Voice Skills

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

120 hours.

This course is particularly likely to appeal to professionals who already have a knowledge and interest in the voice e.g. actors, drama teachers, community theatre artists, and trained singers.

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 will provide participants with the practical application of voice skills for individual development.

On completing this subject, students will:
• have addressed idiosyncratic vocal and postural habits;
• have understood and applied appropriate techniques for breathing, phonation, resonance and articulation;
• have addressed and developed strategies for occupational health and safety issues for heightened speaking situations (e.g. teaching and performance);
• have developed a sound, practical understanding of the relationship between the body and voice and demonstrate vocal embodiment in the moment of speaking;
• have learned how to develop a safe vocal preparation for rehearsal and performance.

Task 1: Practical class tasks within the workshops (Equivalent to 2,000 words, 50% of total mark).

Task 2: Ongoing written critical journal and post-workshop reflection (2,000 words, 50% of total mark).

Berry, C. (1973). Voice and the Actor. Harrap, London.
Berry, C. (2001). Text in Action. Virgin, London
Carey, D & Clark Carey, R. (2008). Vocal Arts, Methuen Drama, London.
Gates, L. (2000). Voice for Performance. Applause, NYC.
Houseman, B. (2002). Finding Your Voice. Nick Hern Books, London
Linklater K. (2006). Freeing the Natural Voice. Applaud. NYC
Rodenburg P. (1992) The Right to Speak, Methuen Drama, London.
Rodenburg P. (1994) The Need to Speak, Methuen Drama, London

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will have:
• a capacity for self-directed learning and the motivation for continued skills and professional development in voice;
• an advanced level of oral and written communication;
• a capacity to manage competing demands on time;
• an appreciation of the team approach to learning in complex areas;
• a capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems;
• initiated and implemented a constructive change to the knowledge and skills base in voice within their communities, including professions and workplaces;
• an advanced understanding of the underpinning knowledge in voice skills;
• an ability to develop creative and imaginative vocal techniques which promote safe healthy practices;
• an ability to promote evidence-based practice in the implementation of a voice program;
• excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations;
• an ability for critical and creative thinking, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
• an advanced knowledge of voice techniques.