitable vocal support for the student’s work within the course.

    Performance Classes Through weekly Performance Classes students will be given the opportunity to develop a range of preparation and performance skills. Performance Classes are taken principally by Rosalind Martin who will monitor each student’s vocal and musical progress, diagnose technical and musical problems, and suggest strategies for problem solving and independent practice.

    As part of each student’s engagement with their peers in these classes, students are given the opportunity to make informed critical comments about their own performances and those of their peers. Students are also expected to maintain a written journal to document their engagement with the class.  Performance Classes will be vertically grouped across all three year levels to facilitate each student’s maximum engagement with their peers. Students will also be given the opportunity to present, perform, and discuss their current repertoire with fellow students as ‘work in progress’.

    Diction & Language Studies Through the French for Singers classes, students will learn the fundamental principles of French pronunciation as appropriate to singers. Studies will include the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as it relates to the French language as well as the related skills of range appropriate vowel modification.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1. Performance Class - up to 20 hours per semester
    2. French for Singers Class - up to 10 hours per semester
    3. Private Language study - up to 30 hours per semester
    4. Classical Voice performance examination preparation - up to 30 hours per semester
    5. Private individual vocal practice and repertoire study - a minimum of 66 hours per semester

    Please Note: In addition to the required contact hours and structured non-contact hours described above, students are expected to spend a minimum of 60 hours per semester preparing and practising all repertoire, technical exercises and other assigned material. Students should note however, that the demands of the music profession are such that considerably more time should be spent in private vocal practice and related preparatory activities.

     

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    Assessment in this course comprises the following components…

    1. Performance Examination (25 minutes):   60% Relevant Course Learning Outcomes - 1,  2,  3,  4,  5
      (NB. Please note that this component is a Hurdle Requirement - students must pass the Performance Exmination in order to pass the course)
    2. Performance Class Assessment:   20% Relevant Course Learning Outcomes - 1,  2,  3,  4,  5
    3. Diction & Languages Assessment:   20% Relevant Course Learning Outcomes - 1,  2,  3

     

    Assessment Related Requirements

    All students enrolled in courses taught by the Elder Conservatorium of Music are expected to actively and positively participate in 100% of all required activities - rehearsals, workshops, classes, lectures, tutorials, seminars and performances - as defined by this course outline.

    In courses where Participation & Attendance penalties apply (such as this course), any student who misses more than 40% of required activities will be deemed ineligible for assessment in that course, irrespective of the amount of leave that has been formally approved.

    In this course, penalties apply for any absences which are not formally approved according to the Conservatorium's Leave Policy (see the leave Application Form URL below).  However, an absence may be approved by the relevant lecturer as either Medical Leave, Professional Development Leave or Compassionate Leave.  Please see the Conservatorium's Leave Policy for further information.

    For each unapproved absence in any class in this course the following penalties will apply: Three (3) marks will be deducted from the student's final percentage mark for this course for each unapproved absence.

    Leave Application forms are available from the Music Office and can be downloaded from the Music website at...

    https://music.adelaide.edu.au/current/handbook/Student_Leave_Form_2014.pdf

     

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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