Faculty of Arts
Vocal and Choral Studies
Module Catalogue
Semester 1 - 2015/2016
Module Code: VC1900
Module Name: Vocal Anatomy and Physiology 1
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Amanda Smallbone
Module Description:
This module introduces students to the key anatomical structures of the vocal apparatus
including the vocal tract and the breathing apparatus. It establishes an understanding of the
physiological processes inherent in vocal use and the importance of their correct use in
maintaining a healthy voice. Early sessions will focus on establishing an understanding of
basic vocal anatomy. Attention will then be given to the development of an understanding
of how the structures vocal apparatus are utilised across the spectrum of the spoken and
sung voice. Fundamentals include; power-source-filter model, production and control of
different types of resonance, mechanisms of articulation, patterns of breathing and control
of breath and ‘support’, control of the larynx.
Specific to:
Vocal and Choral Studies
Vocal and Choral Studies Joint
Assessments:
001:
3500 word essay
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
100%
Semester
S1
Day
Time
Module Code: VC1901
Module Name: Between Speech and Song 1
Module Credits: 15
No. of Periods: 1
Level:
Level 4
Module Tutor:
Module Description:
This module is an introduction to basic principles of vocal sound production technique from
a holistic, release-based perspective. Fundamentals include: application of abdominal,
thoracic, vertebral breathing patterns to sound production; techniques for the use of
resonators and the cultivation of resonance; work with sustained tones; articulation of
sound in the English language and alinguistic sounds. Students are introduced to solo and
group vocal improvisation as applied to sung and spoken material.
Specific to:
Vocal and Choral Studies
Vocal and Choral Studies Joint
Assessments:
01:
Practical performance and viva
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S1
100%
Day
Time
Module Code: VC1902
Module Name: Voice and Context
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Amanda Smallbone
Module Description:
This module introduces students to the relationship between spoken and sung voices and
the contexts in which we use them and hear them. In the course of the module students will
be introduced to different types of context, from performance to conversation, from
political speech to ritual events. There will be an introduction to methods of ‘observation’
and documentation, including techniques for interviewing and doing questionnaires. These
will be used in conjunction with both guided and extended reading in the area. Students will
engage in live observation of a range of community and local events.
Specific to:
Vocal and Choral Studies
Vocal and Choral Studies Joint
Assessments:
001:
Availability:
Occ.
A
Portfolio of materials (including
fieldwork notes)
Year
15/16
Semester
S1
100%
Day
Time
Module Code: VC1902
Module Name: Voice and Context
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Amanda Smallbone
Module Description:
This module introduces students to the relationship between spoken and sung voices and
the contexts in which we use them and hear them. In the course of the module students will
be introduced to different types of context, from performance to conversation, from
political speech to ritual events. There will be an introduction to methods of ‘observation’
and documentation, including techniques for interviewing and doing questionnaires. These
will be used in conjunction with both guided and extended reading in the area. Students will
engage in live observation of a range of community and local events.
Specific to:
Vocal and Choral Studies
Vocal and Choral Studies Joint
Assessments:
001:
Availability:
Occ.
B
Portfolio of materials (including
fieldwork notes)
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
100%
Day
Time
Module Code: VC1906
Module Name: Introduction to Vocal Performance Practices
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Amanda Smallbone
Module Description:
During this module students will begin to develop their knowledge of solo vocal repertoire
across a range of genres and engage with and interrogate correlate stylistic performance
conventions allowing students to also consider issues such as tempo, phrasing, articulation,
and ornamentation. Whilst the emphasis in this module will primarily be focused on the
singing voice, some attention will also be paid to issues surrounding vocal style and ‘classical
text’. The concept of vocal performance conventions will be introduced and discussed and,
where appropriate, the debates surrounding historical performance practice will be
considered, contextualised and evaluated. Students will familiarize themselves with
appropriate representative repertoire from a selection of major vocal styles for solo voice
drawn from the following: Baroque, Italian Bel canto, German lieder, folk, contemporary
vocal repertoires such as jazz, rock and pop and music theatre. Issues of notation will be
considered and support offered to students in the development of their musical
understanding and reading as necessary. Emphasis will be placed on students gaining a solid
contextual understanding of and practical engagement with appropriate repertoire through
weekly seminars and performance workshops.
Specific to:
Vocal and Choral Studies
Vocal and Choral Studies Joint
Assessments:
001:
002:
Performance
Programme notes (1500 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
50%
50%
Day
Time
Module Code: VC2904
Module Name: The Voice in Education and Training
Module Credits: 15
No. of Periods: 1
Level:
Level 5
Module Tutor:
Module Description:
Students will explore systems of training professional musicians and educating pupils in
school contexts. It will examine various systems of music education including Carl Orff,
Zoltan Kodaly, and the British National Curriculum. It will look at initiatives taken to
encourage educational involvement with music including current schemes in the UK. It will
also look at the development of elocution and choral speaking of various kinds in the school
context. It will examine systems of evaluating and assessing music making activities in
educational contexts.
Specific to:
Vocal and Choral Studies
Vocal and Choral Studies Joint
Assessments:
002:
Delivery of a 30 minute workshop
with peers
Evaluation document (1500 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
001:
Semester
S1
70%
30%
Day
Time
Module Code: VC2909
Module Name: Developing the Voice
Module Credits: 15
No. of Periods: 1
Level:
Level 5
Module Tutor:
Module Description:
This module allows students to focus on the development of their own voices in both
singing and speaking. Drawing on the knowledge and exploration undertaken at level 4 this
module will facilitate the further development of individual student vocal potential across a
range of genres and contexts, with the aim of developing the student voice capable of
operating confidently in both speech and song. Focus will be placed on the development of
technical confidence, competence and understanding in order to facilitate engagement with
a range of texts and repertoires across the spectrum of vocal use. Emphasis will be placed
on the development of critical thinking and analysis and the development of reflective
practice.
Specific to:
Theatre Production (Stage and Arts Management)
Vocal and Choral Studies
Assessments:
001:
002:
Practical assessment
Critical evaluation (1500 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
70%
30%
Day
Time
Module Code: VC3903
Module Name: Theorising the Voice
Module Credits: 15
No. of Periods: 1
Level:
Level 6
Module Tutor:
Module Description:
This module introduces students to a number of ways of theorising the voice. The voice is
argued to make an emotional connection between bodies, to enact performative events, to
communicate identity, to configure the space in which it sounds. But how does it do these
things? What are the arguments that lead to these suppositions? And most importantly
what are the consequences of technological amplification or processing on the voice and its
reception? This module will be undertaken as a series of seminar discussions and debates
leading to a performative exploration/presentation of ideas.
Specific to:
Vocal and Choral Studies Joint
Assessments:
001:
Performative presentation
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S1
100%
Day
Time