Overview
As the capstone of this series of units, your learning activities will focus on the synthesis of all the skills you have acquired through the previous five units. You will be expected to perform to a high standard in a range of practical work that exhibits cumulative learning in all performance elements for the music theatre singer. At this advanced level, a greater degree of insight and personal reflection, as evidenced through practice, is expected. You will study complex aspects of vocal technique in your development as a music theatre singer with an advanced exploration of music theatre vocal repertoire. As part of your singing technique, you will explore the phonetic aspects of the French and Mandarin languages in selected songs. This will be supported by more advanced levels of music theory, including aspects of song-writing and arranging, aural musicianship and piano keyboard for your development as a music theatre singer.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite: MUSC13420 Music Theatre Voice 5
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from In-class
Current industry trends to be maintained, in order to remain industry-ready.
Industry trends will be observed and repertoire adjustments made to maintain cutting-edge standards of quality.
Feedback from In-class
A continuation of in-class feedback, to maintain industry discipline and continual skill development.
Feedback will continue to be provided in class context, with the aim of encouraging and maintaining industry disciplines and standards of quality.
- Demonstrate fine shades of detail in advanced tonal complexion, agility and vocal security in a selection of songs and related vocal technical work
- Demonstrate advanced principles of breath usage, support and placement of the voice to various complex performance exercises
- Demonstrate advanced principles of foreign pronunciation, intonation and comprehension in various languages within selected songs
- Perform advanced level pieces and exercises on the keyboard that relate to your musical development as a singer
- Demonstrate an advanced level of aural musicianship through various practical vocal exercises
- Manipulate the elements of music relating to pitch, harmony, rhythm, keys, scales and chords as derived from the western art-music tradition and contemporary popular music styles at an advanced level in music writing tasks, including song-writing and arranging.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 50% | ||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 15% | ||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 15% | ||||||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 20% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 50% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 15% | |||||||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 15% | |||||||||||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 20% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
n.thomson@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Music Theory Assessment Due: Week 9 Friday (13 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Principal Instrument Tutorials
Music Theory Tutorials
Sight-Singing & Aural Tutorials
Language Tutorials
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024Module/Topic
In-Class Exams
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Sight-Singing & Aural Assessment Due: Week 11 Friday (27 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12
Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Intensive Production Block
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Intensive Production Block
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Intensive Production Block
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Practical Assessment
Technical Assessment:
#1 - Foreign-Language Song
You will perform a song from the German language: Knoblauch (Garlic) from 'Tanz der Vampire'
This piece involves accompanying harmonies. This piece will be performed from memory, in a group context.
You may be allocated a melody or a harmony part. The assessment remains the same regardless of allocation.
Assessment:
Sing your designated part as part of a three part arrangement. Your aim is to accurately pronounce the French language and express the narrative of the storyline appropriately.
#2 - Technical Exercise – Sustaining a vocal harmony
You will be provided with a vocal arrangement of Knoblauch, the foreign language piece you are studying.
You will be required to prepare one of three designated harmony parts.
Assessment:
Sing your designated part as part of a three part arrangement. Your aim is to maintain your allocated harmonic line throughout.
#3 – Jazz - 'Route 66' by Bobby Troup
The Jazz piece, ‘Route 66’, is to be sung unaccompanied. No starting note will be provided.
The piece must be sung from memory with careful attention being paid to rhythm, pitch, phrasing and lyrics. Vocal embellishments (ie vocal scat/improvisation) will be expected in keeping with the jazz style.
Assessment:
Perform the Jazz piece, ‘Route 66’ unaccompanied. Your aim is to accurately interpret the style of the piece which includes vocal improvisation, express the emotion of the song appropriately, whilst maintaining pitch and rhythm.
Repertoire Assessment (Closed Exam):
You will be required to complete a practical singing assessment consisting of the following:
- The program should demonstrate a choice of 4 works covering the different genres available throughout the history of 20th and 21st century music theatre with a total performance time of no longer than 20 minutes.
- The genres to be represented are as follows:
- - pre-1950s (including operetta)
- - legitimate (Golden Era) 1950-1965 approx
- - pre-2000s (MUST be composed by Stephen Sondheim)
- - post-2000s (contemporary)
- One piece must be a 'Song & Dance' with planned choreography throughout the performance
- The program should show a variety of styles and tempos, and be sung entirely from memory.
