ADVANCED VOCAL PERFORMANCE - 2019/0
Module code: MUTM039
Module Overview
This module founded upon a commitment to the integration of the vocal techniques necessary for work in the theatre and for recorded media and builds on work undertaken in the previous 1st Year MA Modules: Vocal Techniques, Musical Theatre Practice: 1, Musical Theatre Practice: 2 and Public Performance.
In Voice, designated texts will be explored and performed. The classes are practical and are heavily biased towards learning and training through ‘doing, reflecting, understanding and adapting’. An appreciation of euphony, assonance, onomatopoeia, and alliteration will be explored to further develop the students understanding of complex texts, whilst musically students will be encouraged to develop an ever – expanding portfolio of songs and repertoire as well as further development and technical work on their voice.
Students will examine technical control, use of voice qualities and communication and performance in a number of genres and styles.
The elements of this module aim to develop and extend existing knowledge and ability and to develop a secure and consistent technique.
It will focus not only on the anatomical & physiological elements of singing and speech, but also on the understanding and application of terminology and the ability to incorporate all aspects of technique into an integrated performance.
Module provider
Guildford School of Acting
Module Leader
WILLIAMS Frances (GSA)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 70
Lecture Hours: 80
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
Singing: Weekly classes in group singing and singing tutorials. Integration classes in the sung and spoken voice enabling an advanced understanding of musical theatre techniques. Practical classes and workshops that apply all of the above to an ever-growing knowledge of repertoire based on a gradual progression through the History of Musical Theatre, from the Classics (20’s & 30’s) to the present day.
Voice work is delivered via two separate classes; Practical Voice and Applied Voice.
From the outset students are required to begin the process of understanding their own habitual voice use, and to challenge and develop their vocal capability. As with the Voice element of the Semester One Voice and Acting Module the target is Optimum Vocal Function (OVF). This requires that the speaker allows his/her voice to function naturally and effectively in a wide range of everyday and professional situations. Additionally, students must also learn how to alter the balance of OVF to satisfy a range of professional challenges in varied performance environments.
Practical Voice explores, develops and brings together all elements of the voice.
Applied Voice further explores, awareness of speech, speech sound and speech physicality. It is delivered via practical exercises, recordings, written materials and analysis of one’s own and other people’s voices. Classes enable the actor to communicate from a characters’ perspective, responding to the way in which an author manipulates character and story through text form and structure.
Singing includes private singing tutorials, classes in Ensemble Singing which utilises skills such as listening, sight-singing and harmony singing; Small Ensemble Singing which focuses on the skilful performance of duet and trio works, and Integration which focuses on the demonstration of acting skills within sung scenes.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Practical based assessment | Practical Assessment: Spoken Classical Monologue Performance | 30 |
| Practical based assessment | Practical Assessment: Legit (pre-1967) Solo Song Performance | 35 |
| Practical based assessment | Practical Assessment: Contemporary (post- 1967) Solo Song Performance | 35 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
Spoken Classical Monologue Performance (30%)
(Practical)
Student Activity
Vocal Technique in performance
Technical understanding
Characterisation
Connection with text
Breath control
Process
‘Legit’(pre-1967) Solo Song Performance (35%)
Student Activity
Vocal Technique in performance
Technical understanding
Characterisation
Connection with text
Breath control
Process
‘Contemporary’ (post- 1967) Solo Song Performance (35%)
Student Activity
Technique in performance
Technical understanding
Characterisation
Connection with text
Breath control
Process
Formative assessment and feedback
Feedback is verbal and utilised in a class format for all formative assessments with notes to be taken by peers. Students may also undertake a formative self-assessment exercise.
Continuous Assessment
Student Activity
Vocal Technique in performance
Technical understanding
Characterisation
Connection with text
Breath control
Process
Module aims
- To enhance the students’ understanding of the creative, physiological and emotional contribution of the voice to performance
- To further secure a systematic and healthy personal technique in voice.
- To apply all the appropriate techniques to an ever-growing knowledge of repertoire based on a gradual progression through the History of Musical Theatre, from the Classics (20’s & 30’s) to the present day
- The ability to project the voice safely and effectively in a range of performance spaces.
- Continuing to develop and maintain the key elements of life long technique, whilst beginning to establish vocal versatility with regard to industry requirements and expectations.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Demonstrate integrated skills in acting, singing and dancing to a professional level. | KP |
| 002 | Develop a sophisticated tool kit of performance techniques. | KPT |
| 003 | Develop a performance, imagination and understanding of style and genre. | CKP |
| 004 | Demonstrate discipline and consistency in a professional context. | PT |
| 005 | Develop a professional profile through selection, preparation and performance material. | CKPT |
| 006 | Develop and demonstrate the effective application of learned practices. | CKPT |
| 007 | Demonstrate a continually developing approach to skills acquisition | KPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
Lectures and masterclasses
Individual Tutorials
Group classes and workshops
Integration classes
Individual exercises within group seminars
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MUTM039
Other information
Under the three term structure that commences from academic year 2019/0 – this module’s delivery falls in Semester 1 due to the teaching occurring in Teaching Block 1.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musical Theatre MFA | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.