VOCAL FUNDAMENTALS - 2025/6
Module code: POVM016
Module Overview
This module is intended to provide students with a sound working knowledge of the bio-mechanical systems relating to the sung and spoken voice. Students will be required to demonstrate this in their own vocal practice and to effectively impart this knowledge and understanding to others. The study of Phonetics will equip students with a variety of strategies to transcribe and coach accents whilst refining their kinesthetic and auditory awareness. This will support their "Voice and Singing Pedagogies" module, connecting the fundamentals of Anatomy and Accents to the delivery of Voice and Singing teaching and coaching.
Module provider
Guildford School of Acting
Module Leader
PALMER Chris (GSA)
Number of Credits: 30
ECTS Credits: 15
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 100
Seminar Hours: 80
Tutorial Hours: 20
Guided Learning: 100
Module Availability
Year long
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
Vocal Anatomy and Physiology classes will help students build a working understanding of the fundamental processes of vocal production, in order to create a firm foundation on which to build approaches to vocal technique and pedagogy.
Phonetics and Accents classes will cover the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) system, cardinal vowels, VPM (voice placement, manner), exploration of the vocal tract and airstreams, and diacritics, with application to a variety of accents in line with industry expectations.
Singing tutorials will allow students the opportunity to work on their own vocal technique and development whilst observing and reflecting on teaching styles and practices and their own ways of learning.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| School-timetabled exam/test | Vocal Anatomy examination | 50 |
| School-timetabled exam/test | Phonetics examination | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate and apply foundational knowledge and understanding in Vocal Anatomy & Physiology and Phonetics.
Summative assessment:
Vocal Anatomy and Physiology examination
Phonetics examination
Formative assessment and feedback:
The seminar-style delivery of classes in this module includes dialogue between students and tutors, enabling ongoing opportunities for formative assessment of and feedback on students' knowledge, understanding, and application.
Module aims
- To provide clear instruction in anatomy & physiology and phonetics & accents
- To link theory to practice
- To develop critical skills
- To develop communication skills
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Ref | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theoretical and methodological developments in the practice of voice and singing | KC | SUSTAINABILITY, GLOBAL & CULTURAL, EMPLOYABILITY |
| 002 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physiology of voice and optimum voice functionality | KP | EMPLOYABILITY |
| 003 | Demonstrate an ability to analyse and evaluate pedagogical techniques within context | CT | SUSTAINABILITY, EMPLOYABILITY |
| 004 | Demonstrate an ability to analyse, evaluate, and apply ideas and concepts within a vocal context | CPT | EMPLOYABILITY |
| 005 | Demonstrate an ability to create and communicate advanced understanding and expertise in skills both verbal and written | PT | DIGITAL, RESOURCEFULNESS & RESILIENCE, SUSTAINABILITY, EMPLOYABILITY |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to enable students to further their foundational knowledge and understanding of voice science and practice with an emphasis on connecting the theoretical and the practical. Students will participate in seminars, practical classes, and tutorials as part of this module. Development of knowledge and skills will be reliant on independent learning and practice, and space will be made for this in this module.
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: POVM016
Other information
GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
Resourcefulness and Resilience
TaPoVaS students will be encouraged to develop a motivated, self-starting attitude towards their academic studies, and to their professional practice alike. They will be expected to engage with other students, seek out opportunities for further research, case studies, and participate in activities that develop self-awareness and their own unique professional brand.
Employability
Throughout the program students will be taught by, and exposed to, a variety of internal and external practitioners, exposing students to the variety of specific roles that voice teachers have in the workplace. Students will cultivate a uniquely diverse set of professional level skills that cater to a wide range of related career opportunities. These skills will best equip students with the tools to succeed in meeting industry expectations and allow for career advancement.
Global and Cultural Capabilities
Students will engage in both study and work relationships that will represent a range of ability, cultural background and gender from expectation, and experience. Students will develop and demonstrate sensitivity and respect within all contexts.
Digital Capabilities
Students will engage in numerous formats of teaching and learning, including online lectures and discussion forums. Following contemporary trends, students will learn to deliver methods of teaching and coaching online and to develop an online profile within the professional sphere of work. through the module students learn to navigate and utilise the Virtual Learning environment at Surrey (Surrey Learn) and other digital resources and online databases to aid their learning and undertake research. Students are encouraged to use media such as Teams, Zoom, and cloud/file sharing for communication and team working. Appropriate use of digital media and communication platforms is increasingly important for the modern voice/singing teacher/coach and, through use and discussion of these platforms, students will gain an awareness of their roles as well as their limitations and misuse which can have a wider impact, including digital wellbeing.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching and Practice of Voice and Singing MA(YEAR LONG) | Year-long | 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 2025/6 academic year.