Music Theatre: Singing Sondheim

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

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

This subject is an exploration of the works and influences of Stephen Sondheim, one of the most extraordinary composer/lyricists of music theatre, delivered through a weekly 2-hour large ensemble singing class and a one-hour embedded lecture. Most popularly known as the lyricist of West Side Story, Sondheim’s work covers an astonishing range of subject matter, exhibiting song-writing craft that has challenged and ultimately contributed to the development new forms of music theatre. The practical work, delivered in the supportive environment of singing within a large group, will explore the complexity and joy of Sondheim’s music whilst developing skills in safe voice usage and technique, basic music notation, harmonies, song structure and style and storytelling through song. Embedded lectures will focus on the Sondheim’s early influences, including Bernstein and Hammerstein; collaborations with such greats as Jerome Robbins (West Side Story, Gypsy), Hal Prince (Company, Sweeney Todd) and James Lapine (Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George) and finally the influence he has had on new artists like Adam Guettel and Jason Robert Brown. The subject will conclude with a short performance featuring a sample of the repertoire covered. No former singing or musical experience is necessary.

• Develop knowledge of music theatre repertoire and history
• Develop practical knowledge of safe voice usage.
• Develop collaborative learning skills
• Develop respect for the values and principles of ensemble performance.

• Continuous: Assessment will be on level of attainment in preparation of parts, individual and/or sectional practice and active participation in all rehearsals, classes and performances as directed, worth 45%
• Weekly on-line 5 question multiple choice test, drawn from lecture material, worth 30%
• Written: the submission of a learning log, detailing the development of understanding of the vocal, musical and acting requirements for 2 pieces of repertoire studied, including challenges encountered and skills developed to overcome them. 1,000 words, due in week 12, worth 25%
• Less than 80% attendance will result in a fail. All assessment components must be attempted in order to pass the subject.
• Formal: Participation in a final performance is a hurdle requirement.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Science

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

• Exhibit knowledge of the works of Stephen Sondheim, his collaborators and influences.
• Demonstrate skills in large ensemble singing, including part-singing, harmonies and blend.
• Demonstrate understanding of principles of safe voice usage
• Perform selected repertoire to concert standard
• Participate with ability and self-confidence as a team member of a performing group