English Diction for Opera

Subject MUSI90167 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 hours per week = 36 hours for the semester
Total Time Commitment:

60 hours

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

None

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

Contact

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
T: +613 99053471 or +613 83444337
E: dstrover@unimelb.edu.au / jessyew@unimelb.edu.au

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
VCA and MCM Student Centre
E: mcm-grad@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.conservatorium.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Students will study the pronunciation, articulation, and enunciation of the English language in order to fully convey the emotional expression of operatic singing to ensure a clearer understanding by the audience. This subject teaches students to correctly use tools specific to the articulators, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and the speech sounds of the different vowels and consonants in order to ensure the high level of emotional expression required of professional opera performers. This study of English diction will be applied to specific role(s) that students may be undertaking in operas being performed during the semester and/or to other operatic repertoire.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the subject, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate professional level skills in the pronunciation, articulation, and enunciation of the English language in operatic performance;
  • demonstrate understanding and application of the principles of the pronunciation, articulation, and enunciation of the English language in opera production relevant to their roles within a fully professional opera company; and
  • demonstrate a knowledge of the stylistic conventions and tools specific to the articulators, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and the speech sounds of the different vowels and consonants in relation to the opera repertoire

Assessment:

50%: Continuous assessment of studio based work. Assessment throughout the semester but including formal monthly individual feedback to each student.

50%: Preactical Test (30 minutes). End of semester.

Prescribed Texts:

Adams, D. (2007), A Handbook of Diction for Singers: Italian, German, French, Second Edition (OUP)

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection;
  • demonstrate skills in evaluative thinking, and in the application of theoretical / analytical criteria to practical outcomes; and
  • demonstrate analytical skills in the context of artistic performance.

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