SINGING AND MUSIC 1 - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module is focused on providing students with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of primary principals of the sung voice and musicianship within the context of Musical Theatre. Classes are practical, with initial exploration of the anatomical, technical and physiological elements of singing. Classes include individual singing tutorials, ensemble singing, small group singing, vocal anatomy, music skills, and musicianship, and repertoire exploration. As the module progresses, lessons will examine the application of technical control, use of vocal qualities, and musicianship required across a variety of musical theatre genres and styles.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

CRIPPS Kevin (GSA)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Students must also be studying: Acting 1, Dance 1 and Research and Rehearsal

Module content

The study of vocal anatomy will provide students with an in depth anatomical and practical knowledge of vocal production as related to singing. Individual tutorials and small group singing classes provide a platform in which students will apply the learned principals of vocal anatomy and voice production, as well as develop individual vocal skill and confidence. Through the study of western European rudimentary music theory and repertoire, students will cultivate a greater sense of musicality, musicianship and the application of appropriate vocal qualities across a variety of musical theatre genres and historical and cultural styles. Throughout this module students will develop critical and analytical skills of personal practice, application, and awareness. This module includes:

 

• Vocal Anatomy: fundaments of vocal anatomy and biomechanics


• 1 to 1 Singing Tutorials: private tutorials in pedagogy and technique


• Small group Singing: vocal pedagogy and technique


• Music Skills: music theory                                                           


• Ensemble Singing: musicianship and ensemble vocal skill                                                               

· Repertoire: development repertoire, and musicianship  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The Assessment Strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate vocal progress and a sound development of singing/music skills, singing technique, and theoretical knowledge.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

 

Practical Based Assessment: Singing – Continual Assessment (Process) 60%

 

• Singing assessment based on in class technical development and progress: breath control and support, posture and alignment, voice quality and vocal set up.


• Inclusive of personal practice habits, evidence of journaling, active engagement in 1 to 1 tutorials, meeting set goals.


• Formative verbal feedback.

 

Practical Based Assessment: Singing – Technical Singing and Presentation Exam (Term 3) 40%

 

• Singing assessment based on technique and presentation: Demonstration of breath control and support, posture and alignment, voice quality and vocal set up, within the context of solo song presentation.


• Formative verbal feedback

 

Formative assessment is crucial to this module. In mirroring industry practice, students are given detailed constant verbal feedback during classes and rehearsal, which enables students to develop and act upon notes given. Students are encouraged to create a reflective journal which encourages and develops their own reflective practice.

Module aims

• • To broaden the understanding of the vocal mechanism, support system, breath management, and vocal control.
• • To develop a healthy and robust technique specific to the musical theatre performer conducive to 8 shows per week.
• • To develop the knowledge of musicianship: music theory, musical styles etc.
• • To develop the knowledge of musical theatre repertoire across a variety of musical genres.
• • To develop confidence as a soloist or ensemble member.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

 

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

 

· Provide students with a fundamental knowledge that will support further development in singing and musicianship. Students will work in ensemble and private learning environments and will receive regular verbal feedback from tutors.

· Encourage and cultivate confidence through instruction and the application of information.

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: MUT1022

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

Programmes this module appears in

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 2023/4 academic year.