Voice Skills 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

120 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Voice in this course is designed to explore the world of voice production and its application specific to the Music Theatre genre. Throughout this course, the phenomenon of individual voice difference will be taken into account and students will be encouraged to explore and value these differences in themselves and others. Contact hours in Voice Skills 1 will be divided between individual lessons, spoken voice classes and small and large ensemble classes. In the first semester, particular emphasis will be placed on the technical aspects of singing and speech, incorporating breathing, alignment, pitch, tone and articulation. Individual lessons will allow for assessment of areas of vocal production that require individual focus and identify any problem areas. Small and large ensemble classes will lay the foundations for group singing work that will then be advanced in Music Theatre Combination Class in semester 2.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
For Singing Voice:
• understand the fundamental physiological foundations of different components of human vocal sound;
• apply the aforementioned physiological information directly to their own voice production;
• understand the vocal technical requirements of a specific range of music theatre voice sounds;
• display development in the ability to musically harmonise, phrase and blend within the given context of story, character and musical style.
For Spoken Voice:
• demonstrate a developing understanding of voice production from a physically released body;
• demonstrate a developing ability to speak on full breath support with strong, secure tone;
• demonstrate the development of flexibility in range;
• demonstrate the development of clear articulation.

Continuous: 60% TOTAL: (comprising: individual lessons (25%), small ensemble (15%) large ensemble (10%), spoken voice (15%)preparation and participation in classes, demonstrating continuous application)

Formal: 15% TOTAL: based on performance of a set task in individual voice final lesson

Written: 20% TOTAL: (comprising: self-assessment based on a journal of classroom experiences and self-directed study covering progress and observations of development in singing. 500 words, due week 12 (10%) Self-assessment based on a journal, detailing observations and progress in spoken voice. 500 words, due week 12 (10%))

Late submission: Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day. Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.

Hurdle requirements: Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• exhibit extensive practical and theoretical understanding of their discipline including acquisition of skill level, discipline, relevant professional knowledge, and ethics appropriate to professional artistic practice;
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning.
• recognise and value their uniqueness as an artist whilst developing diversification ;
• participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems.