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Music Theatre: Singing Rock Musicals (MUST30012)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)
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Semester 1
Jayde Kirchert
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Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 1 |
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In 1968 the first rock major musical Hair caused a sensation and spawned a new genre. A weekly 2-hour large ensemble singing class will explore the music of significant contemporary rock musicals, using music from a handful of the genre's best examples to develop the capacity to identify and experience in practice the stylistic traits of contemporary voice. A one-hour lecture will consider major shows of contemporary music theatre, from mega-musicals like Les Miserables and The Lion King, to juke-box musicals like Jersey Boys and Hairspray and off-Broadway hits like Rent and Next to Normal, analysing their cultural context and performance style. Consideration will be given to the changing form of music theatre over its history and potential developments into the future. Other lectures will explore vocal pedagogy, safe voice usage and develop critical listening skills. 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:
Have developed enhanced research skills into artistic works and practices and the capacity to present these in essay form
- have developed an appreciation of the socio-cultural context of a range of contemporary musicals
- 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 voice usage in contemporary musicals.
- Have developed an embodied understanding of the stylistic traits of contemporary voice in application to song
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Exhibit knowledge of major writers and composers of contemporary rock musicals and principle works of the genre
- 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: 9 February 2025