VOCAL TECHNIQUE - 2024/5

Module Overview

This module focuses on the integration and skills of Spoken and Singing Vocal Technique necessary for    employability in Musical Theatre. 

Spoken Voice classes are practical in nature and allow a student to explore techniques by sequential practice. Training is undertaken in vocal anatomy and vocal physiology. Classes will explore accent diversity, diction & voice maintenance, and a variety of literature will be studied to fully integrate the spoken voice with the written word. 

Singing classes are also practical, with exploration of the anatomical, technical & physiological elements of singing. Classes include - Individual Singing Tutorials, Ensemble Singing Class, and Technical Singing Skill Class. 
As the module progresses, students examine technical control, use of voice qualities and the vocal performance required for a variety of historical and cultural genres and styles. 

In both Singing and Spoken voice, a comprehension and application of terminology will be explored.
This module runs concurrently with Rehearsal & Performance, and the vocal styles required for the rehearsal and performance and the essential growth of training required for a student over three Teaching Blocks are purposefully aligned with those texts and scores. 
 

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

CRIPPS Kevin (GSA)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

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

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:
1-1 singing tutorials to focus on the individual student’s singing voice.
Repertoire classes to explore song styles and genres of Musical Theatre.
Group technical singing skills classes studying vocal anatomy, rudimentary music theory, applied technique, vocal set- up and Musical Theatre styles.
Ensemble singing classes to gain experience of; harmony, balance, dynamics, blending, listening, sight-singing, musicianship and teamwork.
Practical voice classes explore, develops and bring together all elements required for the speaking voice to be used safely with the challenges required in varied performance environments through the study of texts and classroom exercises.
Voice Maintenance class explores awareness of speech, speech sound and speech physicality, and how to sustain the voice throughout a Musical Theatre career.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Should a student miss an assessment point a re-sit opportunity will be decided at the Board of Study. Students will be given a new brief and in liaison with the tutor agree on a date and format for the assessment to ensure that missed learning outcomes are met.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

In-class Spoken exercises (continuous)  
The assessment in this class is based on continuous work and progression through practical classwork.

Spoken Voice Performance 
The assessment in this class is based on work delivered in a performance/workshop setting as part of the regular class activity. 

 In-class Singing exercises (continuous) 
The assessment in this class is based on continuous work and progression through practical classwork. 

Self-Tape Singing Performance 
The assessment in this class is based on work delivered by the student in a digital format, engaging with what has now become industry standard singing practice for casting and employment. 

Formative Assessment is crucial to this module. In mirroring industry practice, students are given detailed constant verbal feedback and during classes, 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 and ties into all of the themes on the MA Musical Theatre and encourages linked thinking between the modules. 

 

Formative assessment
Formative assessment and continuous verbal feedback in the form of teaching interaction, corrections and notes are crucial to the module. Students are given detailed verbal feedback during classes. Students are also encouraged to reflect on these in their reflective journal which encourages a deep analysis of the learning sequentially. 
.
Feedback
Students receive written and individual rubric-based feedback on the summative aspects of the module. 
The feedback is made available to students on Surrey Learn and is due no later than three working weeks after the assessment has taken place. 

Module aims

• Enable the acquisition of a competent understanding of the anatomical mechanisms of the singing and speaking voice, including breath control, support, resonance, and projection.
• Develop an awareness of the demands placed on the voice in the study and performance of Musical Theatre.
• Identify and enhance varying vocal styles required when studying and performing a diverse range of Musical Theatre texts and scores.
• Develop detailed knowledge and apply appropriate techniques of varying spoken and singing vocal styles which exist within Musical Theatre.
• Develop an understanding of the creative, physiological, and emotional contribution to the voice in study, rehearsal and performance of text and music.
• Identify the elements required for effective and healthy vocal practice that sustains a career in Musical Theatre.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
The module is designed to encourage students to: comprehend, implement, determine and develop appropriate methods and skills in order to utilise and sustain their Singing and Spoken voice safely in study, rehearsal, performance and in their career in Musical Theatre.

