Music Theatre: Singing Sondheim (MUSI20186)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | Summer Term |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is an exploration of the works and influences of Stephen Sondheim, one of the most extraordinary composer/lyricists of music theatre, delivered through a weekly 2-hour large ensemble singing class and a one-hour lecture. Most popularly known as the lyricist of West Side Story, Sondheim’s work covers an astonishing range of subject matter, exhibiting song-writing craft that has challenged and ultimately contributed to the development of new forms of music theatre. The practical work, delivered in the supportive environment of singing within a large group, will explore the complexity and joy of Sondheim’s music whilst developing skills in safe voice usage and speech quality as a stylistic choice to privilege the lyric in song. Lectures will focus on the Sondheim’s early influences and the influence he has had on artists like Adam Guettel and Jason Robert Brown, as well as developing an understanding of the stylistic variation in both the form and content of Sondheim’s works. The subject will conclude with a short performance featuring a sample of the repertoire covered. No former singing or musical experience is necessary.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students should:
Develop enhanced research skills into artistic works and practices and the capacity to present these in essay form
- have developed an appreciation of the significance of Sondheim’s work, his influences and the influence he has had on those who have followed him
- have developed a better understanding of safe and unsafe vocal practices in both singing and speech
- have developed skills in critical listening
- be able to identify stylistic traits of a range of Sondheim’s works
- Have developed an embodied understanding of the stylistic traits of speech quality in application to song
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Exhibit knowledge of the works of Stephen Sondheim, his collaborators and influences.
- 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
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
MUSI10210 MUSI30234
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- 2 x Blog entries: 600 words each, Classes: 4 & 10 - 30%
- 30-minute test, Class 7, - 10%
- Essay: 2,000 words, examination period, - 50%
- 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, Classes 1-12, - 10%
Hurdle Requirement
Participation in the final performance is a hurdle requirement. Less than 80% attendance will result in a fail. All assessment components must be attempted in order to pass the subject.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Summer Term
Mode of delivery On Campus (Southbank) Contact hours Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 120 hours Total time commitment 120 hours Pre teaching start date 29 January 2018 Pre teaching requirements Principal coordinator Jayde Kirchert Mode of delivery On Campus — Southbank Teaching period 12 February 2018 to 23 February 2018 Last self-enrol date 31 January 2018 Census date 16 February 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 February 2018 Assessment period ends 9 March 2018
Time commitment details
120 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject has a quota of 80 students. Selection is automated and based on the order in which students enrol. Your enrolment in this subject guarantees a space unless you withdraw. Once the subject quota has been reached, all enrolled students will be contacted.
If the subject is full, spaces may become available in the future as others withdraw. The only way to check this is by attempting to enrol. Please note that there are no waiting lists for this subject.
As entry into this subject is based only on the order in which students enrol, special permission will not be offered to any students.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 20 March 2025