Music Theatre: Singing Rock Musicals

Subject MUSI30237 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 1, Southbank - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 02-Mar-2015 to 31-May-2015
Assessment Period End 26-Jun-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 13-Mar-2015
Census Date 31-Mar-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 08-May-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:
Subject
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Mr Trevor Jones

Contact

Faculty of the VCA & MCM Student Centre
Ground Floor, Elisabeth Murdoch Building (Bldg 860)
Southbank Campus
234 St Kilda Road, Southbank, 3006

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

In 1968 the first rock major musical Hair caused a sensation and spawned a new genre. This subject will explore the music of significant contemporary rock musicals through a weekly 2-hour large ensemble singing class, using music from a handful of the genreā€™s best examples, developing skills in safe voice usage and technique, basic music notation, harmonies, song structure and storytelling through song. A one-hour embedded lecture will consider major shows of contemporary music theatre, from mega-musicals like Les Miserables and The Lion King, to juke-box musicals like Jersey Boys and Hairspray and off-Broadway hits like Rent, In the Heights and Next to Normal. The subject will conclude with a short performance featuring a sample of the repertoire covered. No former singing or musical experience is necessary.

Learning Outcomes:
  • 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.
Assessment:
  • Continuous: Assessment will be based on the level of attainment in preparation of parts, individual and/or sectional practice and active participation in all rehearsals, classes and performances as directed, worth 30%
  • Weekly on-line 5 question multiple choice test, drawn from lecture material, worth 30%
  • Written: A research task: 1,500 words, due in week 12, worth 40%
  • 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.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • Exhibit knowledge of major writers and composers of contemporary rock musicals and principle works of the genre
  • 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
Links to further information: http://www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Music)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Practice)

Download PDF version.