Handbook home
Music Theatre: Singing Sondheim (MUST20008)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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: 22 March 2024
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: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
2 x Blog entries
| Classes 4 & 10 | 30% |
Test
| Class 7 | 10% |
Essay
| During the 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. | N/A |
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
Quota
This subject has an enrolment quota of 80 students, and places are limited. Places will be allocated until the quota is reached. Enrolment in this subject is not guaranteed.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- 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 Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- 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.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 22 March 2024