- The program is to be chosen in consultation with your teacher to ensure an appropriate level of difficulty is attempted.
- A - Program notes for the performance exam must be submitted at the time of the vocal exam. These should include a song analysis of each piece, and a history of the work, composers and character. They should be a minimum of 200 words for each piece of music that you are performing.
- OR
- B - The exam must contain a narrative, or theme, overarching the examination repertoire, which outlines historical references to the repertoire and the relevance to the selected theme. This may be delivered in any theatrical way the performer chooses.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
• No Gen AI use at any point during this assessment.
Week 11 Friday (27 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Practical Assessment to take place during the Examination period
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
To be returned after the conclusion of the Examination Period
Technical examination
- Correct pitch and rhythm
- Correct phrasing and breathing
- Consistent vowel usage and language pronunciation
- Ability to maintain a harmony
- Ability to sustain a key tonality
- Communication of content and ability to understand the pieces presented in an appropriate style
- Ability to maintain choreography throughout
Performance examination
- Accuracy of intonation and consistency of pitch
- Clarity and accuracy of lyrics
- Ability to use support
- Ability to use appropriate vocal colours and use of vocal colours
- Ability to maintain correct vocal technique and performance practice whilst moving
- Ability to make effective change between singing and speech qualities
- Communication of content and the ability to understand the pieces presented
- Appropriateness of program notes
- Demonstrate fine shades of detail in advanced tonal complexion, agility and vocal security in a selection of songs and related vocal technical work
- Demonstrate advanced principles of breath usage, support and placement of the voice to various complex performance exercises
- Demonstrate advanced principles of foreign pronunciation, intonation and comprehension in various languages within selected songs
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
2 Practical Assessment
You will continue to develop advanced Sight-Singing and Aural techniques through the application of Ensemble Singing with repertoire chosen in consultation with the class tutor.
Ensembles my be required to sing in parts and may be required to sing all parts of examination repertoire where requested.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
• No Gen AI use at any point during this assessment.
Week 11 Friday (27 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
In-Class Test held throughout the Examination Period
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
After the conclusion of the Exam Period
Marking Criteria:
- Accuracy of pitch in holding melodic line
- Accuracy of pitch in holding harmony line
- Consistency in ensemble singing (ie blending of sound)
- Rhythmic accuracy and fluency
- Perform advanced level pieces and exercises on the keyboard that relate to your musical development as a singer
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
3 Practical Assessment
Assessment Type: Practical Assessment
By the end of this unit, you will:
- Compose and perform your own original work with lyrics and piano accompaniment in front of a live audience (peers, staff, etc).
- The piece must be at least 2 minutes in length.
- This assessment is assessed simultaneously with Assessment 4.
Week 9 Friday (13 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
In-Class Exam
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
After the conclusion of the Exam Period
Marking Criteria:
- Accuracy of left hand (10%)
- Accuracy of right hand (10%)
- Accuracy of vocals (20%)
- Balance between voice and hands (20%)
- Quality of piano composition (40%)
- Demonstrate an advanced level of aural musicianship through various practical vocal exercises
- Critical Thinking
4 In-class Test(s)
Assessment Type: Songwriting
By the end of this unit, you will:
- Compose and perform your own original work with lyrics and piano accompaniment in front of a live audience (peers, staff, etc)
- The piece must be a minimum of 2 minutes in length
- You must submit a written reflection on your songwriting process
- This assessment is assessed simultaneously with Assessment 3.
Week 9 Friday (13 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
In-Class Examination
Week 9 Friday (13 Sept 2024)
To Be Returned After The Conclusion Of The Examination Period
Marking Criteria:
- Ability to compose lyrics to convey meaning and expression (20%)
- Ability to compose melody to appropriately deliver lyrical content (20%)
- Ability to compose piano accompaniment to enhance vocals (20%)
- Ability to justify composition choices clearly and logically (20%)
- Overall quality of composition (20%)
- Manipulate the elements of music relating to pitch, harmony, rhythm, keys, scales and chords as derived from the western art-music tradition and contemporary popular music styles at an advanced level in music writing tasks, including song-writing and arranging.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