The learning and teaching methods include:

•    Ensemble singing classes.
These classes focus on working together to understand the specific techniques and skills needed when singing as an ensemble. This is delivered in person as a practical class. 
•    Individual Singing classes.
These classes occur weekly and are delivered individually. Typically, 0.5hrs in duration they offer students the chance to work with a singing practitioner on specific aspects of their vocal style and technique. 
•    Technical Singing skills classes. 
These classes take place together and offer an opportunity to study the technical and personal challenges that singing presents. Students benefit here from practitioner based and peer to peer learning. 

•    Repertoire classes.
Repertoire classes take place in small “micro-groups” and lead students through a specific programme of study that aims to enhance and invigorate the understanding of global and historical musical theatre writing that can be used in audition scenarios and benefit students in terms of their contextual and cultural understanding of the art form. 
•    Practical voice classes.
These classes form the basis of new exploration and techniques in voice across the programme and are delivered in a group session led by a member of the Voice Staff at GSA. They offer a chance to extend and explore the capabilities of voice for all students. 
•    Voice Maintenance classes.
The voice maintenance class is delivered as a group practical session by a member of the voice staff at GSA and includes work that enables students to maintain and sustain healthy spoken voice technique and adapt to the unique challenges that musical theatre texts provide. This element supports (in part) the challenges that performing in public brings as students explore their first public performance. 
The module is delivered over 300 hours study across the 3 Teaching Blocks including, classes and self-study.

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: MUTM029

Other information

Digital Capability 
As professionals in training, students are encouraged to use current media such as email, virtual meeting and communications software, for appropriate use in communication, recording and team working.  Students will utilise the University’s VLE (Surrey Learn), and a range of Digital media platforms for appropriate use in communication, administration, scheduling, and reporting.  Students will also engage with creating Digital Content to record one of the summative assessments in Singing. 
 
Employability 
Employability is at the core of this module. Employability is embedded in teaching, learning and assessment. The skill base embedded in the module enables students to acquire the technical skills needed to gain employment as a Musical Theatre performer, with a clear focus on vocal dexterity, health, and intellectual understanding of the voice. 

Global & Cultural Capabilities 
Students are expected to commence the module with an open mind and a willingness to learn, engage in discussion, and to broaden their understanding of the lived experiences of the varying characters and communities they will be portraying as a professional actors-in-training.  All modules benefit from an inclusivity ethos and students across their course of study benefit from the oversight of the Director of Equality and Diversity at GSA.  Every effort is made to make a range of performances accessible, and students are also encouraged to reach out to the Disability and Neuro-Diversity service within the University of Surrey if they are experiencing barriers to individual learning.  

Resourcefulness & Resilience 
Classes adopt independent and collaborative learning, peer support, problem-solving, communication, independence, perseverance, stamina self-value and critical thinking, all of which promote resilience and resourcefulness.  The classes and the structure of the verbal and written feedback enable students to build a rounded holistic view of their individual process. Students are supported throughout, and beyond, their training by expert staff with practitioner backgrounds, and most full-time staff are Mental Health First Aid trained and can give advice and guidance on where to seek further help – again, enabling students to take control of their learning and any barriers to learning. 

Sustainability 
Students are encouraged to contextualise their learning and reflect on their current and future social, cultural, ethical, political, economic, and environmental impact from a personal, professional and global perspective, and to recognise a sense of shared responsibility. Students are encouraged to reflect on the values, perceptions, and actions of their own, of others and of characters they are portraying in rehearsal and performance, and the impact this has on audiences In particular relation to voice staff always focus on the individuality of the voice and ensure that a continued sense of identity is maintained even when exploring various styles and accents etc.  The Voice Maintenance class is specifically designed to ensure that students have a life-long understanding of healthy and sustainable practice.
 

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 2024/5 academic year.